Back-to-School & Mental Health: WWC Connects with Students at Reed College’s Wellness Fair

Going back to school brings new opportunities, new relationships, and sometimes more stress than students expected. For teens navigating high school and young adults starting college, the transition can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time.

On October 8, 2026, Willamette Wellness Center (WWC) was invited to participate in Reed College’s Wellness Fair, held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Our executive director, Ashley Terry, joined students on campus to listen, answer questions, and share information about accessing mental health care.

During the event, Ashley also met with Reed College Vice President Karnell McConnell-Black, Ed.D. We appreciated the opportunity to connect with both students and college leadership during a day focused on student well-being.

These conversations were a reminder of why we do this work: students need space to talk about what they are experiencing—and support that meets them where they are.

What Students Told Us They Need

During the fair, Ashley heard from students about the challenges weighing on them most. Some described stress, anxiety, and feelings of depression as they adjusted to living away from home.

Leaving parents, family, and familiar routines can mean learning how to create a sense of safety and stability for the first time. Alongside classes and assignments, students are figuring out how to manage daily responsibilities, build friendships, and find their place in an unfamiliar environment.

These conversations gave us an opportunity to listen and learn about the different kinds of support students are seeking.

Teen Therapy and College Student Counseling in Oregon

At Willamette Wellness Center, we specialize in teen therapy for adolescents ages 14 and older throughout Oregon and Washington, as well as counseling for college students and young adults.

Our therapists support students navigating anxiety, depression, school stress, relationships, identity, and major life transitions. Whether someone is managing the demands of high school or adjusting to their first semester away from home, therapy can provide a place to feel heard, explore concerns, and develop practical ways to cope.

Students do not have to wait until everything feels unmanageable to seek support. Sometimes the starting point is simply recognizing that a transition feels harder than expected.

Questions Reed College Students Asked About Therapy

During the Wellness Fair, students asked thoughtful questions about accessing therapy, insurance coverage, finding the right therapist, and receiving ongoing mental health support. Here are some of the questions we discussed.

1. Does WWC accept PacificSource insurance, the health plan offered to Reed College students?

Yes! WWC accepts PacificSource commercial insurance, along with Aetna, Regence BlueCross BlueShield, Providence, MODA, Kaiser Permanente, UnitedHealthcare/Optum, and many Oregon Health Plan (OHP) plans. Our intake team can help verify your specific insurance coverage and benefits before your first appointment.

2. Do you offer virtual therapy so I can attend sessions between classes?

Absolutely! WWC offers convenient, confidential online mental health therapy throughout Oregon and Washington. Students can meet with their therapist from a private location on campus without having to travel to an office.

3. Can your therapists help with homesickness and adjusting to being away from home?

Yes! Our therapists help college students navigate homesickness, loneliness, anxiety, depression, new friendships, and the challenges of becoming more independent. College is a major life transition, and you don’t have to navigate it alone.

4. Do you have younger therapists who understand what college life is like?

Yes! WWC has a large, diverse team of therapists of different ages and backgrounds, including younger clinicians. We understand that finding someone you relate to matters, and our intake team can help match you with a therapist who fits your preferences.

5. Do you have therapists who work with college athletes?

Yes! Our therapists can support student-athletes managing performance anxiety, academic pressure, perfectionism, burnout, and the challenges of balancing sports with school. Let our intake team know if you would prefer someone with experience working with athletes.

6. Do you have therapists who identify as nonbinary or gender-diverse?

Definitely! WWC is proud to specialize in LGBTQIA2S+ affirming mental health care. We welcome requests for therapists with particular identities or lived experiences and will help match you with someone who respects and understands your needs, based on availability.

7. Reed College offers six counseling sessions. Can I receive longer-term therapy at WWC?

Absolutely! Unlike programs with a fixed six-session limit, WWC offers ongoing outpatient therapy. Some students attend for a few months, while others continue longer. The length of treatment depends on your individual needs, treatment goals, and insurance coverage.

8. Can I attend some therapy sessions in person and others virtually?

Yes! WWC offers both in-person counseling at our Milwaukie, Oregon office and online therapy throughout Oregon and Washington. Depending on your therapist’s availability and insurance coverage, you may be able to alternate between in-person and virtual appointments to fit your college schedule.

Making Mental Health Care More Accessible

Finding a therapist shouldn’t add more stress to an already busy college schedule.

At WWC, our intake team helps students navigate insurance, identify their preferences, and connect with a therapist who is a good fit. With a large team of mental health professionals, we offer a variety of clinical specialties, therapeutic approaches, and appointment options.

We provide in-person therapy in Milwaukie, near Portland and Reed College, as well as online counseling for teens and college students throughout Oregon and Washington.

Whether you need support during a difficult semester or are looking for a longer-term therapeutic relationship, we’re here to help.

Support for This Season—and What Comes Next

We appreciate Reed College’s invitation and the students who took time to share their experiences with Ashley. Listening to what students need helps us understand how to support them through this important season of life.

Our tagline is “Mental health care for everyone”—because we mean it. That includes teens and college students finding their footing, building new relationships, and discovering who they want to become.

Looking for teen therapy or college student counseling in Oregon?

Explore our teen therapy services or contact Willamette Wellness Center to ask about therapist availability, in-person and online appointments, and insurance coverage.