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Counseling

OUR MISSION 

Counseling Services promotes the personal growth and success of students by fostering their intellectual, personal, and psychological well-being.

 

INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING

Our counseling sessions are:

  • Free for currently enrolled MSSU students
  • Confidential
  • Brief and time-limited

We help students navigate challenges that may affect their success, including personal issues, relationships, or life transitions. Our team also consults with faculty, staff, or concerned friends when needed, and we can connect you with off-campus specialists for long-term support.


Psychoeducation Groups: "Finding Your Flow in College"

Want to build skills for success and balance in college? Join our weekly group:

  • When: Every Tuesday in February
  • Where: Counseling Services, Billingsly Student Center, Suite 347
  • What: Learn strategies for managing stress, improving focus, and navigating college life with confidence
  • Who: Open to all currently enrolled MSSU students

This is a safe, supportive space to share, learn, and grow alongside other students.

Email counselingservices@mssu.edu to sign up.


Common Reasons Students Seek Help

Students seek help for a variety of personal issues. Some of the most common are:

  • Self-esteem and identity concerns
  • Relationships (family, friends, significant others)
  • Depression
  • Thoughts of Suicide
  • Anxiety & Panic Attacks
  • Stress
  • Questions about Sexuality
  • Coping with Grief and Loss
  • Body Image Concerns
  • Managing Anger
  • Transitioning to College Life
  • Career and Life Choices
  • Adjusting to Life in the U.S.
  • Other Mental Health Concerns

How to Make an Appointment

  1. Visit us in person: Billingsly Student Center, Suite 347
  2. Call us: 417-625-9559
  3. Email us: CounselingServices@mssu.edu

Before your first session, you’ll receive an email with a Student Data Form. Completing it ahead of time gives us more time to focus on you. If you can’t complete it online, please arrive 15-20 minutes early to fill it out.

Billingsly Student Center

Crisis & Emergency Support 

Your safety is our top priority. For urgent situations including suicidal thoughts, threats to others, or sexual assault — we respond immediately.

  • National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988
  • Campus Police: 417-625-9911

If you’re in crisis, please reach out right away.


Confidentiality

Your privacy matters. All counseling records are confidential and are not part of your academic records.

We only share information without your consent in rare cases, such as:

  • Immediate risk of harm to yourself or others
  • Suspected child abuse
  • Court order

Counselors may consult with each other for training and guidance, but your information stays protected.

Support for Veterans

Counseling Services works alongside VA services to provide support for student veterans.


Take a Free, Confidential Screening

Not sure where to start? Take a quick online screening to see what support might help you:
ONLINE SCREENING

Contact the Department

Office: Billingsly Student Center Suite 347
Counseling Services Reception Desk: 417-625-9559
Fax: 417-625-3062
Email: CounselingServices@mssu.edu

Fall & Spring:
Appointment availability: Monday-Friday 9:00am to 11:00am and 1:00pm to 3:00pm.

Summer:
Appointment availability: Monday-Thursday 9:00am to 11:00am and 1:00pm to 3:00pm.