Need someone to talk to? Your mental health matters. Counseling Services offers free, confidential, solution-focused support for NIC students. Whether you're dealing with stress, anxiety, or life changes, we’re here to help—and can connect you with additional resources if needed.
Reasons Students Might Seek Counseling Services
Students might seek counseling services for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to:
- Poor grades or difficulties completing assigned work
- Adjustment to college or coping with life in college
- Feeling anxious, depressed or stressed
- Relationship difficulties, domestic violence or child and childcare issues
- Suicidal thoughts or wanting to purposely injure self
- Alcohol and drug issues
- Financial, transportation, housing or food challenges
- Undiagnosed disabilities
- Eating disorders and body image concerns
- Questions about sexuality
- Sexual/physical assault or acquaintance rape
- Oppression or bullying
- Sleep disturbance
- Learning to manage anger, grief and other emotions
- Family problems
Student Counseling FAQs
Counseling Services are available at no cost to North Idaho College students enrolled in credit-bearing courses, as part of student fees. Dual-credit high school students, who do not pay these fees, are not eligible for ongoing counseling services.
Students who may not qualify for ongoing services are still encouraged to reach out during times of crisis. Counseling staff can provide brief support, assess immediate needs, and assist with referrals to appropriate community resources.
Counseling is a collaborative process. Students are encouraged to participate openly and work with their counselor to address concerns and develop meaningful solutions. Keeping scheduled appointments—or communicating in advance if a cancellation is needed—is an important part of this commitment.
Any North Idaho College student enrolled in credit courses may receive free counseling as part of the services paid for in student fees. Dual-credit high school students do not pay fees and are not eligible for services. Successful counseling will require only your honest participation and your willingness to work with your counselor to resolve the problems presented or discovered. Keeping scheduled appointments or contacting your counselor in advance of necessary cancellations will be part of your commitment to counseling.
NIC Counseling Services is staffed by multiple counselors, including licensed clinical therapists with master’s degrees in counseling and supervised interns in the final stages of their graduate training. Each member of our team brings unique backgrounds, specialties, and approaches to support students. Learn more about our counselors.
Students are also welcome to request a specific counselor they feel may best meet their needs and support a strong connection; with the understanding that there might be longer waits for certain counselors due to established caseloads.
Counseling is typically short-term, with most students meeting for 50-minute scheduled sessions. During this time, your counselor will listen carefully, help you better understand your concerns, and work with you to develop practical strategies for moving forward. While there is no limit on sessions provided, depending on capacity and level of care needed, students might be referred to additional campus and community resources as needed based on professional recommendations of the counselor.
Our counseling services focus on supporting students through a variety of needs, including stabilizing crisis situations, building skills to manage and prevent future challenges, and providing short-term support for personal, academic, or emotional concerns. When longer-term or specialized care is needed, we will help connect you with appropriate community resources for ongoing support.
Yes. Counseling Services is committed to protecting your privacy. Information shared in counseling sessions is kept confidential and will not be released without your written permission, except in the following situations:
- With your consent: If you sign a Release of Information allowing us to share information with specific individuals or offices.
- Risk of harm: If there is concern that you may be a danger to yourself or others, counselors may take necessary steps to help ensure safety.
- Consultation for care: Counselors may consult with other Counseling Services staff, supervisors, or appropriate campus professionals to provide the best possible care. These consultations remain confidential.
- Legal requirements: If records are subpoenaed or a court orders the release of information.
- Mandatory reporting: If there is reasonable suspicion of abuse or neglect of a child, elder, or vulnerable adult, as required by law.
We may also encourage students who could benefit from additional support to consider signing a Release of Information for the CARE Team. This allows Counseling Services to coordinate care and connect students with additional campus resources that may be helpful. Participation is completely optional and is not required to receive counseling services.
If you have questions about confidentiality or how your information may be used, your counselor will be happy to discuss this with you.