Counseling Services
Someone to talk with
Find someone to talk with when you're feeling lonely, depressed, confused, upset over a relationship, or just plain stressed. Cardinal Stritch University Counseling Services promotes the mental health and well-being of students by offering free and confidential counseling by experienced and licensed therapists allowing students to find personal and educational success.
The Counseling Services staff provides support for students for a wide array of reasons including:
- mental health concerns
- school, family and relationship issues
- seeking to learn new relaxation methods, or
- learning positive coping skills.
Resources
Counseling Services:
Bonaventure Hall Room 2113
Monday–Friday
- 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Additional hours available upon request.
Counseling Services has limited summer hours. Please contact staff to schedule an appointment.
Scheduling an appointment:
Call a staff member or stop by Counseling Services offices to request an appointment. You will receive the first available appointment that matches your schedule, if you are in need of immediate help please inform our staff. You may request a specific counselor.
Resources
Counseling Services:
Bonaventure Hall Room 2113
Monday–Friday
- 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Additional hours available upon request.
Counseling Services has limited summer hours. Please contact staff to schedule an appointment.
Scheduling an appointment:
Call a staff member or stop by Counseling Services offices to request an appointment. You will receive the first available appointment that matches your schedule, if you are in need of immediate help please inform our staff. You may request a specific counselor.
Common reasons to visit Counseling Services at Stritch
- Stress
- Substance Abuse
- Anxiety
- Post Traumatic Stress
- Depression
- Career choice issues
- Loss/grief
- Adjustment to college
- Family problems
- Adult learning issues
- Relationship problems
- Community referrals
- Sexuality
- Having a safe living space
- Eating disorders
- Finding Support
Counseling gives you
- A safe place to talk over your difficulties with someone with some experience helping people
- Clarity about decision-making options
- A healthy place to brainstorm ideas about what to try next and to learn new coping skills
- The opportunity to work with your counselor to find the goals that will make counseling meaningful for you
Referrals to other mental health facilities are made at the request of the student and/or to meet specific needs beyond the scope of counseling services.
FAQs
Many people are nervous or have questions about the first counseling appointment. The FAQs below address the most common concerns.
There is no wrong reason to reach out to counseling. If you have been feeling sad or anxious more often than not, have experienced major life changes, a recent loss, relationship issues, mental health concerns, or
are looking for personal growth, reach out to make an appointment. Let's talk!
Arrive at your scheduled time; your counselor will greet you in the waiting room, or you may go directly to the office if the door is open. A session is approximately 50 minutes long.
You don't need to bring anything: Counseling Services are free and we don't bill insurance, so you don't need any special forms.
It's normal to be nervous at your first session. That's OK. Building a relationship is important, and our staff is here to put you at ease,
The purpose of the first session is for you to share with the counselor information about your current concerns, relevant history, and goals. At the end of the appointment, you and your counselor will determine appropriate next steps.
The length of time in counseling is part of the discussion you will have when discussing counseling goals. The number of counseling sessions depends on:
- the problems being addressed,
- your motivation,
- the expertise of the therapist regarding your issues,
- the strength of rapport and collaboration between you and your therapist, and the frequency of meetings.
As trained therapists, we have helped hundreds of students through different challenges. Sometimes we do need support to provide you the best service possible. If this is the case referrals to other mental health facilities or supportive resources are made at the request of the student and/or to meet specific needs beyond the scope of counseling services.
Confidentiality
All medical records and client visits are confidential unless a client signs a release of information for the counselor to address their area of concern. Confidentiality may be broken only in cases where a client is likely to harm himself/herself or someone else, jeopardize the welfare of the University, abuse or neglect of a child or elder is reported, or in the rare event that a judge orders the records to be opened as part of a legal proceeding. If you have any questions or concerns about confidentiality, please discuss them with your counselor. A written Notice of Privacy Practices and Client Rights is available in our office.