I have questions about Counseling Services.

How is counseling at NWTC different than advising?

What type of counseling is provided?

Will my instructors know that I've seen a counselor?

What is a "Starfish Personal Counseling Referral" and why have I been contacted by your office?

Where are the counselors located?

How do I make an appointment?

Do I get to choose the counselor I want to work with?

How long does counseling typically last?

What if I’m already seeing a counselor in the community/outside of school?

Can you prescribe medications?

I’m feeling like I might hurt myself or someone else. What should I do?

How is counseling at NWTC different than advising?

The counselors at NWTC are licensed by the State of Wisconsin to provide professional mental health services just like counselors you might find in a clinic or hospital. While academic advising helps you with your schedule, credits, and graduation, our focus is on your mental health and wellness.

What type of counseling is provided?

The counselors at NWTC have been providing counseling in the community for more than 20 years and have experience treating a wide range of mental health issues. Some common referral issues include: anxiety, depression, mood disorders, low motivation, ADHD, family conflict, relationship difficulties, parenting, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and grief and loss. Odds are if you are experiencing difficulty, the counselors at NWTC can provide assistance.

Will my instructors know that I've seen a counselor?

No. All communication between you and your counselor is protected and confidential. Counselors at NWTC practice within professional ethics and laws that protect your privacy.

There are a few exceptions: a) counselors can be court-ordered to release information, b) if there is imminent danger to a student or someone else, counselors are mandated to intervene, and c) if there is a suspicion of child or elder abuse, counselors are mandated to make a report to the appropriate authority. Otherwise, any information disclosed from Counseling Services at NWTC will be released only with the student's written consent. 

What is a "Starfish Personal Counseling Referral" and why have I been contacted by your office?

NWTC is committed to providing you with all reasonable resources to help you reach your academic goals. To that end, the "Starfish Personal Counseling Referral" system has been created. Through Starfish, instructors or staff at NWTC can submit a referral when they are concerned about how your emotional wellness may be impacting your academic success. When the referral is received, our office will attempt to contact you to schedule an intake appointment. Due to confidentiality, the instructor or staff who entered the referral will not receive any return notification on your decision to schedule or decline. Please note that a referral is not required to schedule an appointment. You may contact our office or use our online scheduling portal at any time to meet with us. 

Where are the counselors located?

Counselors are located at SC231 on the NWTC Green Bay campus next to the Welcome Center. To increase access, we offer in-person sessions at SC231 as well as telecounseling video and phone call sessions. Please note: In order to comply with our telecounseling licensing, if you choose to meet with us virtually, you must be physically located within the state of Wisconsin during your session.

NWTC has also partnered with BetterMynd, an online teletherapy platform that connects college students with counselors from the convenience of their laptop or smartphone. Enrolled NWTC students have access to schedule six free 50-minute online video therapy sessions per semester through the BetterMynd platform. The BetterMynd platform offers users a network of Licensed Professional Counselors from many backgrounds and specialties. They also offer group workshops and self-help sessions.   

How do I make an appointment?

Our goal is to make scheduling fast and easy. There are multiple ways to schedule, including:

• Go to https://nwtc.medicatconnect.com and log in with your NWTC student credentials to schedule an appointment online at any time.
• Call/Text 920-498-5507, and our administrative staff will assist you in scheduling.
• Email us at counseling.services@nwtc.edu
• Or stop in our office in SC231 at NWTC Green Bay.

Your counselor will meet with you and conduct an intake interview. During your first session, your counselor will ask a lot of questions about your situation and your history. After the first session, you and your counselor will establish a follow-up plan tailored to your individual needs that may include once-a-week visits or every other week visits until you feel your mental wellness has improved. 

Do I get to choose the counselor I want to work with?

Yes, you may schedule with any counselor you wish. Our goal is to keep you on track to achieving your academic goals by supporting your mental wellness along the way. If, after your first session, you do not feel that it was a good match, we are more than happy to schedule you with one of our other counselors. Learn more about the counselors.

How long does counseling typically last?

Each session is approximately 45-50 minutes. Counseling will be provided to students as long as the student is enrolled in at least three credits per semester at NWTC and benefiting from counseling. In regard to duration, some students feel better and meet their goals within 2 or 3 sessions. Other students may require supportive counseling for a longer period of time depending on the severity of the issues that they are facing. 

What if I’m already seeing a counselor in the community/outside of school?

It is usually not beneficial to have more than one counselor since they might have different perspectives and styles. If you have a relationship with a community counselor and you feel like it is helpful, then it is probably a good idea to continue with that provider. However, if you’d like to consult with an NWTC counselor, we’d be happy to help you sort this out. 

Can you prescribe medications?

Our office does not provide medication. However, we are able to refer to Bellin Campus Care at NWTC Green Bay and their prescribing staff may be able to assist. The first step in this process is to schedule an intake appointment with an NWTC Counselor and then we’ll help you develop a treatment plan. 

I’m feeling like I might hurt myself or someone else. What should I do?

Our primary concern is your well-being, so we want to make sure that you are safe. If you feel like you may harm yourself or someone else, call the Crisis Center at 920-436-8888. They will meet with you and provide you with some options for treatment.