Mississippi State University Student Counseling Services has moved to 115c Hathorn Hall to make the office more convenient for students on campus.
Bill Broyles, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, said the offices in Lee Hall were not efficient for students.
“The office set up had us on both sides of the main hall and two floors,” Broyles said.
Kendrick Bailey, a staff counselor at the center, said the new offices are bigger and more accommodating to students.
“It’s easy to find, and the building is wheelchair-friendly,” Bailey said.
Broyles said the new location is more efficient for all types of counseling and staff because all the counselors are together. The new offices also provide more comfort for the student population growth.
“We will be able to provide more resources,” said Broyles. “We’ve got to grow to meet that demand, and we couldn’t meet that demand in Lee Hall.”
Bailey said appointments can be made either in person or over the phone.
Many of the clinicians have doctorates or are licensed. All students are welcomed to use the counseling center.
“It is for all full-time students who would like to receive help for any mental issues or life circumstances they are facing,” Bailey said.
Broyles said the center is aimed to provide the mental health needs of students on campus.
“It falls under University Health Services,” said Broyles, “and it provides an umbrella for the physical health and mental health of the students, and health education and wellness to prevent physical and mental illness.”
Beatrice Tatum, director of the counseling center and coordinator of sexual services, said the center is to provide professional support for students.
“We try to support them academically, socially and personally,” Tatum said.
Bailey said the therapies offered are individual, group, family and couples.
“I encourage all students to receive counseling if they are on a path for self-discovery or if they are struggling through life problems,” Bailey said.
Tatum said the counseling center is free and confidential.
“We’re not here to judge what they say,” Tatum said. “Counseling doesn’t mean you are bad off but aware of your situation.”
Students believe the center can be very helpful for those struggling. Lindsey Finn, a sophomore mathematics major, said students should take advantage of the services when they are struggling through problems.
“I’m glad we have it because people out there need help and can get it there,” Finn said.
Jhalisa Holloway, a freshman mechanical engineering major, agreed it would be helpful for students who use it, but not all types of students will.
“Some people don’t like to talk,” Holloway said, “but it could be useful if they do take advantage of it.”
However, Jared McQuary, a sophomore computer science major, said the center could bring in more students with more publicity.
“More students would use it,” McQuary said. “I didn’t know about it.”
Tatum said the counseling center sponsors Active Minds, a student led organization to talk about mental health.
“Their goal is to deal with issues students face on campus,” Tatum said.
The center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For emergencies after hours, students can call MSU police department. They will then contact the counselor on duty.