Counseling resources

Mental health

The following are reliable, not-for-profit websites with information on a variety of mental health topics.

  • Coug Mental Health Support provides campus wide student resources for health and well-being.
  • The National Institute of Mental Health is funded by the federal government to provide information and research concerning mental health issues.
  • The American Psychological Association provides brief descriptions of numerous mental health problems and diagnoses with links to related articles.
  • HelpGuide.org is a private non-profit, ad-free website in affiliation with Harvard Health Publications.
  • The Jed Foundation is a private non-profit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation's teens and young adults, giving them the skills and support they need to thrive today and tomorrow.
  • TransLifeline.org phones are operated by transgender people, for transgender people, and are available 18 hours a day every day—call 877-565-8860.

Substance use

  • SAMHSA's National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders - call 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
  • Smart Recovery provides online and face-to-face mutual help groups to provide "a path to life beyond addiction."

Education and self-assessment for substance use

WSU offers online courses and assessment tools to provide personalized feedback regarding your own substance use, as well as general information about alcohol and drug use.

Sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking

The following are resources for WSU Vancouver students for reporting, getting help, as well as education and awareness.

  • What to do if you are sexually assaulted:
    • Get to a safe place immediately. Call 911 for emergencies or 360-546-9001 for non-emergency help.
    • Contact someone who can help you right now such as a friend, family member, or a victim advocate (YWCA Clark Country Sexual Assault Hotline: 360-695-0501.)
    • Consider seeking medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you do not want to report to the police or if it has been a while since the assault, you may still benefit from medical attention.
    • If you want to report the assault to the police or ask that evidence be collected at the hospital, do not shower, bathe, douche, wash your hands, brush your teeth, comb your hair or use the toilet. Even though you may desperately want to clean yourself, you may destroy important evidence if you do so. If you have done any of the things mentioned, it is ok, it may still be possible to find evidence. If you have already changed out of the clothes that you were wearing at the time of, before or after the assault, place the clothes in a paper (not plastic) bag and take them with you as they may contain evidence important for law enforcement and medical professionals.
    • Consider finding emotional support for yourself from a professional counselor. The WSU Vancouver Counseling Center 360-546-9238 has mental health counselors available who have experience in trauma resolution and healing for survivors.
  • File a report with Compliance and Civil Rights office at WSU.
  • City of Vancouver Sexual Assault Crimes Resources and Information.
  • YWCA Clark County serves people who are escaping domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and neglect, as well as youth in foster care. They provide resources, advocacy, support groups and a 24/7 Hotline for those seeking support at 360-695-0501.
  • National Sexual Assault Hotline is available at 800-656-4673.

Health insurance and sliding fee clinics

The following are resources available in Washington State to support the cost of healthcare coverage:

  • Washington state offers Apple Health, or Medicaid, to low-income individuals and families. Eligibility is based on income and other factors. If you qualify, you can receive comprehensive healthcare coverage at little to no cost.
  • Washington Healthplanfinder is Washington State's health insurance exchange where you can explore and apply for subsidized health insurance plans. Depending on your income and household size, you may be eligible for premium tax credits or cost-sharing reductions to make coverage more affordable.
  • Washington State has a network of community health clinics that offer healthcare services on a sliding fee scale based on income. These clinics provide a range of medical services, including primary care, dental care, and mental health services.