VCSU Counseling Services

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VCSU Counseling Services

Our mission is to enhance personal growth, academic success, and lifelong learning by meeting the mental health needs of students, staff, and faculty.

22/04/2026

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and we invite you to join us for Denim Day event on Wednesday, April 29. This international event serves as a day of action to combat victim-blaming and educate our community about sexual violence.

Join us at the Student Center:
When: Wednesday, April 29 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
What: Pick up Denim Day pins, keychains, and stickers, and visit with members of the VCSU Green Dot team and APOC.

We encourage everyone to wear denim on this day to show support and solidarity. For more details on the history of this movement, please see the attached document or visit denimdayinfo.org and www.peaceoverviolence.org/denim-day.

17/03/2026

Is your workout routine actually safe? Whether you’re hitting the gym for peak athletic performance, just to change your physical appearance, or trying to become physically healthy, there’s a side of the supplement industry that often stays hidden.

VCSU Health and Wellness alongside VCSU Athletics are excited to invite you to an eye-opening presentation hosted in partnership with the Taylor Hooton Foundation. We’ll be diving into "Defining the Problem"—uncovering the real risks behind Energy Drinks, Anabolic Steroids, and the loosely regulated dietary supplement world.

Millions of young adults are turning to these substances for a "shortcut," but the physical and psychiatric side effects are more common (and more serious) than you might think.

Event Details:

When: March 19
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: Vangstad Auditorium

What Will Be Covered:
The Hidden Risks: Issues with the supplement industry. Why these products are not always what they seem.
The Science: How performance-enhancing substances impact your long-term health.
The ALL ME? Movement: Inspiration to reach your physical goals the right way.

Don't miss this chance to get the facts straight from the experts. Your health is worth more than a shortcut.

For more information on the Taylor Hooton Foundation, please visit: taylorhooton.org

23/02/2026

Join VCSU Health and Wellness for their Spring Break Safety Event this Tuesday, March 3 from 11:00am to 1:00pm in the Student Center.

We will have mock-tails, skin safety information and scanning, informational handouts about self-care and safety tips, and other items to grab and enjoy!

19/02/2026

Check out our new Telehealth Room!

We know that finding a quiet, confidential space for a telehealth appointment can be a challenge when you’re living in a residence hall or sharing common areas.

Any type of appointment you have that you need a private space for is welcome.

To support your health and privacy, we have designated a Private Telehealth Room available for student use.

Location: McFarland 327E

Equipment: The room is equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi, a desk, and a white noise machine if applicable.

How to Book: You can reserve a 30-50 minute block through CounselingServicesTelehealthRoomReservation@ad.ndus.edu/" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://outlook.office.com/book/CounselingServicesTelehealthRoomReservation@ad.ndus.edu/

A calendar invite will be sent to confirm the booking.

Prioritizing your mental and physical health is important. We hope this space makes it easier for you to attend your appointments with peace of mind.

22/01/2026

Counseling Services in collaboration with Allen Memorial Library is hosting a book club this Spring semester! Our plan is to meet every other Tuesday at 11am, starting February 2nd - March 16. Our meetings will take place at the library in the Viking Ship Lounge (Rm 211).

Our first book is by Mel Robbins, "The Let Them Theory", is a self-help book focusing on breaking the habits of chasing approval, managing other people's happiness, and letting their opinions hold you back. Each week we will cover a number of chapters of the book and discuss provoking questions & reactions to the reading.

Please e-mail Counseling.Services@vcsu.edu to reserve your spot today!

13/01/2026

WELCOME BACK STUDENTS!
Quick Facts about VCSU Counseling Services:
Confidential • Free • Available to All Enrolled Students

Where to Find Us
Location: McFarland Hall, 3rd Floor (Rooms 327B, 327C, 327F)
General Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Evening Hours: Tuesdays, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM (McFarland 327B)

Meet the Team
Kelsie Carter, LPCC
Dorothy Russell, LPC
Allison Ziesmer, Graduate Intern

How We Help
No issue is too big or too small. Reach out for support with:
Stress, Anxiety, & Depression
Academic Pressure & Study Problems
Relationships & Identity
Sleep, Grief, or Trauma Support

📅 Book an Appointment
Email: counseling.services@vcsu.edu

Online Resources: vcsu.edu/counseling

05/01/2026

We have a new location on campus! Our office suite is ready for students to come back next week and we are so excited to show it off!

VCSU Counseling Services located in McFarland 327.

10/10/2025

World Mental Health Day, October 10, 2025, is a global reminder to prioritize mental wellbeing. It's a chance to raise awareness and make an impact that lasts all year long.

Call to Action:
1. Start the conversation: Break stigma by talking openly about mental health.

2. Share trusted resources: Post helplines, mental health resources, and practical tools on social media.

3. Show your support: Wear green today to show support for mental health awareness.

4. Take a mental health break: Self-care boosts happiness and supports emotional health, while reducing the risk of chronic health conditions.

5. Get involved: Participate in community activities, webinars, and workshops that promote mental wellbeing.

6. Raise your voice: Advocate for local, state, and federal policies that support mental health.

7. Check in with someone: Reach out to individuals in your life that may be struggling.

8. Donate or volunteer: Support community organizations and nonprofits.

9. Educate yourself: Explore mental health topics through research, podcasts, and inspiring stories.

10. Celebrate progress: Highlight stories of achievement and resilience.

https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/world-mental-health-day-2025/

07/10/2025

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month!

In collaboration with VCSU Allen Memorial Library, APOC (Abused Person's Outreach Center), SVFA (Sheyenne Valley Friends of Animals) and VCSU Green Dot, we are holding the Cats, Consent, and Cookies event on campus!

Join us on October 16 at the library to pick up some cookies and enjoy some kitty love and then head on over to the student center to gather information and resources about domestic violence.

Wear purple to show your support of domestic violence survivors.

For more information and resources on Domestic Violence Awareness Month, please visit: https://www.thehotline.org/stakeholders/domestic-violence-awareness-month/

19/09/2025

Su***de Prevention Month is September 2025

Each September, NAMI recognizes Su***de Prevention Month as a time to raise awareness, spread hope, and spark meaningful action around one of the most urgent mental health issues of our time.

Our goal is to ensure that individuals, friends, and families have access to the tools, resources, and support they need to talk openly about su***de prevention, recognize warning signs, and seek help.

This month: Start a Conversation. Be the Difference.

With one conversation, asking someone how they’re really doing — and being ready to truly listen — can save lives. Because here’s what we know: No one has to face this alone. Help exists. Healing is possible. And all it can take is for one person to start a conversation.

17/09/2025

Meet our Counseling Intern!

My name is Allison! I graduated from NDSU in 2023 with a bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in human development and family sciences. I started my graduate program at NDSU for clinical mental health counseling in 2023 and am looking forward to graduating at the end of this school year. For fun, I enjoy reading, buying new plants and fish for my aquarium, and spending time with my family and my cats. I am so excited to be here at VCSU this year for internship!

17/09/2025

Meet our new Counselor!

Dorothy Russell has been a counselor for 10+ years. She is a North Dakota native, graduating from the University of Mary, Bismarck with a Masters of Science in Community Counseling. She specializes with couples and relationships, but also has extensive experience with Anxiety, Depression, Anger Management, and Sports related issues. "I have a strong belief that we are all doing the very best we can, with what we have.

Address

Telephone

+17018457424

Website

https://www.vcsu.edu/counseling/

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