Individual Counseling

Individual therapy is often indicated for students who are struggling with a variety of concerns. At Student Counseling Services (SCS), we specialize in short-term therapy and many students attain their desire goals in 4-8 sessions typically meeting every other week. However, we may occasionally see a student beyond that 4-8 session window. For those students needing extended service beyond what SCS can offer, we provide assistance in connecting to a community provider in the Ames community or in the student’s home community. We offer short-term individual therapy to ISU students for a variety of concerns including:

  • exploration of identity and values
  • exploration and development of career and majors
  • relationship problems
  • low self-esteem
  • stress
  • loneliness
  • mood disturbances or depression
  • cultural exploration or navigating differences
  • sexual assault recovery
  • body image or disordered eating concerns
  • trauma and/or abuse
  • questioning sexual identity or orientation
  • substance misuse
  • academic concerns or motivation

Although we provide individual therapy for many common presenting concerns, we cannot accommodate some therapeutic needs such as primary substance abuse, neuropsychological testing, court mandated therapy/assessment, or any level of severity not appropriate for every other week outpatient therapy.

There is no charge for individual appointments with a counselor. If psychological testing is indicated, there may be a small charge associated with the cost of testing. In order to encourage consistency of care to our clients and increase efficiency of the service to all, SCS will charge $25 for uncancelled missed appointments

How to Get Started?

Student Counseling Services is located on the 3rd floor of the Student Services Building.

We are open from 8:00am-5:00pm, Monday-Friday. We are closed on all university holidays but are typically open during breaks.

To get started with counseling or other SCS services, please call 515-294-5056 during SCS business hours to schedule an initial appointment. Prior to the initial appointment you will complete paperwork. During the initial appointment you will met briefly with a counselor to get connected to the services that best meet your needs.