Counseling Services
We want to take a moment to remind you to prioritize your mental health. WesternU students have numerous options available should you need assistance. The University is contracted with Optum Emotional Wellbeing Services (EWS) to provide many of the benefits below. We’ve also compiled a list of nation-wide hotlines and services should you need or a family member need help. Please see below for a list of available services.
Behavioral Health Assistance –
Programs for Students
All Western of Health Sciences full-time students have direct access to an Emotional Wellbeing Solutions (EWS) for Students through OptumHealth. Under this EWS for Students, you and any member of your immediate household are eligible for up to six (6) free counseling sessions for each “incident” or situation.
Counseling services may be accessed by telephone, via the web, or face-to-face. These confidential services consist of a series of tools and resources designed to help WesternU students learn new and useful techniques for dealing with stress, anxiety, depression and other common challenges.
How to Access Services
You have the option. You can search Optum’s Live and Work Well website to find the service that is just right for you. If needed, enter access code: WesternU
You are able to contact OptumHealth 27/7/365 for confidential help. If you call this number before beginning a treatment, OptumHealth will help ensure that you obtain access to the most appropriate provider for your needs. The PBH provider network includes psychologists and other licensed clinical providers.
AUTHORIZATION CODE
Many services require an authorization code before seeing a provider, and Optum can assist you with this either over the phone or via the website.
Work and School Issues
Relationships
Stress
Career Planning
Performance Concerns
Parenting and Child Care
Becoming a Parent
Exploring Adoption
Child care options and referrals
Parenting skills
Strategies for working parents
Emotional Wellbeing
Stress and Depression
Anger Management
Family Issues
Domestic Violence
Grief and Loss
Substance Abuse and Recovery
Alcohol/drug abuse
Eating Disorders
Outpatient counseling
Support groups
Community services
Financial Planning
Help with credit reports
Debt management
Budgeting
Dealing with delinquent payments
Legal Assistance
Divorce
Landlord/Tenant conflicts
Wills/consumer issues
Free 30 minute consultation
Referral to legal specialists
Employee/Student (member)
A person actively employed or on short-term disability.
Dependent children
Children who are dependents of the member.
Student
Dependent children attending school.
Spouse / domestic partner
Legally married spouse of an active employee/member.
Household members
Those residing in the eligible member’s home.
Disabled employee (member)
Members who are on disability as defined by the employer/sponsor. Other designated eligible individuals include spouses or dependent children who are on disability.
WEBINARS
Join us for discussions facilitated by the Oregon Optum Health counselor Dr. Lisa Schultz on Jan 31, Feb 28, Mar 28, Apr 25, & May 30.
Pre-Authorized Providers On and Near Campus
California
Anna Couch, PhD, MA, MFT*
Appointment Hours:
WesternU Campus | Pumerantz Learning Center, #415
On Campus: Tue. 12:00-7:00 p.m. PST & Wed. 12:00-6:30 p.m. PST
Remote/Virtual: Thur. 12:00-6:00 p.m. PST
anna.couch@optum.com
952-687-4090
Luis Orozco, DSW, LCSW*ℌ
Appointment Hours:
WesternU California | Pumerantz Learning Center, #415
On Campus: Fri. 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. PST
Remote/Virtual: Mon. 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. PST
luis_orozco@optum.com
763-348-0000
If this is an emergency, requiring immediate response, please call 911 or one of the following 24/7 hotlines:
- Sexual assault hotline: 800.927.0197
- Suicide prevention hotline: 800.273.8255
- Campus Security/Escort: 909.706.3000 (California Only)
- Campus Security/Escort: 541.259.0301 (Oregon Only)
- OptumHealth counseling: 800.234.5465
Oregon
Lisa Schulz, PhD, LPC, NCC
Appointment Hours:
WesternU Oregon | COMP-Northwest Building, Suite A2
On Campus: Tuesdays, 10:00am – 3:00pm
WesternU Oregon | CHS-Northwest Building, Office #1007
On Campus: Wednesdays, 2:00pm – 7:00pm
lisa_schulz@optum.com
612-474-7165
*Drs. Couch and Orozco are based in Southern California but can see WesternU Oregon students remotely.
There may be flexibility with session numbers on a case-by-case basis with our on-site providers.
SoulTenders
Pre-authorized Providers
The WesternU community can now receive mental health services without prior Optum authorization from Soultenders with multiple locations in the Southern California area. Please call Soultenders directly at the dedicated WesternU phone line 1-855-952-1907 to schedule an appointment, or visit their website at Soultenders.com
Note: to obtain an appointment, name, address, and birthdate of WesternU employee/student is needed for authorization purposes.
App-Based Services
Covered under the Optum EWS benefit, WesternU students, faculty, and staff (including members of their immediate households) can connect with a licensed provider for counseling through a convenient mobile app. To get started, you must call 800-234-5465 to obtain prior authorization. Please see this flyer for more information.
The AbleTo app is available to you at no extra cost as part of your plan’s behavioral health benefits.
Calm App From Optum
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Alcohol and Drug Rehab Centers in California
Crisis Text Line
We are a nonjudgmental organization that champions equity in mental well-being and aims to support people of every race, ethnicity, political affiliation, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, socioeconomic status, and other diverse backgrounds. We use empathy and active listening to empower our texters to identify their own strengths and coping strategies in moments of crisis. We listen to and learn from our community to help us continuously improve our service.
OptumHealth Disclosure Notices
- EWS Group Employer Cover Letter
- Timely Access to Care
- Language Assistance Notice of Availability in English, Spanish and Chinese.