Personal Counseling Services

What is counseling?

Counseling is a confidential, individual growth process assisted by a professional counselor in order to define goals, to assist in making decisions and to solve issues related to educational, personal and social concerns.

Why do students come for counseling?

Concerns of students are extremely varied and personal. Students may seek counseling assistance for career issues, academic questions, educational planning, stress and time management, study or test taking skills, family dysfunctions, substance abuse issues, grief and loss and many other issues.

Are services confidential?

The counseling department realizes that many issues are sensitive and personal. Accepted legal and professional standards of ethics are always utilized. A student’s use of services and all information shared by a student with counselors is held in confidence, except in those rare incidences when counselors are required to reveal information.

What are these unusual circumstances when information can be released?

These circumstances may be when there is abuse of children involved, imminent harm to self, or imminent harm to others. Counselors are required by law to disclose this information. Otherwise, any information can only be released subsequent to your written authorization.

How do I make an appointment?

Contact Student Services, either directly or by telephone. Appointments are usually available five days per week and occasionally in the early evening. The telephone numbers for the various campuses are:

Ashland	715-682-4591
New Richmond	715-246-6561
Rice Lake	715-234-7082
Superior	715-394-6677

Who are the Counselors?

Ashland	Scott Leonard, Dede Maki
New Richmond	Tom Findlay, Christie Kowalski, Mark Schader
Rice Lake	Brenda Bernacki, Susan Janetski, Aaron Staut
Superior	Mary Frostman, Kent Lundahl

How many appointments may I have?

Due to a high demand for services, appointments may be limited. If extended therapeutic counseling services are required, you will be provided with the names of resources in the community.

Is counseling only for people with emotional problems?

No, counseling can assist with many other issues such as career planning, conflict resolution, communication skills, stress management, and cultural differences.

Is there a charge for counseling?

No, all services provided by WITC are included in your tuition and fee charges. If you are referred to an outside agency there may be charges incurred.

Do I need an appointment to see a counselor?

It is advised that you always make an appointment, if possible, to see a counselor. If an emergency occurs, contact student services and every effort will be made to arrange an appointment as soon as possible.

If I seek counseling help will it become a part of my records?

No, any contact with counselors will not become a part of your academic record. Individual counselors may keep notes in their own files to assist them in providing better services to you.

What is the difference between a counselor and an academic advisor?

A counselor is a Master’s Degree level, licensed counselor. They can assist you with a wide variety of issues as noted above. Some counselors have specialized training in various personal, career or other counseling areas.

Advisors are usually instructors in your area of study. They are well qualified to advise you in academic and career planning. They also are your best resource for detailed information about course content and scheduling. Counselors work closely with academic advisors to facilitate all of the above services. Counselors sometimes also provide the services of an academic advisor.

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