Free Therapeutic Counseling
Therapy is a journey of self-exploration empowerment and growth. Parkland Counselors provide a safe place to do this and help strengthen your abilities to cope with emotional, interpersonal, and academic challenges. All current students can engage in counseling on a one on one basis with our counselors. Students may also choose to participate in topic-specific therapeutic groups with their fellow students and our counseling team. Our counselors can also assist with identifying resources and referrals to community agencies (when appropriate).
Individual sessions can be held in-person or via Microsoft Teams. Groups meet in-person unless otherwise noted.
Choosing Individual or Group Counseling
Individual counseling at Parkland provides an opportunity to work one-on-one with a therapist and/or in a group to identify and work through challenges, areas of concern, and areas for growth all with an eye towards enabling you to succeed in your academic, personal, and professional life.
For an introduction to an individual approach, check out this article by the American Psychological Association: Understanding psychotherapy and how it works.
There are many benefits to group counseling, it is especially unique in the validation and connections formed when you feel seen and heard by your peers. For more information check out this article by the American Psychological Association: Understanding Group Therapy.
For more information or to start counseling services:
Go to our client portal at counselingsupportcenter.parkland.edu.
Use your Parkland credentials to log in and then go to Survey/Questionnaire Forms and click on Parkland CSC Intake Form at the bottom of the page.
Counselors meet every Tuesday to assign students then you will be contacted to schedule your first appointment. Counselors are available from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday.
We also offer Talk Campus, a 24/7 peer support network, and YOU at Parkland, a mental health and wellness app. Please feel free to use these additional supports.
If you need immediate assistance in case of medical or other emergencies, please call 911.
If this is after-hours and you need immediate mental health assistance, please call THE CRISIS LINE at 217/359-4141. You can also call 988 or Text 741741 from anywhere in the USA to reach a trained Crisis Counselor. They provide a 24-hour suicide prevention and crisis hotline to the Champaign County area.
Please let us know at counselingservices@parkland.edu if you are having difficulties with the portal or if there are any accessibility issues. Thank you and we look forward to seeing you.