The Counseling Staff provide confidential counseling to Missouri S&T students, faculty, and staff. Counseling sessions are provided free of charge by professionally trained and licensed counselors and/or psychologists. Services are based on a brief-treatment model and are time-limited. Staff members work collaboratively with members of the S&T community to help clarify issues, support existing strengths, address issues, and, when appropriate, arrange referrals. Part-time students, faculty, and staff may receive consultation, limited services, or community referral. If you have a question about eligibility, please contact us at 573-341-4211.

Confidentiality

The counselor/psychologist is legally and ethically required to maintain confidentiality to provide a safe, trusting working environment. In order to disclose any information shared in the course of receiving services, the counselor/psychologist must obtain written permission from the individual. There are specific situations, however, when the counselor/psychologist is required by law to breach confidentiality - when there is a possibility the person may harm himself/herself, harm someone else, when child or vulnerable adult abuse is indicated, or when subpoenaed by a court of law.

Individual Counseling

Personal Counseling

Concerns commonly addressed in personal counseling include self-exploration, family issues, adjustment to S&T life, feelings of depression and anxiety, interpersonal issues, self-esteem, substance abuse, and physical or sexual abuse. Still others struggle with issues such as motivation, procrastination, or test anxiety that interfere with academic success. Those who use our services may also learn relaxation and coping strategies to deal with the many stressors of daily living.

Career Counseling

Members of the S&T community wondering about their academic major, career direction, or professional development may take advantage of career counseling. Typically, career counseling explores personal and professional goals and how to achieve them. Individuals may complete interest inventories to help clarify their likes and dislikes, and occupational "matches." We offer both individual and group formats of career counseling.

Group Counseling

Group counseling is interactive, supportive, and interpersonal in nature and provides an opportunity to address issues with others who have similar concerns. Some groups are short-term and structured similarly to a class; others are ongoing and unstructured discussions. All groups are confidential, usually co-led by S&T Counseling staff, and exempt from the twelve session limit. If you are interested in a group, please call us at 573-341-4211 for additional information. In order to join a group, prospective members must meet with a least one of the group co-leaders prior to attending the group.

Currently and previously offered groups include:

• Anger Management Group is designed to increase understanding of anger and develop strategies to channel anger into effective communication instead of destructive behaviors.
• Career Exploration Group is for students who are unsure of their majors. The group helps you find the best major by matching personal interests and values with career opportunities.
• Family Issues Group focuses on living successfully today and moving beyond the limits of negative family experiences.
• GLBT Group invites members to explore issues related to sexual orientation and identity. What does it mean to be gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered? How do I meet someone to date? Whom should I tell? How? When? How will my family react? How can I deal with homophobia and prejudice/discrimination? Other topics, not directly related to sexual orientation, are also possible if the issues are of concern to members (academics, career, etc.).
• Graduate Student Group is open to all graduate students of all departments. The purpose of the group is to provide both support and practical strategies for completing your degree requirements, including your finishing your research, balancing the multiple demands on your time, and working effectively with your advisor.
• Older Adult Students in School (O.A.S.I.S.) Group addresses the topics of making the transition to student life and balancing academics, home, and work.
• Self-Esteem Enhancement Group helps members rediscover ways to honor and celebrate the self, as well as ways to share with others in a safe setting.
• Sexual Abuse Survivors Group provides support and encouragement for self-care and healing in a safe environment.
• Stress Management Group presents various ways of reducing stress including examining stress producing beliefs and behaviors and by introducing relaxation techniques.
• Student Success Group presents tactics to improve study skills, testing skills (preparation, taking, anxiety), time management, and to address procrastination and low motivation.

Crisis Counseling

If your situation is a crisis and it is during our regular hours, please contact CDSW at 573-341-4211 or stop by the office at 204 Norwood Hall. We will make sure you are seen that day, as soon as possible. For psychological emergencies that occur when our office is closed, we can be contacted through the Missouri S&T Police at 573-341-4300.