General InformationSCS Online ScreeningStudent Counseling Services and Screening for Mental Health, Inc. offer free and anonymous online screening for depression, alcohol use, eating disorders, and anxiety. The online screenings are informational, not diagnostic, and treatment recommendations are not provided. Online screening is made available so that Mississippi State University students may find out whether consultation with a Student Counseling Services counselor may be helpful.Click here for self tests. 
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Student Counseling ServicesGeneral Information
Who is eligible for counseling? All enrolled MSU students are eligible for using the services provided by the Counseling Center, except full-time MSU employees. Non-student spouses or partners of students may be seen in the context of couples counseling with their student partner. If there are indications of a need for individual counseling with the non-student, he/she will be referred to an appropriate outside counselor or agency. Top of page What is the cost? All of our services are free for those eligible to receive counseling. Top of page How do I make an appointment? You may call (662) 325-2091 or come by to set up an initial appointment. We do not make appointments or engage in counseling via e-mail due to concerns for confidentiality and irregular monitoring of incoming messages. Top of page What about confidentiality? Counseling is confidential for all persons. No information regarding your visit(s) will be divulged to any person(s) or agencies, parents, faculty, prospective employees without your written permission specifying what may be disclosed; nor will any record of your visit(s) exist within your official academic transcripts or medical records. All of this being said, there are some exceptions to confidentiality.
What kinds of problems do people bring into counseling? People seek counseling at our center for a variety of reasons, ranging from mild, situational issues to more serious and complex problems. Our clinical staff are all trained as generalists, meaning we are competent to assist clients with a wide range of issues. If we assess that a particular client's needs are beyond our scope of services, then we may suggest other referral options. For the past few years, the top 4 issues students brought to counseling were (rank ordered):
Top of page How can I refer someone for counseling? Often faculty, staff, friends or family will notice changes in an individual before he/she does. This may result in concern for the person and a desire to refer them for counseling. We suggest that you first speak to the individual, expressing your concern for them and encourage them to call or come by the Counseling Center to make an appointment. If necessary, you may make the call and let the student make an appointment. If possible, walk the student over to the center and provide support. You may also call and consult with staff to gather ideas on how to refer an individual who may be wary of seeking help. Top of page What can I expect at my first appointment? You will be asked to come in 10-15 minutes early for your first appointment. This is for you to fill out paperwork insuring your rights and confidentiality and to help identify symptoms of the concern that you are presenting with. During the session with the counselor, several things will be accomplished. First, you will have a chance to describe why you are seeking counseling, and why you chose this particular time to do so. Also of interest will be things like how long you have been troubled by this problem, what you have tried in the past to solve it, whether it resembles problems you have had in the past, something about your family background, and other possible areas of inquiry like a history of abuse, substance use, and general health. At the end of the session, the counselor will review with you the various choices available. These usually include:
What are my responsibilities as a client?
How will I be treated by the Counseling Center Staff? Counselors are aware of and respectful of the different strengths, challenges, beliefs and situations with which individuals present us. We respect your right to privacy and will adhere to the standards of confidentiality to the fullest extent allowed by law and our ethical guidelines. We are committed to treating all students with the fullest respect and dignity. You can expect to be treated with respect, kindness, and courtesy by all Counseling Center Staff. If you have concerns about how you are treated at our Center, please share these concerns with your counselor or the Center Director - Dr. Beatrice Tatem (Phone: 662-325-2091). We recognize that the individual is the best expert on him/her self. The individual client has the choice to participate as much as he/she is comfortable with, and to continue to or cease counseling, as they deem appropriate. (We do ask that individuals inform their counselor if they intend to cease counseling as that we may receive feedback and plan our schedules accordingly). Professional standards and responsibilities call for an avoidance of "dual role" relationships. What this means is that your counselor should not be a current professor, employer or social friend. Top of page |
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