Counseling Center Services Questions

Answers to questions about the services of the Counseling Center:

How do I know if I am eligible to use the Counseling Center?	The Counseling Center serves currently enrolled graduate and undergraduate students at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Services are confidential and are offered to students at no cost. Note: Students who receive services may not be eligible for practicum and internship positions in the Counseling Center. Minnesota State Mankato faculty and staff are encouraged to use the Employee Assistance Plan (EAP).
What is Stepped Care?	The Counseling Center has adapted the Stepped Care Model to better serve the needs of Minnesota State Mankato students. Our goal with this new model is to prioritize quick access to services, and to offer individualized recommendations for each person’s unique needs across a wide variety of wellness-oriented services. We have everything from single-session psychoeducational seminars to workshops for managing anxiety and depression, to short-term individual and group counseling. The Counseling Center can also help connect you with campus and community resources that best suit your needs.
How do I make an appointment?	Students can be seen for a same-day appointment on a first-come, first-serve basis. When you have 60-90 minutes of free time, come to the Counseling Center, located at CSU 285, during our screening times. Check in at the front desk, and you will be asked to complete an electronic questionnaire about your reasons for seeking services at this time and relevant background information about yourself. This information is vital for the counselor to have before you get started. Once you have completed the paperwork, you will then meet with the next available counselor for a 20-minute Screening Appointment.
What can I expect during the first visit?	The counselor will review the paperwork you completed and then meet with you for a 20-minute Screening Appointment. The counselor will talk with you to assess your current concerns, needs, and goals. The counselor will then make recommendations (a personalized Care Plan) for the many wellness and academic services offered at the Counseling Center, and/or refer to campus or community resources and supports.
What services are offered in the Counseling Center?	The Counseling Center offers a variety of services to meet the unique needs of Minnesota State Mankato students. We offer self-guided and peer support resources, brief psychoeducational seminars on topics related to college student mental health and academic success, wellness workshops aimed to improve your coping skills, individualized instruction on different mindfulness and behavioral stress management strategies, psychoeducational, support, and interpersonal process groups, short-term individual counseling, and referrals to campus resources and community services. The Counseling Center is equipped to address a wide range of concerns –come to a Screening Appointment and meet with a counselor to discuss which service is right for you!
How long can I use services?	Many of the services at the Counseling Center do not have session limits –you may attend several throughout the academic year. These services include our Discovering Yourself or BSMI seminars, Wellness Workshops, and Group Counseling. However, your counselor will always prioritize the right services that fit your individualized needs. If you are recommended for short-term individual counseling, trauma-focused (ART) counseling, couples counseling, or individual BSMI, you will work with your counselor to determine treatment goals and number of sessions needed. Students may receive up to 10 individual (or couples) sessions in an academic year. However, if your needs and goals exceed our short-term model, you may be referred for long-term care in the community.
I have more questions – how can I find out more information?	Check out the Frequently Asked Questions section on our website for more information about Short-Term Individual Counseling and Group Counseling. Or, feel free to call the Counseling Center at 507-389-1455 during business hours.