Take charge of your well-being
College is exciting, but can be stressful, and everyone needs help coping sometimes. Whether you're a first-time college student or returning to school due to a life transition, sometimes it helps to talk with an objective listener.
Students seek counseling for a variety of reasons, including depression, anxiety, stress management, self-esteem, substance use/abuse, abuse and domestic violence, suicide ideation, time-management, relationship difficulties, grief, housing crisis and difficulty meeting basic needs.
We can help refer you to local in-person counseling resources:
- Galesburg campus: 309.341.5237
- Carthage campus: 217.357.3129
What to expect
Many people experience some anxiety going to their first counseling appointment. Knowing what to expect can help alleviate some of this anxiety. Counselors are trained to help you feel comfortable. They’ll never force you to discuss anything you don't want to or aren’t willing to talk about.
It's important to be open and honest. The counselor will ask a number of questions to better understand you and what the best approach may be to help you to alleviate negative symptoms and find healthy ways to change and/or cope with your given situation.
Confidentiality
Privacy and confidentiality are at the core of successful counseling. It’s crucial you feel you can talk openly and honestly. When you meet with your counselor for the first time, they’ll discuss any potential limits of their confidentiality, as well as how your privacy is respected.
You’ll have the option to designate a third party to receive your private mental health information. View the optional disclosure of mental health information for more information.
Community resources
There are many resources that may be helpful for you — both on campus and in the community.
Mental health online screening tool
Reporting to Title IX and Public Safety
Incidents of crimes based on gender, such as stalking, bullying, discrimination or sexual harassment/assault on campus must be reported to the Title IX coordinator and the chief safety officer. Learn more about Title IX.Frequently asked questions
Check out our frequently asked questions to get more answers. View the FAQs.
Access TimelyCare virtual counseling 24/7
You can also access TimelyCare 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, which offers virtual counseling options to current Sandburg students and employees. TimelyCare services are free to you. In some cases, a mental health counseling referral to an agency may require payment.
Providers offer medical and mental health support via phone or secure video, including:
- Medical: 24/7, unlimited on-demand or scheduled access to a medical provider who can treat a wide range of common illnesses like cold and flu, sinus infection, allergies and more
- TalkNow: 24/7, unlimited on-demand access to a mental health professional to talk about anything at anytime
- Scheduled counseling: Scheduled appointments to meet with a licensed counselor (limit six per year)
- Psychiatry: Scheduled appointments available through a counseling referral
- Free classes: Yoga, meditation and other wellness-oriented sessions
Visits can happen from any web-enabled device: Smartphone, laptop, tablet or desktop. TimelyCare is available from anywhere in the United States. To get started, visit timelycare.com/sandburg, or download the app, and register an account with your Sandburg email address.
Community resources
There are many resources that may be helpful for you — both on campus and in the community. Learn more about all Sandburg and the surrounding community have to offer to promote your well-being.
The national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is 988. Call this number to reach trained staff who can support you and connect you with a local mobile crisis unit. If you or someone you know is experiencing a medical emergency, has harmed themselves or harmed another person, call 911.
Mental health online screening tool
Mental Health America (MHA): Offers free online screenings for depression, anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders and much more. The website also provides free online articles, podcasts and more.
Online screening tools are meant to be a quick snapshot of your mental health. If your results indicate you may be experiencing symptoms of a mental illness, consider sharing your results with someone. A mental health provider (such as a doctor or a counselor) can give you a full assessment and talk to you about options for how to feel better.
Reporting to Title IX and Public Safety
Incidents of crimes based on gender, such as stalking, bullying, discrimination or sexual harassment/assault on campus must be reported to the Title IX coordinator and the chief safety officer. Although these reports are anonymous, you’ll be encouraged to talk to these departments to take appropriate action as needed.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between a counselor and an academic advisor?
A counselor is professionally trained in mental health counseling, whereas an academic advisor is a professional staff member trained to assist students with academic planning. Advisors make referrals for various student concerns to counselors or other campus services.
Is counseling only for people who have emotional problems?
No, counseling can also assist with adjusting to new circumstances or a new culture, building self-esteem, choosing a career path, coping with grief, learning new communication skills, learning stress management, overcoming anxiety, resolving conflict with a teacher, friend or relative and more.
Are counseling sessions confidential?
Records of counseling sessions never become part of your transcript or academic and education records. We understand that counseling often involves the disclosure of sensitive, personal information. Your counseling information is confidential. No information about who is receiving counseling or the nature of your visits is released without your written permission. Exceptions to this include subpoena, in cases of current child abuse, or if there’s an expressed intent to harm oneself or another person.