Please note that during the 2020-21 academic year, individual and group counseling are being held via Zoom PHI. Please call with questions.

Whether you are seeking individual or group counseling, want a referral for community therapist, or need a specialized assessment, you will first need to schedule an initial appointment at the Counseling Center.

The Counseling Center uses a same-day appointment system. Research indicates that same-day scheduling reduces the amount of cancellations and no-shows by students. We want to make sure we are efficiently using our time and staff resources so that we can assist as many students as possible. We are dedicated to providing accessibility and support services to our students.

How do I make an appointment?

To schedule an initial appointment, please call us at 217-333-3704 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday While you always have the option of speaking to a triage counselor when you call the Counseling Center, we encourage you to call earlier in the day so that you can schedule your appointment at a time that is convenient for your schedule.

*Special note: Please stay on the line until your call is picked up. You will hear ringing until your call is answered; if you hang up, your call will go back to the end of the queue.  

What should I expect?

Your first appointment will provide you with an opportunity to talk confidentially with a counselor about your immediate concerns. Your counselor will talk with you about some of the reasons you scheduled the appointment and will work with you to evaluate what services and campus resources will be most helpful for you. Some students find that this initial appointment is sufficient to resolve the immediate concern, while others require ongoing support. If further services would be beneficial, your counselor will talk with you about why this recommendation is being suggested and work with you to answer any questions you may have. These additional services may include resources offered by the Counseling Center or referral to another campus or community resource.

What if I need to come to the Counseling Center immediately?

Please call the Counseling Center at 217-333-3704. During the 2020-21 academic year, individual and group counseling are being held via Zoom PHI. The Counseling Center provides emergency consultations to students with urgent mental health concerns between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. These consultations are focused on stabilizing the current crisis/emergency and providing immediate support to the student while assisting them in linking to our services.

What if I need to talk to someone after 5:00 p.m.?

The Counseling Center collaborates with the Rosecrance Crisis Line to provide support and referrals for individuals needing mental health support after 5 p.m. on weekends and observed University holidays. Please call the Crisis Line at 217-359-4141 to speak with a counselor.