SHAC - Counseling Services

Individual counseling offers students a safe, confidential, and supportive environment to discuss a range of concerns. These may include adjustment challenges, homesickness, relationship stress, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, family conflict, gender and sexual identity, alcohol or substance use, eating disorders, and more. Counseling Services operates on a brief therapy model to meet the needs of the entire student body. In your first session, you and your counselor will discuss how we can best support you. If long-term counseling is needed or if your concerns are beyond our scope, we may refer you to an off-campus mental health provider. In such cases, Counseling Services will assist in finding and transitioning to an appropriate external provider.

SHAC Counseling Services is dedicated to providing affirming, high-quality mental health support to transgender, gender non-conforming, non-binary, and students of diverse sexual orientations. Our staff are trained in the complexities of exploring sexuality, gender identity, and the coming out process. Students may find it helpful to meet with one of our counselors for support and guidance as they navigate these significant milestones in their identity development.

This group is dedicated for 1st Gen Students to discuss their unique experiences being the first in their family to attend college.  For questions and concerns contact shac@mville.edu. 

SHAC offers an Alcohol and Other Drug Use (AOD) Assessment and Intervention Program for students who have been found in violation of the University's AOD policies, as well as students who voluntarily seek support, education, or guidance regarding their own alcohol, marijuana, or other substance use. The program is designed to help students better understand their patterns of use, explore potential risks and consequences, and develop strategies for making informed, healthy choices. 

Many of us spend a great deal of time “in our heads”—planning ahead, worrying about the future, or rehashing past events rather than focusing on the present moment. To address this, SHAC offers MindFit, a three-session workshop designed to help students develop skills to focus their attention on the here and now, manage distractions, and become more aware of their thoughts and experiences. The program can be tailored to meet the unique needs of other student groups who may benefit from strengthening their ability to remain focused, present, and engaged. SHAC welcomes opportunities to collaborate with those interested in bringing MindFit to their students.

The Emotional Toolbox group is a Dialectical Behavior Therapy based group. This group is designed to help students understand and manage strong emotions through mindfulness emotion regulation and distress tolerance skills. This group will be led by Christine Podber. For questions please email Christine.Podber@mville.edu 

Join our clinicians to learn more about how you can begin to prioritize your health and wellness.