Mission Statement
The SDSU Counseling Center is dedicated to fostering our diverse student body's holistic well-being and academic success. We aim to empower students to navigate personal and academic challenges, develop resilience and achieve their fullest potential through compassionate, confidential, and culturally sensitive support. By offering a range of counseling services, workshops and resources, we strive to create an inclusive environment that promotes mental health awareness, personal growth, and a balanced life, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive in their educational journey and beyond.
Vision
To empower every student to realize their fullest potential through compassionate support and personalized guidance.
People-Centered
You'll be relieved to know that SDSU also provides personal and confidential assistance on campus through Counseling Services at no charge to the student. Whether you dealt with emotional difficulties before coming here to SDSU or they have started to affect your studies now, we are here to provide support. Our experienced and qualified counseling staff can help.
Stepped Care Model
The Stepped Care Model allows students to receive the level of mental health support they need, when they need it. Rather than fit students into one type of mental health service, students receive a care plan that works for them the same day they walk into the clinic for support.
Same-Day screenings are the first step.
| Intensity Low-High | Level of Student Autonomy/ Self-Advocacy | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Screening appointment to determine referral | |
| 2 | Campus support | Campus Support - Healthy University and Beyond |
| 3 | Peer support | Lost and Found and Jacks Club Hub |
| 4 | Wellness workshops | Three to five session commitment. |
| 5 | Guided self-help resources | Online screenings | Jed Foundation + others |
| 6 | Intensive group therapy | Psychoeducational, support and interpersonal process. Eight-12 session commitment. |
| 7 | Brief individual therapy | Short-term solution focused counseling. |
| 8 | Off-campus referral | Long-term specialized treatment and psychological testing. |
| 9 | Acute and crisis care | |
Uwill Teletherapy
Staff Counselors
- Bachelor's Degree: B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies, South Dakota State University
- Master's Degree: M.S. in Marriage and Family Counseling, South Dakota State University
- Currently working towards earning certification to be a licensed marriage and family therapist in the state of South Dakota.
My goal as a therapist is to create a welcoming environment for students to open up about any mental health concerns they may be having. College is a great place to grow and work on becoming the best version of yourself, and we are here to help you do so. I look forward to meeting with you and helping you meet your goals!
- Bachelor's Degree: B.S. in Psychology, University of South Dakota
- Master's Degree: M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, South Dakota State University
- Currently working towards earning certification to be a licensed professional counselor in the state of South Dakota.
My goal as a staff counselor is to provide a safe, comfortable space for students to come and talk about their wellness journey. You are not alone in this process, and it is okay to ask for help. I look forward to meeting with you!
- Bachelor's Degrees: B.A. in Human Services, B.A. in Behavioral Sciences, Dakota Wesleyan University
- Master's Degree: Master of Social Work with emphasis in Mental Health and Trauma, University of Denver
My goal as a staff counselor is to allow you a space to be open and honest about life stressors that are impacting your life, all while growing with skills and insight for yourself. Life can be difficult and uncomfortable at times, and we are here to support you. I look forward to navigating life’s stressors with you!
- Bachelor’s Degree: B.A., Psychology, Religion Minor, Concordia College Moorhead
- Master’s Degree: M.S. in Counseling and Student Affairs, College Counseling Emphasis
- Post Degree Graduate Level Coursework towards terminal licensure and clinical supervision certification: South Dakota State University, University of North Carolina Greensboro
My goal as a staff counselor is to provide an environment to help clients bring change to their lives with an adaptable, eclectic, trauma-informed approach with an emphasis on psychoeducation and self-discovery.
- Bachelor's Degree: B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies, South Dakota State University
- Master's Degree: M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, South Dakota State University
- Currently working towards earning certification to be a licensed professional counselor in South Dakota.
I am passionate about helping students work through various challenges with a strengths-based approach. I will work to empower you to find your solutions and create positive change. I am a therapist who celebrates marginalized identities, abilities, and bodies. Come see us; I am so excited to work with you!
- Bachelor's Degree: B.S. in Psychology, South Dakota State University
- Master's Degree: M.S. in Student Affairs and M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, South Dakota State University
- Currently working towards earning certification to be a licensed professional counselor in the state of South Dakota
Much of my professional experience is in higher education and helping students transition to college life. I use a student-centered approach while providing a warm, understanding and nonjudgemental environment. I look forward to helping you reach your goals and achieve academic and personal success.
- Bachelor's Degree: B.S. in Psychology, North Dakota State University 2018
- Master's Degree: M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, South Dakota State University 2021
- Currently finishing certification to become a licensed professional counselor in South Dakota.
When meeting with students, I prioritize tailoring my approach to whatever works best for that individual. Regardless of what brings someone into my office, my goal is to help students feel seen and valued, one human being to another. Life is tough, but you don’t have to do it alone.
- Bachelor's Degree: B.S. in Psychology, Pedagogical and Technological University of Colombia.
- Specialization: Pedagogy of Human Rights, Pedagogical and Technological University of Colombia.
- Pursuing a master’s degree: M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at South Dakota State University, currently completing a counseling internship.
My goal as an intern is to provide culturally sensitive services and apply evidence-based therapeutic approaches while enriching my learning experience as a student. I believe in creating a supportive and welcoming environment for everyone and encouraging students to take steps toward their well-being. I am eager to support you on this journey!
- Bachelor’s Degree: B.S. in Psychology, South Dakota State University
- Currently working towards M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I’ll be graduating in the spring!
As a counseling intern, I strive to absorb all the knowledge from SDSU’s incredible counseling staff while providing a safe and inclusive space for our students to grow and heal. I look forward to meeting you! Go, Jacks!
Have questions?