How the Counseling and Testing Center Serves Transgender Students

WKU Counseling Center and Transgender Students

QSU*Transgender Non-Binary Student Group has worked with the WKU Counseling Center to compile the following information to better inform students of the resources available to them. Much of the information below is taken directly from official Counseling Center informational materials.

Contact information:
Potter Hall Room 409
(270) 745-3159
Mon - Fri: 8:00am - 4:30pm
Emergency/ after hours: (270) 745-3159
Appointments preferred. Walks-ins are accepted.

What is the WKU Counseling Center?
WKU's Counseling Center provides a variety of psychological and testing services to undergraduate and graduate students. According to their brochure:

“The Counseling Center staff seek to create a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental environment for students to receive support, counseling, and guidance.”

Additionally, the WKU Counseling Center provides a variety of testing services. 

Who is eligible to use the WKU Counseling Center?
Any/all currently enrolled students are eligible for counseling services. Faculty and staff are provided consultation services.

Students aged 17 and under must get permission from their custodial guardian.

How much do counseling services cost?
Counseling services are available after a one-time payment of $20.00*. Following payment, a student can receive treatment from the WKU Counseling Center until they are no longer a registered student.

*If you are a transgender, non-binary, or questioning student who wants access to WKU Counseling Center services but needs financial support please contact qsu.tnb@gmail.com.

What about confidentiality?
Exceptions to confidentiality are as follows:

(1) if a client says something that makes me believe that they will walk out and harm themselves or harm someone else, that’s an exception. We can’t guarantee confidentiality there.
(2) The state of Kentucky says that we may not be able to guarantee confidentiality in instances of child abuse, domestic violence, elder abuse, or others types of abuse.
(3) Be aware that judges have the power to subpoena our records. So, if you are involved in some kind of litigation, it’s possible that our records could be subpoenaed.”

Regarding confidentiality and Gatton Academy students, because they may be under eighteen years of age:

All of the exceptions stay the same except that the student’s custodial guardian holds the power. If a custodial guardian requests information, they will have access to it.

According to the CTC Therapy, Pet Assisted Therapy, and Research Informed Consent sheet:

“The CTC will release information from counseling sessions to outside parties only at the request of the client. Records are confidential. CTC records will never be a part of the educational record. Parents and guardians are not contacted unless we have permission from the client or if there is an immediate risk to the client’s safety (i.e.: suicide risk/ attempt, emergency room evaluation and/or a threat to themselves or others). If there is an immediate risk, information may only be shared that aids in obtaining ongoing care and ensuring safety. In rare cases where there is a risk to the student or the community, the CTC reserves the right to notify the Vice President of Student Affairs and/or Campus Police, especially if the student is an active danger to themselves and/or to others. Situations where we may need to share the client information with others include when a client is a danger to self (suicide risk), danger to others (homicide risk), or tells us about child abuse, elder abuse, or domestic violence.”

What services are offered?
Individual counseling sessions ranging between 45-60 minutes each.

What if I need a referral to an off-campus counselor?

If you are no longer a student or if it is determined that an off-campus counselor may be better suited to help you, your counselor may refer you to a counselor in the community. Dr. Laura Brown, Associate Professor of Communication, has been gathering anonymous recommendations for transgender-friendly counselors in the Bowling Green community. For access to these recommendations, please contact the Transgender Non-BInary Student Group (TNB) at qsu.tnb@gmail.com. 

Other Resources
WKU Counseling Center
World Professional Association for Transgender Health

Other Resources for Transgender WKU Students
Title IX for Transgender Students
All gender bathroom directory
Name/ pronoun email template
Changing your name on rosters/ email/ student ID