FAQs
Commonly Asked Questions
Listed below are some of the most commonly asked questions about our counseling services. Please contact our office at counseling@cowley.edu if you have concerns that are not addressed in this list.
No — Cowley Counseling Services does not charge fees for the services we provide. We also partner with organizations in the surrounding community to connect students with affordable, high-quality care when off-campus mental health support is needed. Cost shouldn't be a barrier to getting help.
Everything discussed in therapy is kept strictly confidential. Nothing can be shared with anyone — including parents or family members — without your written consent. A few limited exceptions apply; see our confidentiality and privacy policy for details.
No. Under HIPAA, counseling records are classified as protected health information, meaning they are never added to your transcript or academic file.
Counselors are licensed mental health professionals trained in psychotherapy and understanding psychological well-being, and they bring both clinical expertise and genuine care to their work with students facing emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges — including how those challenges affect relationships or academic and career decisions. Advisors, by contrast, are staff or faculty members who help students navigate academic matters such as course scheduling, degree planning, and major selection.
Sessions generally run up to 50 minutes. If you anticipate needing more time, let us know when scheduling. Please plan appointments around your class and work commitments.
If you haven't notified us in advance, appointments are treated as cancelled after a 15-minute grace period and will need to be rebooked.
Scheduling ahead of time is strongly recommended, since same-day openings are limited. That said, if you're facing a crisis, we'll evaluate the situation and provide support right away.
Yes. Reaching out early — before stress, grades, or relationships start to suffer — is always a good idea. And if you're already noticing an impact on your daily life, an appointment can help you find both immediate support and a path toward additional resources.
Not at all. Counseling is entirely voluntary, and you may stop at any point if you feel it's no longer needed.
Yes. Just let us know when scheduling if you'd prefer a telehealth appointment. While it's usually available, there may be occasional circumstances where an in-person visit works better.
Our counseling staff does not prescribe medication, but we're glad to connect you with outside providers and offer referrals as needed.
Online students can reach out to Cowley Counseling Services for a consultation and, if needed, a referral to a provider near you.
Yes. Students at any Cowley location outside the main campus can contact our office for consultation and, if needed, referral to local providers.
Counseling services are reserved for current Cowley students and employees; friends and family members are not eligible unless they themselves are enrolled or employed at the college.
If you have an immediate safety concern about a student in campus housing, contact Campus Safety at 620-441-5599 to request a wellness check. In an emergency, always call 911 first.
*If you are a student or employee of Cowley College, you can use the LiveSafe app to report a concern by pushing the (+) button at the bottom of the app and selecting a category.
Anyone in the college community — whether directly involved, a friend, a faculty member, or simply a witness — can report a concern.
Before You Report
If this is an emergency that involves an imminent risk of harm to self or others, please contact law enforcement by dialing 911 prior to filling out our Student of Concern form.
Referrals submitted through this form are routed to the Vice President of Student Affairs and reviewed during normal business hours.
While referrals from this student of concern form may be discussed by our multidisciplinary team assisting students and employees, it is NOT designed for emergency response situations.
Every student's needs are different, so the number of sessions varies. We generally use a brief, solution-focused model of around four to six sessions, though this depends on your situation. If longer-term or more complex support would serve you better, we'll help connect you with a counselor in the area or closer to home.
New clients will start by completing some initial paperwork. From there, your counselor will spend time getting to know you and what's bringing you in at this point in your life. The pace and depth of what you share is entirely up to you.
Your sessions stay private. We won't disclose any information to your parents, or even confirm that you've attended, unless you provide written permission. Two exceptions apply: if you're a minor under 18, parental consent is required for treatment, and if we have reason to believe you may be a danger to yourself or someone else.
There's no single "typical" reason to seek counseling, and the list below is just a sample of common concerns, not a complete one. If something you're facing isn't listed here, don't let that stop you from reaching out.
- Family or friendship conflicts
- Academic pressure
- Self-esteem and self-doubt
- Anxiety and stress
- Eating disorders and body image concerns
- Depression or general unhappiness
- Trauma
- Test anxiety
- Performance anxiety
- Breaking unwanted habits
- Anger management
- Time management
- Alcohol and substance use
- Learning disabilities and attention difficulties
- Homesickness
- Grief and loss