Counseling Services

Student in thought Counseling Services provides confidential counseling free of charge to assist students with personal, developmental, or psychological concerns related to their academic progress and/or personal growth. Counseling is short-term, solution-focused with session limits set per semester. For chronic mental health issues or those that may require more extensive counseling, Counseling Services provides consultation and referral to community resources. Presentations on various mental health and wellness topics are provided in conjunction with Student Development, Student Support Services, and Residential Life.

Counseling Services are available Monday through Friday by appointment.

For information or to make an appointment, please call Terri Zeilenga, M.A., LPC at 875-7423 or the Campus Life Office at 875-7400.

Counseling issues

Generally, people seek counseling because they are struggling with issues that affect the way they feel or inhibit their ability to go about their daily lives or meet their goals.  These issues can interfere with relationships, affect one's ability to concentrate on school or work, impact one's energy level, appetite, and sleep, and/or create feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress.  Specifically, people come to Counseling  Services for a variety of reasons including:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety/panic
  • Test anxiety
  • Stress management
  • Relationships
  • Time management
  • Conflict resolution
  • Concerns involving drug and alcohol use
  • Feeling of insecurity and self-doubt
  • Homesickness and adjusting to campus life
  • Eating disorders
  • Sexuality
  • Dealing with anger
  • Abuse issues
  • Grief

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is a priority.  Our goal is to provide a safe environment in which to discuss personal issues.  If you seek counseling, you have a right to privacy.  This means that neither the fact that you have received counseling nor the specific issues discussed will be disclosed to anyone without your written permission.  Rare exceptions may occur in regards to safety issues or court orders.  A counseling record is kept for the counselor's use only and is filed in a secure location.

What to expect - the first session

The initial session provides a time for you to get acquainted with your counselor and discuss the reason you are seeking counseling.  Information about your background will be gathered, and you will be given information about your rights as a client and about confidentiality.  Sometimes an initial session is all that is required.  Some issues are easily addressed, and in other cases, a referral to someone else who specializes in a particular area is appropriate.  If you and the counselor decide to continue to work together, a plan will be developed and the goals of counseling will be defined.  A follow-up appointment will be arranged at the close of the session.

After-hours assistance

If you need assistance and the Counseling Services office is closed, there are a number of resources available to you both on and off campus:

On-campus support

  • Campus Life office
    (573) 875-7400
    Campus Life staff can reach on-call counseling staff
  • In residence halls
    Contact your Resident Assistant (RA), Head Resident, or Area Coordinator.
  • Campus Safety
    (573) 219-0212, or ext. 7315
  • Health Services: (573) 875-7432

Community support

  • General emergency
    911
  • 24-Hour Mental Health Crisis Line
    (800) 395-2132
  • University Hospital Emergency Center
    (573) 882-8091
  • Boone Hospital Center Emergency Services
    (573) 815-3501
  • The Shelter Rape & Abuse Hotline in Columbia
    (573) 875-1370
  • Suicide Prevention Hotline
    1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Related links

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