Counseling Services
We’re here to help—whether you’re stressed about finals or experiencing psychological concerns, Elmhurst University’s counseling staff provides a multitude of services including individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, psychiatric consultation and treatment, and workshops.
Our highly trained team of professionals comprises Licensed Clinical Psychologists, Masters-Level Counselors and a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Together, we offer a variety of services to help you manage your mental health and make effective life choices.
An Appointment is Required
- Office hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
- Please call (630) 617-3565 to make an appointment.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement
Elmhurst University Counseling Services (EUCS) is committed to nurturing diversity, equity and inclusion in our practices, policies, and programs. We celebrate and promote diversity in all of its forms. We assert non-discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class status in our services, staffing, and administrative practices.
- We strive to maintain a safe, inclusive space where students can safely benefit from confidential counseling services across all intersecting identities.
- With a spirit of cultural humility, the Counseling Services staff is committed to the ongoing personal and professional development of cultural awareness.
Scope of Services
All students meet with a counselor for an initial assessment. At this meeting, the counselor will work with the student to determine if the services at EUCS best meet the student’s needs or if a community referral would be more appropriate.
All EUCS appointments are free of charge and included in tuition.
All EUCS services are private and confidential, except in very limited circumstances as authorized or required by law. Counseling records are not part of the student’s academic record.
Please note that students who have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 have the option of either in-person or virtual (via telehealth using HIPAA-compliant Microsoft Teams) services. Students who have not been vaccinated will be seen virtually.
Elmhurst University students who are currently enrolled in courses are eligible for services at EUCS.
- Mild to moderate anxiety and depression
- Stress management
- Relational concerns (e.g., friend, family, roommate, romantic partner, co-worker)
- Self-esteem issues
- Academic concerns
- Cultural concerns
- Developmental concerns (e.g. adjustment to college, life transitions, identity)
- Concerns related to mild to moderate alcohol or other drug use/abuse
- Trauma, sexual assault, interpersonal violence
- Grief and loss
- The student is currently seeing a therapist off-campus and is able to continue treatment with that therapist; often the student will be encouraged to remain with their therapist to ensure continuity of care. Note that currently enrolled students seeing off-campus therapists are eligible for psychiatric, group and crisis services at EUCS.
- The student is currently on a leave of absence from the university or is not currently enrolled in courses.
- The student is graduating.
- The student has reached the EUCS session limit.
- Ongoing treatment is required (e.g. for a student who presents as an imminent danger to self or others, or who needs long-term weekly sessions).
- Chronic suicidality and/or recent history of suicide attempts
- Severe and chronic self-injury
- A history of psychiatric hospitalizations
- Students whose behavior is inappropriate, disruptive, or threatening
- The student requires specialized care that is beyond our scope of service, including:
- Significant or chronic eating disordered symptoms.
- Significant or chronic substance use/abuse that compromises therapy or physical health and well-being including any need for drug testing.
- Active symptoms of psychosis and/or delusions.
- Lack of motivation or engagement in treatment, as evidenced by:
- Inconsistent attendance (e.g., multiple cancellations or no-shows).
- Poor compliance with treatment recommendations.
Students may be referred to the psychiatric nurse practitioner, Sheila Casteel, by a staff member in Counseling Services. Sheila provides initial psychiatric assessment, as well as medication management (if indicated).
- Comprehensive psychological assessment or evaluation, including but not limited to:
- ADHD/ADD assessments
- Neuropsychological assessments
- Forensic assessments
- Custody evaluations
- Pre-surgical mental health evaluations
- Excuse or clearance for employment and/or fitness-for-duty evaluations
- Documentation for an emotional support animal
- Documentation for housing accommodation requests
- Documentation for disability accommodations
- Documentation or evaluation for missed classes or assignments
- Court-ordered treatment
TAO (Therapy Assistance Online)
TAO is an online mental health platform available to faculty, staff and students. TAO provides a variety of resources for understanding and managing mental health issues. Please follow the steps below to get started.
- In your browser window, navigate to https://us.taoconnect.org/register.
- Enter your first name, last name, and your school email address.
- Create a password and confirm your password.
- Leave the “Enrollment Key” field blank.
- Click “Sign Me Up.”
- Check your email. You will be sent a “Welcome to TAO” email with a confirmation link, which you must click on to sign in.
Workshops
We offer a variety of workshops on request to student groups, classes or teams. Topics range from stress management and anxiety to cross-cultural relationships and relaxation exercises. Contact Lauren Dalicandro LCPC at the Wellness Center (lauren.dalicandro@elmhurst.edu) to learn more or schedule a workshop.
Mental Health Resources
Screenings
Counseling Services offers free screenings throughout the year on issues including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and alcohol and other drugs. Call the Wellness Center at (630) 617-3565 to schedule an appointment.
Self-Help Resources
We can guide you to a variety of resources related to personal, social and health issues, as well as academic skills.
Referral Information for Students
Find helpful information on finding referrals for counseling services in your community.
Client Evaluation of Services
Elmhurst University Counseling Services (EUCS) requests your help in our effort to evaluate and improve our services. Please take a few minutes to fill out this evaluation form.