Campus Counseling Services

MidAmerica Nazarene University offers FREE counseling to MNU students.

Appointments are available with a therapist who will help you deal with important issues from a Christian perspective.

Types of Services
Clients who visit Campus Counseling Services have a variety of interests and concerns. Many seek help with issues related to adjusting to college. They also seek help for psychological, interpersonal, sexual, and faith issues as well as family concerns. Individual, couple, family and group sessions are available.

What to Expect
Campus Counseling Services provides therapy aimed at maximizing clients' ability to function in life. The first visit usually lasts about 40-50 minutes. It is focused on understanding the nature of the concern and clarifying goals and expectations in a non-threatening environment. Clients are encouraged to participate actively in determining the care that may be most helpful to accomplish their goals. The therapist will be glad to respond to any questions. Usually by the end of the first session an agreement is reached regarding the next steps to take. In most cases the client will continue with the initial therapist, however, clients may be referred to another therapist or service that better addresses their needs.

Confidentiality
All contacts with Campus Counseling Services are confidential. No client information is released to anyone outside Campus Counseling Services, including other university offices, faculty, staff, or parents, without the client's written consent. There are limits to confidentiality. Therapists are required by law to report cases of child abuse. They may disclose information when it is necessary to protect a client or others from imminent danger. Information may be disclosed when required by court order. Campus Counseling Services members reserve the right to share information with each other for consultation and training purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I make an appointment?
   Call Virginia Nielsen at ext. 3445. She will help you.
2. Which therapist will I see?
   We have a team of excellent clinicians who are assigned on a first-come-first-served basis. When you call Virginia, she will assist you with the details of time and location.
3. Are appointments set to coincide with my schedule?
   We will make every effort to make your time convenient for you. We like to schedule on a consistent basis with each person, so that quality service may be available to those who need it.
4. Can I schedule directly with a therapist or drop by for someone?
   No, all the scheduling is done through Virginia to make sure that time slots are used fairly and promptly. Please respect that and contact Virginia at ext. 3445 or come to Metz 201 and schedule with Virginia directly.
5. Where will my session be conducted?
   You will need to come to Metz 201 and be seated in the waiting area. Your therapist will come for you at the scheduled time.
6. For what reasons do students make appointments?
   Issues vary from relatively simple to incredibly complex. If it's important to you, it's important to us. You'll be treated with respect, and the services will be provided in an environment that will be safe and comfortable for you.
7. How many sessions will be required?
   Those decisions are made collaboratively with you and your therapist.
8. What do I do if I need help in an emergency?
   If the need occurs during normal working hours, please call ext. 3445 and Virginia will help you get immediate assistance. If your need occurs after hours, please call (913) 403-2556 and follow the voice prompts or contact your RA or RE immediately.
9. What if I make an appointment and then decide I don't need help?
   Pressure that prompts you to seek help can ease a bit and it may seem unnecessary to go for counseling. However, these same issues tend to recur until resolved. If you need to miss an appointment, please call to cancel.
10. What if I'm not getting help from the therapist I am seeing?
    First, let the therapist with whom you are currently working know how you feel. If you are still unable to get help, let him or her know that you would prefer to work with someone else. Then, call Virginia and she will schedule you with someone else.