Counseling Center
Committed to provide accepting, inclusive treatment and support for students, and to provide workshops and training to enhance JCU's culture of care.
Need Help Now?
Same-day help (business hours): Walk in or call 216-397-4283
After hours / weekends (24/7): Call 216-397-4283 to reach the on-call clinician
Immediate danger: Call JCU Police 216-397-1234
How to Get Started
| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Request an appointment | Call 216-397-4283 or request through myJCU (MySupport > University Counseling Center). |
| 2. Phone screening | Brief 20-minute call with a counselor to understand your concerns. |
| 3. Next steps | We’ll recommend UCC counseling, groups, psychiatry, or off-campus referral. |
Eligibility & Cost: Services are free for currently enrolled JCU students.
Privacy: Your counseling information stays within the UCC, except in cases of imminent danger or as required by law.
Out-of-State Students: Our providers are licensed in Ohio only. If you’re outside Ohio, call us for a consultation or crisis support—we can help you find local resources.
Our Services
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Individual Counseling | Short-term therapy for anxiety, depression, stress, relationships, identity, and other concerns. |
| Group Therapy | Skills-based groups on anxiety, depression, relationships, and resilience. Offerings vary by semester. |
| Psychiatry | Medication evaluation and management through University Hospitals. Most students also participate in therapy. |
| Crisis Services | Same-day support during business hours and 24/7 phone access to an on-call clinician. |
| Consultation | Faculty, staff, parents, and students can consult with UCC staff about concerns for a student. |
| Workshops | Campus presentations on test anxiety, self-care, resilience, and suicide prevention. |
What We Treat & When We Refer
The UCC helps students with concerns common in college: anxiety, depression, stress, academic difficulties, relationship issues, identity development, and life transitions.
Some concerns benefit from specialized or more intensive care. We refer students to community providers for:
- Long-term therapy (more than biweekly sessions)
- Chronic suicidal thoughts or self-harm requiring intensive treatment
- Moderate-to-severe substance use, eating disorders, or OCD
- Psychotic symptoms not currently managed with medication
If a referral is needed, we’ll help you find the right provider and follow up to make sure you’re connected.
FAQs
Is there a waitlist?
No. We typically schedule your first intake 1–2 weeks after your phone screening. Wait times may be longer around midterms and finals.
Does the UCC prescribe medication?
Yes. We partner with University Hospitals for on-campus psychiatry at no cost. You’ll use your insurance to fill prescriptions. Most students receiving medication also participate in therapy.
Do you assess or prescribe medication for ADHD?
No. We don’t formally assess for ADHD or prescribe stimulant medications. We can provide referrals to providers who offer these services.
Can I transfer my medication management to the UCC?
Usually, yes—as long as you’re also engaged in therapy. Call us to schedule a phone screening to get started.
Do you write accommodation letters?
We may provide letters for academic or housing accommodations when a student’s mental health significantly impacts daily functioning. These require careful assessment. We do not write letters for emotional support animals—please contact another healthcare provider for those requests.
Will my parents or professors know I’m in counseling?
No. Your counseling information is confidential within the UCC. We only share information with your written consent, or when required by law (imminent danger, abuse of vulnerable populations, court order).
