Students grappling with challenges or questions make use of the counseling center every year.
We promote and foster the emotional and psychological growth and well being of all students at Whittier College through assessment, short-term individual and couples therapy, referrals, education outreach events, and other on-campus services.
Our staff has extensive experience in college counseling and is committed to providing high-quality services in a safe, confidential and non-judgmental atmosphere. Services are free of charge to currently enrolled undergraduate Whittier College students.
Counseling, Appointments, and Support
Telehealth options are now available through the UWill platform. Use 90602 as your zip code when registering or search your Poets email for the invitation to join. There is no cost for unlimited telehealth counseling, crisis intervention and life coaching appointments on this platform.
To schedule an in person appointment at the Counseling Center, phone 562-907-4239 or email counselingcenter@whittier.edu
For an on-campus emergency, please call Campus Safety at 562.907.4911. If you require emergency mental health services, please call 911 or go to your nearest hospital emergency room, or call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1.800.273.8255.
If you are in need of support, please refer to our list of recommended resources. To find a therapist with your insurance, visit Thriving Campus and follow the locator services.
Mental Health Support and Resources
In light of recent, and ongoing, race-based hate and violence, we stand with our Poet community to offer support on campus, as well as providing the following community and on-line resources.
LET'S TALK Virtual & In-Person Mental Health Consultations
During the academic year, you can talk to a counselor online about current concerns, learn ways to cope with the stressors of COVID-19, get help problem-solving, and learn more about how to connect with other resources. Let’s Talk is an informal, confidential consultation available at no cost for all full-time undergraduate students located in the state of California. Consultations are offered by graduate-level counselors from the Whittier College Student Counseling Center under the supervision of a licensed Psychologist.
Call 562.907.4239 to get connected. No appointment required, offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Out-of-state students can call 562.907.4239 for additional resources.
Individual Therapy
Short-term individual therapy provides a student the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a counselor to freely explore a variety of problems, difficulties, or concerns. Sessions average 45-50 minutes.
Couples Therapy
Couples therapy is highly effective for many student concerns. Counselors facilitate sessions so that individuals can hear other's perspectives, feel connection through shared experience, and practice new ways of interacting and coping. Sessions average 45-50 minutes. Note: both students must be enrolled at Whittier College to participate.
Grief Counseling
Available to students, staff, and faculty members, grief counseling helps individuals cope with loss. Services are available by appointment or walk-in basis during regular business hours. After 5 p.m. you may call Campus Safety at 562.907.4211 and ask to speak with the counselor on call. The Employee Assistance Program for staff and faculty is carried through Ceridian and can be reached 24/7 at 800.854.1446 or find more information on Life Balance's website. This resource provides referrals for local professionals for personal counseling. It does not provide telephone counseling. Download information on self-care in the midst of grief.
Referrals
Counseling center staff can provide students with referrals for psychiatric evaluation, long-term therapy, and medication monitoring. We also provide consultation and crisis intervention support to faculty and staff.
Mental Health Workshops
Each semester, therapists host on-campus workshops and presentations for students on stress management, healthy relationships, and a variety of other mental health topics.
Lending Library
Within the counseling center, we house a lending library of books, videotapes, audiotapes, and brochures about a variety of mental health and social issues for student use. Any member of the College community is welcome to borrow these materials. Visit us!
