Student Health & Wellbeing

We know that mental health can impact all other aspects of wellbeing in a person. There are resources, and there is help.

• Talk Now - Connect with a mental health professional in 5 minutes or less
• Scheduled Counseling- meet with a professional when it fits your schedule
• Medical Consultation- not feeling well and unsure what to do? Meet with a professional who can help you decide what to do next.
• Health Coaching- would you like to explore some lifestyle changes, or habit changes? Connect with a professional who can help you reach your goals.

Transitioning into independent adulthood and an academic career can be difficult, and we know that support during this time is important. Here you will find some resources about supporting your students during this time. 

Read the 2023-24 Guide to Your Student's Wellbeing and Personal Safety written by the Office of Health Promotion.

Are you concerned about your student's basic needs? If they are experiencing insecurity in housing, food, academics, The Office of Case Management can help. Their professionals help connect students with resources so they can feel secure, and can better reach their academic goals. You can learn more about Case Management by visiting their website.

If you are concerned about your student's substance use, we encourage you to visit our Recovery website for information about resources, support groups, and individual consultation. The Office of Health Promotion does not provide therapy or substance misuse treatment. 

When attending college, many students may have access to substances that they've never used before. This may be paired with social situations that encourage high risk use or misuse of substances. The Office of Health Promotion aims to educate students about how to reduce a student's risk of negative health outcomes, or the development of a use disorder. 

If you are interested in speaking with a non-judgemental professional about your substance use, you can email us.

You also have access to a free, anonymous screening that gives you customized feedback about your substance use.

• Alcohol E-Checkup free anonymous screening
• Cannabis E-Checkup free anonymous screening

For more resources and information about substance misuse prevention, visit our Recovery website.

Students in crisis

Crisis can mean many different things to many different students. Although not an exhaustive list, common reasons students could need and benefit from a crisis session include:

• Thoughts of suicide, self-harm, or harming others
• Recent trauma (including sexual assault, relationship violence, discrimination)
• Recent significant loss
• Strong emotional reaction that does not lessen in response to time and self-soothing
• Frightening or threatening thoughts or experiences
• Highly time-sensitive decision with significant emotional, psychological, or relational impacts

On Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm- Central Washington University students may call Student Counseling Services at 509-963-1391 to request crisis support. Students located in Ellensburg may also come directly to our Center (Black Hall 225-30) Monday through Friday 8:00a - 4:30p to obtain crisis support.

Crisis sessions are designed to address the need for brief emotional stabilization or focused problem solving.

Additional crisis supports include:

• TalkNow through TimelyCare (24/7; on-demand video sessions with counselors)
• Kittitas County Crisis Line: 509-925-4168 (24/7; staffed by counselors)
• National Crisis Line: call 988
• Text Crisis Line: Text "HEAL" to 741741 (24/7; staffed by trained volunteers)
• Text Crisis Line: Text "STEVE" to 741741 (24/7 for BIPOC; trained volunteers)
• Trevor Project: 866-488-7386 (24/7; LGBTQI+; trained volunteers)
• Trans Crisis Line: 877-565-8860 (7a-1p Pacific Time; trained volunteers)
• Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 and Press 1 (24/7; trained volunteers)
• Veterans Text Crisis Line: Text "START" to 838255 (24/7; trained volunteers)
• Lifeline: 800-799-4889 (24/7; TTY or text; trained volunteers)
• En Espanol: 888-628-9454 (24/7; trained volunteers)
• Domestic Violence: 800-799-7233 (24/7; trained volunteers)
• Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-4673 (24/7; trained volunteers)

Concerned others

If you have reason to believe someone is experiencing a life-threatening mental health emergency, please call 911 and request emergency assistance.

Anyone concerned about the mental health or welfare of a Central Washington University student may call Student Counseling Services (509-963-1391) during our normal business hours and request a phone consultation with a staff member.

While we are unable to provide information about any student, we can help problem solve your concerns, share resources, and make recommendations. After hours and over the weekend, concerned others can call the local crisis line at 509-925-4168 for advice and assistance.

While Student Counseling Services is happy to provide guidance and recommendations, our confidentiality restrictions and practice laws often make it difficult for our department to directly act except in extreme circumstances. However, it is often helpful for other Student Engagement and Success offices to know your concerns about a student's welfare.

• You can help a student access a number of support services by completing a Concern and Support Form. This report is not about getting a student in trouble, but getting a student the support they need. Be sure to choose "Student Concern/Case Management" for the type of report. The Behaviors of Concern Report can be completed by students, staff, and faculty.
• The Suicide Concern Report can be completed by anyone who has concerns about a student's ability to keep themselves safe.

In addition, any of the crisis line resources listed for students will also provide consultation and guidance to concerned others. You do not personally need to be in crisis or a student to access these support resources.