College of the Canyons offers 6 free sessions. What happens after that?
College of the Canyons offers free short-term counseling through its Student Health & Wellness Center, up to 6 sessions per semester, in person and online. For a lot of students, that is a real help, and a good place to start.
But six sessions is also a number you can run into. Maybe you are just getting to the heart of things at session five. Maybe the semester is ending and you are not ready to stop. Here is how to think about what comes next.
What six sessions can do well
Short-term counseling is great for getting things off your chest, learning a few practical tools for stress or anxiety, and figuring out whether therapy feels useful to you. Many students find that just having one steady person to talk to makes a difference.
Signs you may want more time
You may want longer-term support if the same worries keep coming back, if you are dealing with things that take time to untangle (family, relationships, identity, big life changes), or if you are worried about a gap when the sessions run out. Wanting more is not a sign that something is wrong. It usually means the work is starting to matter.
Ask your campus counselor about next steps
If you are already seeing someone on campus, ask them what happens after your sessions. The Student Health & Wellness Center notes that it offers outside referrals and resources when appropriate, so you do not have to figure out the handoff alone.
How to get the most out of your six sessions
Short-term counseling works best when you walk in with a plan. A few ways to use the time well:
Name one or two goals for session one. For example, "I want to feel less panicked before exams" or "I want to figure out whether to stay at my job."
Be upfront about the timeline. Tell your counselor how many sessions you have and ask what is realistic to work on in that time.
Practice between sessions. If you are given something to try, like a way to handle a hard moment or a conversation to have, try it and report back.
Keep a few notes. A short list of what helped and what did not makes it easier to pick up where you left off, whether you stay at COC or move to someone else.
A simple timeline so you never fall into a gap
Around session 2 or 3: Ask your counselor, "If I need more than six sessions, what are my options?" College counseling centers can offer referrals to outside providers when appropriate.
Around session 4: If you think you will want to keep going, start looking. Text us or another provider, ask about openings, and find out what to expect.
Sessions 5 and 6: Use them to wrap up what you have been working on and, if you are moving to a new therapist, to decide what you want them to know.
After session 6: Aim to have your next appointment already on the calendar so there is not a long break.
What to bring to a new therapist
You do not have to start over. Many students find it helps to share a short summary: what you went to counseling for, what you tried, what helped, and what you still want to work on. If you are comfortable, you can also ask your campus counselor what they recommend, and you can tell a new therapist what the counselor suggested.
Questions students ask
"Is it a waste to switch therapists after six sessions?"
No. Your time on campus is not wasted. You may have already learned a few skills and gotten clearer on what you want. A new therapist can build on that.
"Can I do both at the same time?"
Some students wonder if they can see someone on campus and off campus at once. It is worth asking your campus counselor and any outside provider how they handle it, because they will want to coordinate care so you are not working in two directions.
"What if I live off campus, or my schedule changes every semester?"
That is common. We offer sessions in person in Newhall or by video, and we work around class and work schedules. If you are 25 or under, you may qualify for therapy with no out-of-pocket cost, even if you have insurance. We will go through it with you when you text.
"I do not want my parents to know."
You can start on your own if you are 18 or older. Therapy is confidential, and your therapist will explain how it works, including the limited situations where information has to be shared for safety.
"What if I am not sure I need long-term therapy?"
You do not have to decide that today. A free 15 minute consult can help you figure out whether this is a good fit and what the next step would be.
Where we fit
Creative Connections works with young adults ages 18 to 25 in Newhall and by video, with flexible scheduling around classes and work. Many young adults may qualify for no-cost therapy with us, and we can walk you through what that looks like. Text us and we will explain your options with no pressure.
Explore: College & Young Adults | How to start therapy | Therapy FAQ
Questions? Call or text 661-383-2252 and a member of our Client Care team will reach out directly. Therapy at Creative Connections is confidential.
Creative Connections, 24325 Main Street, Ste. 102, Newhall, CA 91321