Dear NIU student,

The American Counseling Association wishes to express our sadness over the events that occurred February 14th on the Northern Illinois University campus in DeKalb. Our thoughts are with the entire NIU community as students, faculty, staff, family, and friends cope with this tragedy.

ACA recognizes that thoughts and feelings associated with the events of February 14th do not dissipate in just a few months. As such, we are glad to be able to respond to a request from NIU to assist students in the aftermath of the tragic shootings. Hundreds of licensed professional counselors in Illinois and across the United States have responded to the Northern Illinois University request and volunteered to provide up to five counseling sessions at no charge to NIU students over the summer. Who might take advantage of this opportunity? Any student who would like to talk and reflect about the events of February 14th. Any student who would like to work through painful feelings that have emerged after the shootings. Any student who is concerned that February 14th has affected their sleeping, eating, drinking, work, relationships, or has otherwise interfered in their life. Please note that these sessions are not meant for a crisis or emergency situation. If you are in need of emergency assistance, please call 911 or go directly to your nearest hospital emergency room.

We want to make it as simple as possible for you to take advantage of the generous offer for counseling from members of the American Counseling Association and the Illinois Counseling Association. All you need to do is:

1. Click on the link below to go to the national directory of ACA members who have volunteered to assist NIU students. Locate a licensed professional counselor who is within traveling distance of your summer residence.
2. Call or e-mail the counselor identifying yourself as an NIU student and make an appointment.
3. Show your NIU student ID at your initial appointment.
4. We recommend that as part of getting to know your counselor that you discuss his or her credentials including licensure.

Northern Illinois Pro Bono Counselor Directory (PDF)

If you cannot locate a counselor in your area or have any unexpected difficulty in making an appointment, please contact Dr. David Kaplan, ACA's Chief Professional Officer at dkaplan@counseling.org or 800-347-6647 ext. 397.

Please see the "Frequently Asked Questions" link on the left side for additional information. Thank you for giving members of the American Counseling Association the opportunity to serve NIU.

Sincerely,

David Kaplan, PhD
ACA Chief Professional Officer