The counseling staff of the University Counseling & Testing Service are available to assist students who are encountering personal, social and emotional difficulties while enrolled in at least one credit at Idaho State University.

If interested in counseling, students can drop into University Counseling & Testing Service at Graveley Hall South Room 351 to fill out initial paperwork and make appointment for an assessment, given our availability. We also have a second location at the ISU Idaho Falls Campus. Click here for more information about services in Idaho Falls.

During times of high demand for counseling services and limited availability of staff, students who are not currently at high risk will be placed on a wait list and contacted as soon as there is an opening. Students placed on the wait list will also be provided with referrals for other low cost/no cost counseling services in the community.

During the assessment, students and their assessment counselor discuss the student's needs and concerns and decide upon an appropriate plan which might include individual, couples and/or group therapy. When a student's needs are different from the services provided at our office, the counselor will assist the student with a referral. Call or stop in today for more information (phone: 282-2130).

Individual Counseling is offered for enrolled students only. Counseling is available for students who need to talk to someone regarding life concerns; including, but not limited to, depressed or anxious mood, relationship problems, academic difficulties, stress, sudden changes in personality, sleep or eating difficulties, grief and loss, self-esteem issues, sexual identity concerns, self-destructive behaviors, thoughts of harming oneself or someone else, etc.

Couple's Counseling is offered for enrolled students and their enrolled or non-enrolled partners. Couple's counseling helps partners learn to communicate their issues in a way that helps each partner feel heard and aims to increase each partner's understanding of the problems in the relationship and to find possible solutions.

Group Therapy is offered for enrolled students only and is one recommended therapeutic treatment for students dealing with personal problems such as depression, anxiety, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, and life transitions/adjustments.  Group therapy offers support for personal problems, insight into why such problems may be a primary concern, and health ways to resolve these concerns.

Therapy groups are facilitated by University Counseling & Testing therapists, usually have between 5-8 group members, and meet weekly for a set number of sessions (e.g., for 8 weeks). Most groups are open to both men and women, while some groups may be restricted to one gender.

For more information about how to get involved in the next available group, call University Counseling & Testing Service at 282-2130 and ask for our Group Coordinator, Rick Pongratz, Ph.D., LPC, e-mail Rick at pongrich@isu.edu, or just drop-in our office during buisness hours.

Click here to print a copy of our Fall 2009 group flyer.

University Counseling and Testing Service is excited to offer a wide variety of outreach services including: teaching academic courses; leadership development programs; workshops on communication skills, anxiety, anger, and stress management; guest lectures on a variety of topics; and information on study skills and test taking; etc.  Workshops, lectures, and courses can be designed to fit the needs of specific individuals, groups, or departments.

If you have an outreach or workshop request in mind, please call (X2130) or e-mail your request to lockhill@isu.edu our Outreach Coordinator, Hillary Locke, Psy.D., LPC. Include in your e-mail the following information:

• your name and affiliation with ISU,
  
• your contact information and phone number,
  
• type of workshop/presentation you are requesting,
  
• goals and learning outcomes desired,
  
• how many in audience,
  
• dates/times of the workshop/presentation (please provide back-up dates and times and allow at least 2 weeks advance notice),
  
• location of the event,
  
• anything else you feel would be helpful,
  
• title your email with the following heading: "Counseling and Testing outreach request,"
  
• you should hear back within 3 buisness days. If you do not hear back, please call our office and ask for Hillary Locke or Director, Don Paulson.

In addition to intervention and follow-up services, University Counseling staff are available for a variety of other consultations with students, parents, faculty, staff, and the community. The most common consultations include debriefing with individuals and departments who have had a critical incident, assisting individuals and departments in working more effectively with students of concern, and providing support and follow-up to individuals and departments undergoing significant change. We also speak with parents, students, faculty, and staff about concerns they may have about a student.

We may not be able to reveal if the student receives, or has received, counseling at University Counseling & Testing Service due to confidentiality, but we can listen to the situation and offer advice/guidance and support depending on the needs of the situation. If you need consultation, or even if you are not sure, call University Counseling & Testing Service and ask to speak with a counselor (282-2130).