Counseling

For Mental Health and Substance Use Counseling: Centre Counseling Services for students experiencing mental health, substance abuse, and relationship problems is located in Parsons Center with Student Health. Free and confidential counseling is provided for a wide range of needs and problems which students typically encounter. The intent of this counseling is to assist students in developing strategies to solve their specific, individual problems. Three full-time licensed mental health professionals and one part-time mental health professional are available by scheduled appointment to see students who are experiencing such problems as adjustment to college life, general stress, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, family and relationship issues, grief and loss, and alcohol and drug use problems. The number of counseling sessions provided is determined by the licensed counselor and based on the severity of the student's needs.  Student Health medical staff is available to prescribe some mental health medications; referrals for other medication and psychiatric consults are made by Counseling Services staff to outside providers. Any off-campus mental health services to students are the financial responsibility of the student and parents and referrals can be provided by Counseling Services staff. Educational programs for residence halls and campus groups are available on a variety of mental health, substance abuse, and wellness topics. Some mental health and substance use educational brochures and other printed materials are available in Parsons Center.  Counseling appointments may be made by calling 859-238-5740 or emailing counseling@centre.edu. If a student has an after-hours mental health emergency, they may reach a member of the Counseling Services staff by calling the Department for Public Safety at 859-236-4357. Students may also choose to call the following Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or the local “911” number.

The College reserves the right to mandate counseling for any student who is behaving in a manner that causes community disruption or may cause considerable harm to others. This determination will be based on the student’s conduct, actions and statements, and a licensed mental health professional will be involved in the determination. In those situations, if a student is required to seek professional counseling, and refuses to attend counseling, or a student who is a threat to others in the Centre community, the College reserves the right to remove the student from the residence halls, and/or the College. The College also reserves the right to contact the student’s parents or guardian in these serious situations.

For Academic Counseling: Each student is assigned an academic advisor from the faculty or staff who helps with the planning of a sound academic program. Each First Year student also has a student Orientation Assistant who serves as a liaison with the advisor and assists the new student in other ways in adjustment to college life. The entire Orientation Assistant staff is listed in the Academic Services and Policies section of this Handbook. If there are questions about a specific course, the student is also encouraged to seek the advice of the course instructor. If the student is still confused or unsure about an academic matter, the Associate Dean of the college or the Registrar is available to help. The Office of Advising may be reached at 859-238-5223.

For Financial Aid Advising: The Office of Financial Aid assists students, especially those receiving financial aid, in budgetary planning and responsibility, and in campus employment placement. The # for the Financial Aid office is 859-238-5365.

For Spiritual Counseling: The College Chaplain in the Office of Religious Life is available to provide spiritual assistance at 859-238-5342.

For Peer Counseling: All of the Residence Directors and Resident Assistants are trained and available for peer counseling assistance and referrals to other campus resources.