Services

What is the counseling center?

The Counseling and Testing Center is a service provided by Andrews University for its students. The purpose of the Center is to provide a confidential, trusting, and caring environment where clients can work on the issues that brought them to therapy. The client-therapist relationship is unique in that the focus is always on the client's needs.

While Counseling and Testing Center psychologists and counselors respect the values of all clients, the worldview of the Counseling and Testing Center staff is Chirstian. The Center also provides personality, intelligence, career, and academic testing.

 

How to access services.

You may register for services in-person at the Counsling and Testing center located in Bell Hall suite 123 during our office hours or you may register online here. Please note that online registrations are reviewed only during office hours. If you are experiencing a crisis or are in need of immediate assistance, please call Campus Safety at 269-471-3321.

Individual Counseling

Students often encounter various challenges as they pursue their academic dreams. Social and emotional concerns that occasionally occur in our lives can interfere with effective functioning and academic performance. Talking with a counselor in a confidential, interactive, and accepting atmosphere can help in self-understanding and in the resolution of personal issues related to loneliness, depression, anxiety, feelings of inadequacy, interpersonal relations, marital or family conflicts, and anger management.

Students also seek counseling for sexual assault, sexual abuse, identity issues, drug and alcohol abuse, and other inner conflicts. Sometimes students seek support in dealing with difficult changes and challenges that arise from everyday life and many other issues. Since personal counseling is a process of self-discovery and growth, many individuals make their counseling experience an opportunity where they can learn more about themselves, their values, and their relationships with others.

At the time of your first appointment, you will be asked to complete some preliminary paperwork. You will be asked to describe your concerns and what you hope to gain from counseling. Your first intake session with your counselor will be an opportunity for you and the counselor to decide how best to address your concerns and to identify the most appropriate services for your needs.

Group Therapy

Joining other students with common interests and similar concerns is often the most constructive and supportive way to meet challenges and resolve issues. A group can offer an environment where students can increase self-understanding, enhance personal relationships and try out new behaviors while receiving feedback and support from peers experiencing similar concerns. The counseling center offers a variety of group experiences throughout the year on issues related to stress management, relationships, self-esteem, addictions, and personal growth. Groups generally consist of 4-10 members and meet on a weekly basis. Students must first register at the Counseling & Testing Center and schedule an appointment with the group facilitator before becoming a member of any counseling group. Please call or visit the center for further information regarding group work.

Psychological & Vocational Testing

The Counseling & Testing Center administers a wide range of psychological and vocational tests that are used for various purposes. Individuals may take interest, ability and personality inventories to assist in their counseling experience and increase their understanding of themselves. When you begin your counseling journey with one of our counselors, you will be made aware of the different tests that might be useful to you.

Career Development

The Counseling & Testing Center offers to students the opportunity to explore their interests, abilities and personality style in the context of choosing a major and ultimately a career. We administer a series of assessments that can provide students with comprehensive information about career options and the appropriate academic path toward this career. Your career counselor will determine the best assessment package to meet your individual needs. There is a minimal charge for the administration, scoring and interpretation of all career inventories. Our Career Resource Center includes publications and on-line information that will assist you with career development issues. The Counseling & Testing Center in collaboration with the Student Success Center offers career related workshops and other academic success seminars throughout the year. Please contact us at (269) 471-3470 or visit our center for additional information.

Career Center

National Academic Testing

The center offers throughout the academic year and during the summer months national testing to meet the entrance requirements of several undergraduate, graduate and specialized programs. Please select testing or call our office for test dates and further information.

Prevention and Wellness

Counselors are available to parents, faculty, and staff for consultation regarding psychological issues that impact students. The staff also offers outreach programs and resources for wellness and mental health for the university community. Our staff welcomes opportunities for presenting seminars and conducting workshops on campus. If you are interested in having an outreach program or need a consultation, please call our office or email us.

Pre-Professional Graduate Training

The center offers training and supervision to a limited number of students from the Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program (pre-master's internship), the PhD in Counseling Psychology (pre-doctoral practicum), and the Masters in Social Work (pre-master's internship). For further information, please contact Dr. Judith Fisher, Director of the Counseling & Testing Center.