Who is eligible for counseling?

All enrolled MUW students are eligible for using the services provided by Counseling Services.  Non-student spouses or partners of students may be seen in the context of couples counseling with their partner.  If there are indicators of a need for individual counseling with the non-student, he/she will be referred to an appropriate outside agency.

 What is the cost?

All of our services are free for those eligible to receive counseling.

 How do I make an appointment?

You may call (662)329-7748 or (662)241-7748 or come by Kincannon to set up an initial appointment.  We do not make appointments or engage in counseling via e-mail due to confidentiality.

 What about confidentiality?

Counseling is confidential for all persons.  No information regarding your visit(s) will be divulged to any person or agencies, parents, faculty, prospective employees without your written permission specifying what may be disclosed; not 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:

·        When there is reasonable suspicion of abuse of a child or elderly person

·        When ordered to release records to a court of law having proper jurisdiction

·        When there is imminent risk of harm to self or others.

 What kinds of problems do people bring to counseling?

People seek counseling for a variety of reasons, ranging from mild, situational issues to more serious and complex problems.  If assessed that a particular client’s needs are beyond our scope of services, then we may suggest other referral options.  Examples of problems brought to counseling include: depression, relationship concerns, anxiety, academic concerns, family conflicts, etc.

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 office to make an appointment.  If necessary, you may make the call and let the student make an appointment.  If possible, walk the student over the office 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. Counseling Referral Form

What are my responsibilities as a client? 

1 Participation.  We endorse a Working Alliance model of treatment, in which the counselor and the client are partners working collaboratively toward mutually agreed upon goals.

2 Therefore, we encourage you to be very open and honest with your counselor regarding your perceptions, your opinions, your motivational level, as well as your sense of what is helpful and what is not helpful in treatment.

3 Please make every effort to be on time for you appointment, and if you must cancel or reschedule, please do so as soon as the conflict is apparent.

4 If you agree to attempt an intervention or homework assignment between sessions, please follow through with it.  If you are unsure or uneasy about an assignment, communicate this to your counselor so that the two of you may make an adjustment or try something that feels more appropriate at that time

5 Please keep in mind that the goal of counseling is to affect some type of change in the client’s behavior, coping styles, thoughts, feelings, and/or beliefs.  This change process, while growth-producing and normal may produce discomfort at times.  While some discomfort is normal and expected, communicate with your counselor regarding the level of discomfort you experience.