Counseling Center

St. Catherine University sits on the traditional homelands of the Wahpekute Dakȟóta People. The Counseling Center recognizes the original peoples of this land and its ancestral history, as well as the other nations, such as the Anishinaabe, who have also made this land home. We acknowledge the ways in which this history has been, and continues to be, erased and silenced. We recognize that their people were forcibly removed from their homeland and their deep relationship with the sacred sites, stories, foods and medicines, ancestral bones, cultural and healing resources, and way of being–to make room for us to reside and gain our livelihood.

As counselors, it is imperative for us to acknowledge the grief and trauma that settler colonialism, broken treaties, enforced starvation, and genocide have caused Indigenous people and this land. It would be impossible and harmful to situate discussions of mental health issues as problems of individuals without acknowledging the collective harms caused by settler colonialism–and by the mental health system that has often been used as a tool of colonization. It would be equally harmful not to recognize the patience and strengths the Indigenous community has always embodied.

These truths leave us with humble gratitude for the land which was stolen from the Dakȟóta people who were–and continue to be–here. Seeking to be in good relationship with the Indigenous peoples and this land, we commit to:

• honoring the Indigenous ways of knowing and healing that have much to offer, and that have often been appropriated
• actively working to recognize Indigenous survivance
• continuing to learn about these issues and Indigenous mental health
• and amplifying the voices of Indigenous practitioners and students

We make this statement as a first step in dismantling the ongoing legacies of settler colonialism.

*Please note that at this time, we are pleased to offer Indigenous students the opportunity to work with an Indigenous counselor through regular counseling services or our BIPOC drop in hours.

The St. Catherine University Counseling Center offers mental and emotional health support, consultation, and education to our students and the larger university in the hopes of creating a climate in which our whole community can actively and thoughtfully support our students around issues of well-being. In our work, we are committed to embracing and demonstrating the values of the university by providing a welcoming, compassionate environment to “all without distinction”. Our therapists support the development of the whole person by providing high quality services that honor and respect each student’s unique cultural values, intersectionality, and lived experience. The Counseling Center aspires to uphold our values of compassion, hope, healing, and equity throughout all of our work so that all students might become as healthy and resilient as possible as they work toward their academic and life goals. 

(Created by Counseling Center staff in August 2023)

Our counseling sessions focus on stress management and well-being. Sessions last around 45 minutes. The first session typically focuses on gathering information about your current experience and needs, as well as basic background information. Any ongoing sessions aim to increase functioning levels, emotional wellness, and resilience through emotional support and skills for well-being. If more intensive counseling support or treatment is needed, or if circumstances or location require alternative options, your counselor may support you in identifying additional resources and referrals in your community.

Not in Minnesota? Please note that MN State Licensing Requirements do not allow us to provide Counseling Sessions for students outside of MN. However, you can still reach out for a Virtual Let's Talk session and we would be happy to help you find the right services close to you. Our Crisis Call

For in person appointments: Please be aware that masks are welcome but not required for the duration of your time in the Counseling Center. If before your appointment you are experiencing illness-related symptoms, please let us know as soon as you're able so that we can look at changing to a virtual appointment or at rescheduling options.

Note: The Counseling Center does not provide assessment or documentation for ADHD or emotional support animals. Feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss referral ideas for off-campus resources.

FAQ

How do I make a counseling appointment?

To request a regular counseling appointment, please complete and submit our Appointment Request Form

• You will hear from us within two business days. Keep an eye on your St Kate email inbox or your Voicemail regularly, depending on how you indicated you prefer to be contacted by us.
  • Our phone number may not show up in your caller ID. Checking your Voicemail after an unknown number is recommended. 
• You will often have a couple of appointment times to choose from, but these are scheduled on a first come first served basis. It may take a couple of emails to find the right spot for you and the therapist.
• The quicker you respond, the more likely it is you will get your first choice.
• It is IMPORTANT to note that your appointment is not finalized until you receive a confirmation email from us.
   

What if I need to cancel or reschedule?

If you are unable to keep an appointment, please send an email to counselingcenter@stkate.edu to let us know as soon as possible, preferably at least 24 hours in advance. We will do our best to reschedule you soon. This allows us to use the appointment time for another student who is waiting to see a counselor and very much appreciated!

Can I switch between virtual and in-person appointments?

Appointments can be provided in-person or virtually. Please speak with your counselor about which option makes the best sense for your care. That is always the priority! But we also understand schedules change, so if you do need to switch, please email us at counselingcenter@stkate.edu as soon as you know and we will work to make sure you can be seen.

How many sessions are available to me?

The Counseling Center operates within a short-term framework based on the academic calendar in order to meet the needs of all students seeking services. Appointments are typically scheduled weekly or alternate weeks, depending on student need and therapist availability. During busy times of the year, there may be more time than usual between your appointments so we can meet the higher demand for support. You and your counselor will discuss what makes most sense for you – given your needs – regarding number of sessions and frequency of appointments within our short-term model. 

Which service is right for me?

If you would like to talk to someone about something you are going through or experiencing but aren’t sure which of our services would meet your needs the best, this quiz may assist you in figuring this out. If you need long-term counseling or have a need for specialized services, we can help identify therapists in the community who can provide this. We also offer referral assistance to specialized counseling programs, such as eating disorders or chemical dependency treatment.

Who will know?

Counseling center staff maintain professional standards as defined by state law, including those regarding confidentiality and safety. This means that we will not share information from your counseling sessions with other people unless we have your written permission or need to ensure your safety or someone else's safety. You will receive our written privacy and confidentiality policy when you make your first appointment, and your counselor will be happy to discuss any questions or concerns you might have. If you are utilizing the MN Safe At Home Program, please let your provider know this so we can be mindful of our communications with you. Your care and safety are priorities. 

View the Client Bill of Rights

If you have any questions regarding services, please email us at counselingcenter@stkate.edu.

Drop-in services (both in-person and virtual options) give students the opportunity to have a brief, confidential consultation with a counselor. While we have options for you to access in moments of urgency, we also have an option for more casual inquiries. Maybe you would like advice from a BIPOC-identified counselor, have a specific concern about yourself, are looking for ways to support a friend, would love some coaching around setting boundaries with a roommate, or are simply wondering if counseling would be a helpful support for you, our experienced staff can help you identify what next steps are right for you. Attending does not affect your eligibility for counseling sessions.

Please let us know if you have any questions by contacting us at counselingcenter@stkate.edu. 

Let's Talk

Let's Talk is designed to provide easy access to confidential, informal consultations for all St. Kate’s students. Students meet one-on-one with a counselor for 15-20 minutes on a first-come, first-served basis. The counselor listens to concerns and provides support, perspective, and suggestions for next steps.

These services provide brief consultation, not counseling. What that means is that while the counselors are mental health professionals, consultations are not a substitute for counseling, therapy, or other mental health treatment. 

Let’s Talk may be a good fit for topics like these: 

• You want learn about what it’s like to be in ongoing counseling
• You'd like to briefly explore options for addressing a challenge
• You want ideas about how to support a friend
• You'd like to get the perspective of a counselor
• You are not in MN but could use some advice about finding mental health services near you

If you are interested in a virtual or phone Let's Talk consultation, please take a few minutes to fill out THIS FORM, which will give you the opportunity to let us know your availability for ease of scheduling.

Where and When? (In-Person) 

• When: Monday - Friday from 1-2:00pm RESUMES MONDAY,  AUGUST 31
• Where: Library Room 124
• Every Fridays is BIPOC Let's Talk! The space is held for BIPOC students and staffed by a BIPOC provider.
• Therapy Dog present on alternate Fridays!
• Since the in-person service is drop-in based, there is no need to sign up or fill out the request form below, simply stop by.

Let‘s Talk at St. Kate’s is based in part on Cornell University’s Let’s Talk program. Some materials have been duplicated with permission.

Crisis Counseling Hour

The Counseling Center sets aside an hour every Monday - Friday from 2-3:00pm for Crisis Appointments. These are provided by our counseling center staff, last about 20-25 minutes, can be in-person or virtual, and can be requested using this form or by calling 651-690-6805 and pressing 3.

When and Where? 

• Monday - Friday from 2-3:00pm
• In-person at the Counseling Center - Derham Hall, Room 330
• Early arrival is recommended
• If possible, please complete the Crisis Request Form prior to arriving
• Your patience and understanding regarding timing is appreciated as the volume of requests is difficult to predict.
• To request a Virtual Crisis Hour appointment, please complete the Crisis Counseling Request Form before 1:45pm on the day you wish to have your session. We will send you an email with further information. If you have any questions or concerns, you are welcome to contact us: counselingcenter@stkate.edu or 651-690-6805.

* Please note that we are not able to provide Crisis Hour services to students located outside of MN due to State Licensing requirements. However, we would be glad to provide a brief consultation to offer brief support and to assist you in finding counseling/crisis support in your area, if that would be helpful. See below for information on how to access our St. Kate's Crisis Counseling Phone Line. 

Group counseling is a good option for many students, either as a stand alone option or in addition to individual counseling. To participate in these groups, students must complete an information session with the facilitator(s) and are considered clients of the counseling center. Please be prepared to commit to attending all sessions.

Keep an eye out for future offerings!

These offerings are open to any students meeting the criteria for the specific group or workshop and do not require meeting with the facilitator in order to sign up. Attendance in these programs does not make someone a client of the counseling center. Feel free to contact us if you would like a workshop for your department or student organization.

Examples of Prior Workshops

A Holistic Approach to Test Anxiety (4-week series)

The Home Stretch: Managing Stress and Navigating Online Learning (2-part series)

Talking about Trauma and Healing (1-part workshop)

BIPOC Healing and Empowerment Circle

This Circle has been held in past semesters. If there is student interest, we would be happy to offer it again. For additional information or with questions, please contact Rebecca at rrroepke@stkate.edu or 651-690-6539.

• A space for building each other up and celebrating all of who we are
• All St. Kate’s BIPOC students welcome
• BIPOC facilitator from the Counseling Center

Having a community of support has always been key to college success, and is even more vital in the midst of an isolating pandemic, racial reckoning, xenophobia, and violence. In this group, we recognize the unique experiences of BIPOC students at a Predominantly White Institution in a world that can feel out of control and unsafe. We want to provide a space to reflect on and give voice to these experiences, build meaningful and validating community connections, and deepen an internal sense of safety and power. This is a place to rest, re-energize, and grow in our identities and community/self-care skills. This group will be a decolonized space of shared power between students and facilitators, of liberating conversations, and (ultimately) of a more sustainable sense of empowerment, hope, and joy.

Topics are flexible and based on student interest. Examples include: cultural healing practices and perspectives on wellness • racial battle fatigue • grief and mourning • historical/collective trauma and ancestral wisdom/strengths • imposter syndrome • accepting all parts of self / identities • navigating privileged & oppressed identities and microaggressions • relationships, feelings of isolation, and balancing school with life • academic stress, better sleep, coping skills, asking for help, saying no • maintaining self/community care in the current socio-political climate • and the topics that matter to YOU!

This space will be held by BIPOC staff of the Counseling Center. This is not a therapy group, and as such, you do not need to have a mental health condition to attend, and attending the circle will not automatically connect you with the Counseling Center.

Check out our Mental Health and Wellness Resource Page for resources on a multitude of topics including:

1. Community resources
2. Gender and sexuality
3. Test anxiety
4. Mindfulness
5. Trauma
6. Body image and eating disorders
7. Podcast recommendations 

Quick Ideas for self-help between counseling sessions:

I’m having a difficult time managing my emotions with all the stressors of college.

• Do you know what TIPP Skills are? Click the link to learn about some proven, fast-acting tools to lower emotional distress.

I’m always so self-critical and hard on myself!

• Click here for a 10 minute guided meditation on Grounded Self Worth

I am struggling to focus and get things done!

• Click here for some ADHD relief music to study by

I’d like to start meditating but I don’t know where to start.

• Check out one of these meditation apps, either on your phone, laptop or tablet: Calm, Headspace, Insight Timer
• Or, try the 4-7-8 Method for Breathing to practice Mindfulness
  • A 6 minute video explaining the technique and how it works
  • Visual Timer for 4 Rounds of 4-7-8 Breathing

At times, a student’s counseling needs or interests may be best served by referrals to off-campus resources, such as a therapist with a particular specialization or treatment within a longer-term model than our center can offer. At times, students seek to connect with a counselor with a specific shared aspect of identity or lived experience that may or may not be currently represented among the St. Kate’s Counseling Center’s small counseling staff. Each of our counselors would welcome talking directly with you about any questions or concerns and can offer assistance in referrals to mental health resources in the community that might best fit your needs and interests. This might include private practitioners, intensive outpatient programs, or specialty treatment centers. You are welcome to ask for a referral-focused appointment at the Counseling Center.

Please note that the St. Catherine University Counseling Center is not affiliated with local providers and cannot guarantee their services. Referral options offered by the Counseling Center are meant to be a starting place for you to decide who is the best fit for you based on your specific needs, circumstances, and preferences.

The following document include some helpful information and resources to support your efforts to get connected to a provider off-campus:

• Connecting to an Off-Campus Mental Health Provider. This first information sheet offers an overview of steps to consider.

If you wish for more detailed information, the following pages go into more depth:

• Script for Contacting Off-Campus Providers. Some simple language and basic details for a phone call or email.
• Selecting a Mental Health Provider: Things to Consider. Various ways to identify a provider and things to consider about fit of needs, interests, location, and more.
• Health Insurance Considerations: Navigating health insurance can be confusing. Here is some basic information.

Please note: Our center does not provide assessment or documentation for ADHD or emotional support animals. Feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss referral ideas for off-campus resources.

We offer access to the Mental Health America, a free and confidential online screening for depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. 

The Counseling Center provides outreach to the campus community through presentations, workshops, and other means to share information about mental health, coping, and well-being. When schedules allow, we collaborate with you on your events to add a counseling perspective, provide psychoeducational information, share our expertise on mental health topics and/or simply be there to talk about our services and support your event. To explore the possibility of our collaboration or participation in an event, feel free to email counselingcenter@stkate.edu.

We provide consultations for faculty and staff who have questions about interacting with students who are coping with emotional and mental health issues. Specific ways we can help include providing information about specific mental health issues, identifying possible resources in the community, or suggestions regarding how to talk to the individual about seeking help from a mental health professional. Please call our main office to inquire about a phone or in-person consultation. 651-690-6805 Press 3 for our Administrative Assistant. 

For students who are interested in exploring psychiatric medication options, we recommend connecting with the St. Kate's Health and Wellness Center to discuss options. This may lead to an outside referral depending on any existing diagnoses, but talking with a provider here is a great first step that comes with caring guidance.