Counseling

Counseling

Personal Counseling

College is challenging, and life doesn't stop when classes start. It is never too early or too late to ask for help. BTC Counseling provides free, confidential personal counseling services to enrolled students. In addition to this short-term, solution-focused service, the BTC Counselor can also provide information on campus and community resources that may be of help to you.

If you are struggling, if something is getting in the way of you meeting your goals, or if you are experiencing things like stress, anxiety, strong emotions, challenging life transitions, loss, suicidal thoughts, or other personal challenges, please reach out and see how we can help.

To make an appointment with a counselor or find out their next availability:

If you or someone you know needs help now with a mental health or substance abuse crisis, including thoughts of suicide, please call or text 988, or chat online at https://988lifeline.org. Additional crisis and community resources are available below.

Get to Know our Counseling Services

 

Audio described version of the Counseling Services video.

  • What is BTC Counseling?
    Free personal support for BTC students. We offer nonjudgmental listening and thoughtful questions to help students process personal challenges they are facing and problem-solve them together.

  • Who can meet with a BTC Counselor?
    Any currently enrolled BTC student is welcome to meet with a BTC Counselor.

  • What are some things BTC Counseling can help with?
    Generally, any issue that is impacting your personal well-being, your ability to meet your academic goals or class expectations, or your ability to meet basic living needs may be helped by talking with a BTC Counselor. Some of the most common reasons students seek personal counseling for include stress, adjusting to school or work environments, or other big life changes, anxious thoughts, procrastination, depressed mood, grief and loss, struggling with self-worth, relationship or communication issues, balancing life responsibilities, substance misuse or abuse, or facing a crisis.

  • What should I expect?
    Counseling meetings are typically one-on-one and usually last 50 minutes. They are offered during academic quarters, usually between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Depending on your availability and preference, counseling meetings might occur in person, over the phone, or during an online video meeting. Before or during your first meeting, you can expect to complete brief paperwork that informs you more about this service and helps the counselor understand your concerns. Together with the counselor you will make decisions around your goals for BTC Counseling, how long and how often you will meet, and if there are additional or more specialized strategies or resources to support you in achieving your goals. Counselors also provide information on and connect students to various BTC campus and community-based resources. Many people experience some benefit after just one session.

  • When should I talk to a counselor?
    Life can change quickly. If things suddenly start to feel overwhelming or if you are in a crisis, you do not have to go through it alone. You are more likely to get the most benefit and avoid unnecessary suffering when you request help as soon as you can when you first notice a problem. You do not need to be in a crisis to access and benefit from counseling. We're here to help!

  • Will the BTC Counselor tell anyone what I talked about with them?

    The information you share with the counselor is private and confidential (RCW 18.225.100). It is not part of your academic record. Your counselor will not repeat what you say without your permission (even to family members or to other BTC employees). Your information will be shared only at your request and with your permission, except in specific circumstances related to immediate safety. Exceptions to this right of confidentiality, which are protected by state law (RCW 18.255.105) are listed below:  

    1. With your written authorization, or in the case of death or disability, your personal representative; 
    2. If you waive the privilege by bringing charges against the person licensed under this chapter; 
    3. In response to a subpoena from the secretary. The secretary may subpoena only records related to a complaint or report under RCW 130.050; 
    4. When the counselor has reasonable cause to believe that the physical or sexual abuse or neglect of a child, dependent adult, or developmentally disabled person has occurred or might occur; if the client presents as a danger to self or others, as required under chapter 44 or 74.34 RCW or RCW 71.05.360 (8) and (9); or 
    5. To any individual if the person licensed under this chapter reasonably believes that disclosure will avoid or minimize an imminent danger to the health or safety of the individual or any other individual; however, there is no obligation on the part of the provider to so disclose. 

    The BTC Counselor will discuss confidentiality and limitations with you in detail during the first appointment, and answer any questions you may have. For more information, you can also reach out to counseling@btc.edu.

  • Will they understand me and my experiences?
    That's a valid question. You may choose to share some deeply personal information and challenges with a BTC Counselor, and you deserve to feel understood and respected. We encourage you to consider scheduling a meeting to discuss this openly with a BTC Counselor and see if we are going to be a good fit for you and for what you want to work on. Additionally, there are resources in the community and online that specialize in offering support services by and for members of specific communities or populations. A BTC Counselor could help you explore your options.

  • I want to complete a mental health or learning disability educational assessment, or I have been court-ordered to attend treatment. Can I get this from BTC Counseling?
    BTC counseling does not provide court-ordered treatment, psychological or disability assessments, diagnosis, court-ordered treatment, or on-going mental health or substance abuse treatment. If you are seeking those services and aren't sure where to start, a BTC Counselor can assist you in finding referrals to community resources.

  • I'd like to find a counselor in the community, or another helpful resource on campus or in the community but I don't know where to get started. Can a BTC Counselor help me with this?
    Yes, we can share resources we are aware of and realistic next steps and expectations in accessing other resources. Sometimes when there are barriers or delays in getting started, you may choose to meet with a BTC Counselor as a bridge of support until you are able to get started at the resource of your choice.

  • Can the BTC Counselor help me change my classes or program, or offer academic planning or advising?

    No, that service is outside of the scope of Personal Counseling. For help with these matters, email your College Navigator. If you are not sure who your College Navigator is or you want more information, please visit the Advising page.

    You can also email advising@btc.edu, call 360.752.8345, or stop by the College Services Building during business hours.

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Upcoming Events

Check back for future events.
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Additional Resources

If you or someone you know needs help now with a mental health or substance use CRISIS, including thoughts of suicide, please call or text 988, or chat online at https://988lifeline.org. 

  • Veterans: press 1
  • Para español: presione 2 (o llame al 1-888-628-9454)
  • Native/Indigenous people: Press 4 to reach Native and Strong crisis counselors
  • TTY users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988 ; or for ASL Video call: 1-844-432-2275.

If you are experiencing or are at risk of a life-threatening EMERGENCY, please call 911 or go to the emergency room closest to you.  

Below you may find helpful information and resources to help with some issues many students commonly experience. If you would like any more information on this or another issue, please contact a BTC Counselor.

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Summer Hours

Summer Quarter Hours: Tuesday, July 7th through Thursday, August 14th

  • Online video or phone meetings: Monday through Thursday, 8:30-4:00 pm
  • In-person meetings: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 8:30-4:00 pm
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Hours & Contacts

Summer Schedule: Online video or phone meetings

Mon to Thu: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Summer Schedule: In-person meetings

Tue to Wed: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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