Counseling Services

Counseling records are kept separate from all other Academic records to ensure your confidentiality. Records are maintained in an electronic database stored in a secured, password-protected environment and accessible only to Oakton counseling staff.

Information obtained during counseling sessions is not disclosed to anyone without your knowledge and written consent. If you do provide written consent allowing us to disclose information, you may cancel that (in writing) at any time. Once we have received your cancellation, we will not disclose any additional information.

The only exceptions to these strict confidentiality rules are rare instances where psychologists and counselors are required to reveal information by federal, state, or local laws. These exceptions come into play when:

• We believe there is a substantial likelihood that a client will cause serious physical harm to himself or another person unless protective measures are taken. In these cases, Illinois law mandates that the parents of dependent students must be notified.
• We have reasonable cause to believe that a child is being abused or neglected, or an aged or incapacitated adult is being subject to abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
• We receive a court order upon good cause shown or in compliance with a subpoena.
• We are approached by authorized federal officials for information related to national security and intelligence activities. By law, we may not be able to reveal to the client when we have disclosed such information to the government.
• We need to seek legal advice from Oakton's policy and legal affairs advisor.
• The parents of a minor (i.e., a student who is under the age of 18) request information.

Social Networking and Confidentiality
Oakton counseling staff will not accept friend or contact requests on social networking sites from clients or students with whom they have professional relationships (including trainees and student employees). This policy exists to minimize the potential for online relationships that could compromise client confidentiality and the privacy of both clients and staff.

If you or someone you know has attempted suicide and needs immediate medical attention, or suicide is imminent, call 911 immediately.

Counseling Services provides crisis services to currently enrolled Oakton students. If possible, call in advance to schedule a same-day counseling appointment. If you are not in immediate crisis, you may stop in or call for a routine counseling appointment. 

During regular operating hours, counselors are available to respond to crises and unexpected events that impact students. To connect with a counselor during a crisis, contact the Wellness Center at either campus at 847.635.1885 or stop by the Wellness Center, Room 1200, Des Plaines, or Room A175 Skokie.

Examples of urgent crises may include:

• thoughts of hurting yourself or others
• not eating for several days (for reasons not related to a physical illness)
• being a recent victim of physical or sexual assault

After-hours Crisis
Oakton does not provide after-hours crisis intervention. Students on campus who need crisis support when Counseling Services is closed should contact Public Safety at:

Des Plaines, Room 1170
Non-emergency - 847.635.1880 
Emergency - 847.635.1888 

Skokie, Room C100
Non-emergency - 847.635.1422 
Emergency - 847.635.1888 

Additional Resources

Emergency/Crisis Numbers

• Emergency 911
• Oakton Public Safety Emergency - both campuses
  847.635.1888
• Des Plaines Police - non-emergency
  847.391.5400
• Skokie Police - non-emergency
  847.982.5900

Also see: Helping Someone in Crisis

Rape and Sexual Assault
Find additional support services for victims of rape and sexual assault at www.rapevictimadvocates.org.

• Rape Victim Advocates
  312.443.9603
• Rape Crisis Hotline
  888.293.2080

 Hotlines

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
  800.273.TALK
• Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network
  800.656.4673
• Adult Abuse
  800.992.6978
• National Domestic Violence
  800.799.SAFE
• Alcohol and Drug Abuse Action Helpline
  800.662.4357

Personal counseling is free and available to enrolled Oakton students only. Students may receive up to 12 individual sessions per academic year. If long-term counseling is recommended, referrals will be provided.

Group counseling is also free. There are no group counseling session limits, but there are a limited number of group types.

Not all problems can be treated by Oakton's counseling team. In those cases, community resources and referrals are provided.

Yes. We provide online and in-person counseling services.

In addition to the clinical services we offer, the Wellness Center also promotes better health for mind and body through campus-wide programming and to specific groups upon request. Programming takes many formats including awareness and screening events, information tabling, virtual interactive games, wellness giveaways, film screenings, and workshops.

Examples of past events include:

• Depression and Suicide Awareness
• Healthy Relationships Screenings
• National Coming Out Day
• Stress Free Zone
• Smoking Cessation & Marijuana Jeopardy
• Japanese Forest Bathing
• How to Help a Friend
• Pandemic Coping
• STI and HIV TestingTrans Day of Remembrance
• Healthy Sleep Habits
• Micro Self-Care

Upon request, Wellness Center staff can also design and provide outreach or programming to specific campus groups on topics such as stress, coping with loss, procrastination, sexual assault, mindfulness, body image, etc. Please call 847.635.1885 or email us at wellness@oakton.edu to inquire.