The service is free to all students and offers services in all areas of personal needs from interpersonal relationships to minority, international and non-traditional student concerns. University Counseling Services is staffed by professionals from a variety of backgrounds including psychology and counseling. Almost all are licensed in counseling for the state of Missouri. Homesickness, body image, thoughts of suicide, eating disorders, stress, sexual assault, loss or grief and alcohol or drug abuse can all be dealt with through the counseling services. Group counseling, individual counseling, couples counseling and consultation also are services offered.
Group therapy is the primary mode of service.
Last year, there were groups for survivors of sexual abuse and assault and a group for eating concerns, Hamilton said. UCS also provides general counseling groups. Students interested should call to make an appointment for an initial assessment. The University Counseling Services sponsors a group called STEP, Students Together Educating Peers. It is an organization designed to combat misconceptions about sexual assault.