Counseling Services

Occasionally academic, personal, and social pressures can feel so overwhelming that it becomes hard to function as usual—we understand. Mount Mercy University Counseling Services is here to enhance your academic life and university experience.

We are here to help

We are here to help address issues affecting the whole person—including steps to help you grow intellectually, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. In a relaxed and comfortable setting, MMU’s Counseling Services staff assists you in talking through whatever is on your mind to help find solutions to problems or concerns.

Counselors are trained to help with many needs:

  • Stress management
  • Interpersonal conflict (i.e. family or roommate-related issues)
  • Depression/Anxiety
  • Building healthy relationships
  • Assertiveness and self-worth
  • Homesickness
  • Dating or marital relationship issues
  • Sexuality
  • Indecision about future/career
  • General mental well-being
  • Much more

Request Services

About Services

All currently enrolled students can utilize Counseling Services. Students are limited to 8 sessions per academic school year. After filling out the request for services form, students will have a 60-minute intake session. During the intake, students will decide with their counselor how often they will meet (weekly, every other week, monthly). Sessions take place in person in the Counseling Services suite, located in the University Center, room 210, just across from the McAuley elevator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a diagnosis to receive counseling?

No. We do provide additional support to individuals with existing mental health diagnoses, but our support services are very broad. Sometimes, students just need a neutral person to talk things through with, especially when they are away from home for the first time. 

What about confidentiality?

Student conversations with counselors are strictly confidential and the use of Counseling Services does not appear on student transcripts. Because of our confidentiality policy, information will not be shared (even with parents) without a proper signed release.

Do I need an appointment?

You do need an appointment. You can request an appointment by filling out this form. One of our staff members will contact you via email in a few business days to schedule an appointment. We also send students links to online forms, so that they can complete intake paperwork in the privacy and comfort of their own space.

What does it cost? Do I need insurance?

Counseling is free of charge to enrolled Mount Mercy University students and no insurance information is utilized.

Who staffs MMU’s Counseling Services?

The office is led by the Director of Counseling Services who oversees graduate- and doctoral-level interns. Our interns have completed in-class training in counseling skills and applied clinical theories, and provide one-on-one counseling to students under the supervision of the Director of Counseling Services. We partner with the Olson Marriage & Family Therapy Clinic at Mount Mercy’s CRST International Graduate Center, and have utilized marriage and family therapy master’s students since January 2016.