Confidential, brief counseling services (three 30-minute sessions per year) with licensed psychologists and mental health counselors are available to students on-campus or via telehealth through providers local to Yakima. This benefit is available only to students. To access these services, contact the providers directly via their email addresses which can be found on the Counseling Services webpage of PNWU.edu. If one of these providers accepts a student’s health insurance, the student may be able to continue working with the provider through their private practice.
Off-campus counseling services include individual counseling, marital counseling, and/or family counseling associated with school-related problems, parent-child differences, and substance abuse issues, and are provided through the Student Assistance Program. These services are available to all PNWU students and any other person residing in the eligible student’s household, regardless of location (in Yakima or where students are completing their clinical training). PNWU contracts with WellConnect for these services.
Use of the Student Assistance Program is confidential. Only information specifically authorized by the student or other eligible member of the household through a signed release of information may be shared by or with anyone, unless information shared indicates imminent risk of harm to self or others, current child or elder abuse, or a subpoena is issued.
Students are asked to schedule appointments at times that do not conflict with their classes or their clinical work. However, the student may request permission from Student Affairs and appropriate clinical personnel for an excused absence in order to meet with a SAP counselor during scheduled activities. Such requests will be handled on a case-by-case basis and should be made as far in advance as possible.
Summary of Services:
- A 24-hour service 1.866.640.4777; answered live 24/7/365
- Five (5) face-to-face or telephonic counseling sessions per distinct and separate issue per eligible individual per year; and/or assessment, short-term counseling and/or referral sessions. This incorporates online therapy which includes text messaging, chat and video counseling.
- Online self help tools
- Critical Incident Debriefing (CID) – Fee for Service (FFS) $350/hour
- Student website
- Referrals to local resources such as childcare, energy assistance, etc.
- 30 minutes free Financial Consultation, per distinct financial issue per year
- Referrals for Health and Wellness Telephonic and Online Coaching
- 30 minutes Free Legal Consultations per distinct legal issue per year
- Student Life Resources and Referrals
Students are always welcome to stop by or call Student Affairs to discuss counseling options or questions in person. All inquiries will be kept confidential.
Learn more on the Counseling Services webpage of PNWU.edu.
PNWU encourages, and in some cases may require, students to complete drug or alcohol treatment, or rehabilitation/re-entry programs for substance use issues. Any student need for drug or alcohol treatment whether voluntary or due to a recommendation or requirement by the Student Progress Committee, or any other PNWU official will be at the sole expense of the student. Osteopathic medical students may also contact the Washington Physicians Health Program to participate in their confidential services, www.wphp.org.
Policy link: Student Mental Health Services policy
Page revision date: April 30, 2025