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
My name is Gabriel Hertler and I am a staff counselor with the Student Counseling Services at South Dakota State University. I have a Masters degree in counseling and student affairs from Minnesota State University, Moorhead with a college counseling emphasis. I'm a licensed professional counselor (LPC-MH and a qualified mental health provider (QMHP) for the state of South Dakota and have been employed at SDSU since 2013. In addition to working with trauma, anxiety and other challenges, I have a special interest and knowledge of multi-cultural counseling and working with diverse populations. I am a listed resource for the GSA and the campus advisor for Jack Ju-Jitsu. I also give presentations for the CHRD department on select topics and am involved in student conduct assessment and substance use prevention on campus.
I live in Brookings with my wife Asha and our son Adler. My hobbies and interests include cooking, traveling (international and domestic), hiking, literature, performing arts, Brazilian Ju-Jitsu and spending time with friends, family and my pets.
Hey there! I am one of the staff counselors at the Student Counseling Services at SDSU and I've been working here since 2022. Before working here full time, I was a counseling intern and stated my internship right when everything went online. I earned my Masters of Science in clinical mental health counseling from South Dakota State University in 2021 and I am currently working towards earning certification to be a licensed professional counselor in the state of South Dakota. When I'm not at the Miller Wellness Center, I love spending time with my spouse and our pup, Dante. I spend a lot (too much) time watching YouTube 'Let's Plays,' working on crafting projects, reading and trying to keep my several house plants alive.
I have experience working with many different presenting concerns and tailor my approach to whatever works best for each individual. I've found that I often work with students experiencing ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, disordered eating, students questioning their gender identity and/or sexuality and students that would like healthier relationships with their parents/guardians. Regardless of brings a student into my office, my goal is to help students feel seen and support them to reach their goals. Life is tough, but you don't have to do it alone.
Hello! My name is Autumn Garr and I am a staff counselor in the Student Counseling Services at South Dakota State University. I hold a Master of Social Work with emphasis in trauma and mental health from University of Denver. I grew up in the area and came back after completing my Bachelor of Arts at Dakota Wesleyan University with a double major in human services and behavioral sciences. Prior to coming to SDSU, I worked in a community mental health center with a crisis response center and as a behavioral tech in the Brookings School District. During my personal time you will find me with family and friends, attending concerts or the occasional Emo Night event in Sioux Falls. I also enjoy learning about true crime and exploring music.
As a counselor, I work to meet you where you are so that we can work together to get you where you want to be. No matter who you are or where you come from, we all face challenges and struggles from time to time and my job is to help you learn and grow from those experiences and I look forward to meeting you.
Hello! My name is Amanda Janssen, and I am a staff counselor with the Student Counseling Services at South Dakota State University. I have a master's degree in marriage and family counseling from South Dakota State University. I am an LMFT-supervisee, which means I am working towards becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist. I thoroughly enjoy working with the college population and specifically enjoy working with relational issues clients may experience. I have completed the Level 1 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy and find this to be very helpful in my work. College is a huge transition for so many reasons. The counseling center is here to help make the transition a little easier. Stop by as we would love to get to know you!
I live in Aurora with my husband, Jayden, and our two golden retrievers, Kyia (3) and Duke (1). In my free time I enjoy spending time outside playing softball or working on my yard, baking and reading.
Hi there! My name is Katie Hillerud, a staff counselor at the SDSU counseling center! I am originally from rural Minnesota and currently reside in Brookings with my fiancé and my many house plants. In my free time, I enjoy being outside, running, doing yard work, reading, listening to podcasts, and spending time with my friends and family (especially my niece and nephew).
I earned a Bachelors degree in human development and family studies in 2019 and a Masters degree in clinical mental health counseling from South Dakota State University in 2022. I have a passion for helping students work through a variety of challenges, specifically related to developmental /childhood trauma, grief, neurodiversity, disordered eating and body image issues, family, relationship and interpersonal issues, adjustment and transition difficulties, and symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress. I am a therapist who celebrates marginalized identities, abilities, and bodies who continually work toward increasing my multicultural competence and clinical knowledge. I am so excited to work with you!
Hello! My name is Ashley, and I am a staff counselor at the SDSU Counseling Center. I am originally from Sioux Falls. I currently live in Brookings with my husband and two orange cats. In my free time I life to read romance books, hike watch movies and go to concerts!
I earned my Bachelor's degree in Psychology from University of South Dakota in 2020 and then earned my Master's degree in clinical mental health and counseling from South Dakota State University in 2022. I have eight months of experience working in community mental health in Watertown.
My goal as a counselor is to provide a safe, comfortable space for students to come and talk about any program. I often work with students who are experiencing or struggling with anxiety, depression, anger management, disordered eating, stress and transition difficulties. You are not along in this process, and it is okay to ask for help. I look forward to meeting with you!
Hello! My name is Jacque, and I'm a staff counselor with the Student Counseling Services at South Dakota State University. I earned my Bachelor's degree in psychology as well as Master's degrees in student affairs and clinical mental health counseling at SDSU. Much of my professional experience is in higher education and helping students transition to college life.
As a counselor, I often work with students who are dealing with stress, anxiety, depression and various life challenges. I believe in using a student-centered approach while providing a warm, understanding, and nonjudgemental environment. I'm here to help and I look forward to helping you reach your goals and achieve academic and personal success.
Have questions?