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New students from the College of Health Sciences during WesternU’s second day of Welcome Week,
WesternU / University Student Affairs / Services / Counseling Services

Counseling Services

The holiday season can be a joyous time, but it can also be a challenging time for many. We want to take a moment to remind you to prioritize your mental health this season and always. WesternU students have numerous options available to you for should you need assistance. Please see below for a complete 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.

Text graphic with the word "NEW" repeated four times in large red letters and the word "Benefit" in smaller black script font in the center.

Calm App From Optum

As of September 1st, WesternU has access to the premium version of Calm at no additional cost. Calm is the #1 rated app for sleep, meditation, and relaxation. Calm provides member access to meditations, sleep stories, daily check-ins and a diverse library of content.

How to Access Services

ONLINE OR BY PHONE

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.
  • What Services are Offered with EWS?

    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

  • Who is Eligible for Benefits?

    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 & Newsletters

    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.

    See Flyer with complete details and Zoom Link

    MONTHLY NEWSLETTERS

    Brought to you by Optum Behavioral Health.

    Read Newsletter…

  • Student Learning and other students waking around

    Pre-Authorized Providers On and Near Campus

    You do not need a authorization code from Optum for the following providers.

    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.

    Confidential Conversations/Telephonically

    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.

    988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

    Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

    If you, or someone you know are struggling with thoughts of suicide, please call 988. Services are available 24-hours a day.
    a hand holding a smart phone.

    App-Based Services

    Optum has now connected with TalkSpace!

    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.
    rehabs.org logo

    Alcohol and Drug Rehab Centers in California

    Find an accredited addiction rehab center in California. Discover all 2553 recovery options in locations convenient to you. Sort by detox, inpatient, outpatient, aftercare and more.

     


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