Frequently Asked Questions 

Counseling can help you understand and resolve concerns. A counselor does not judge, is patient and is trained to be a sensitive and objective listener who can support you and your decisions.

There are a variety of reasons why someone may see a counselor. Some of the more typical topics include:

Counseling is available to currently enrolled students at Shoreline Community College. Workshops and presentations are open to our campus community.

Employees attending Shoreline Community College on the Employee Tuition Fee Waiver are not eligible for services at the Counseling Center.  Employees should contact Human Resources regarding concerns and obtaining information about the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Counseling is free of charge though there may be a small fee if a student requests a personality or interest assessment.

You do need an appointment to see a counselor. Exceptions are made in the event of an emergency. 

To schedule an appointment please contact our front desk by calling 206-546-4594 or visit our office located in FOSS Building, Room 5251.

If you must cancel your appointment, we ask for at least 24 hours notice. Please call our front desk at 206-546-4594 to cancel your appointment and reschedule.

To request disability accommodations, contact the Student Accessibility Services in advance of your session at 206-546-4545 or stop by FOSS 5226.

At times students may have urgent needs or be in an emergency situation. Students may come directly to the Counseling Center and/or call 206-546-4594 in order to be seen by a professional counselor as soon as possible. A student may appreciate a faculty or staff member walking with them to the Counseling Center.

Please indicate to the receptionist that you believe it is an urgent situation and briefly describe what you are experiencing in order to receive the fastest attention possible.

If you have an immediate health-related emergency outside of the Counseling Center's regular business hours please call 911 immediately and Campus Security at 206-235-5860, if on campus. 

For 24/7 emergency counseling, referral, or assistance please call:

•  King County: Crisis Connections (24-Hour Crisis Line) | 866-427-4747
• Snohomish County: Volunteers of America 24-Hour Crisis Line | 800-584-3578
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline | 800-273-8255
• Live Chat: Go to https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/
• Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741741
• 911 (for immediate health-related emergency)

You will be asked to review and sign a counselor disclosure/consent statement. This statement tells you more about your counselor, their education and a client’s rights to confidentiality. We will ask you to arrive 15 minutes early for your first session in order to complete paperwork.

Sessions are typically 45-50 minutes long. We ask you arrive on time in order to make the best use of your time.

If you must cancel your appointment, we ask for at least 24-48 hours notice. Please call our front desk at 206-546-4594 to cancel your appointment and reschedule.

All records in the Counseling Center are personal and confidential. Your information can only be released outside the center with your written consent. Privacy of your records and anonymity extends to situations where a client is referred to the Counseling Center by a faculty member, administrator or friend. Except under certain circumstances (listed below), no parent, academic dean, instructor or future employer will know of a student's use of the Counseling Center.

Counseling records are not a part of the educational record. We keep separate records from other administrative documents kept on campus and notations about counseling are not made on a student's official college record. Client confidentiality is protected under Washington law (RCW 18.19.180) and information cannot be released except under specific situations.