Welcome to Counseling and Career Services

College life is a time of change, growth, and transition. Counseling Services seeks to ease adjustment during these times of transition and enhance the individual’s academic and lifelong success. We offer support to NSU students, staff, and faculty to assist with a variety of personal, academic and career concerns. Our approach is collaborative, goal-oriented, and multiculturally sensitive. We are here to help you increase personal awareness and develop the skills you need to be successful while completing your studies at Northwestern State University and when transitioning to the world beyond.

The University Counseling and Career Center’s professional staff provides confidential mental health counseling, career counseling and career development services,  outreach services, and part-time employment services to all NSU undergraduate and graduate students.  Students can call (318) 357-5621 or come by the office in room 305 in the Friedman Student Union Building to make an appointment.

Counseling is provided in several formats: personal counseling, couple counseling, group counseling, and crisis counseling. All services are provided in the counseling center. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic Telehealth counseling services are offered to students via WebEx, Zoom and FaceTime if they are in quarantine.

To set up a counseling appointment students may contact the counselors by clicking on the Contact tab on this page or calling (318) 357-5621. Please take a minute to read our Covid-19 Prevention Guidelines before you visit our office.

24 hour crisis service is available for students who are in crisis. Call the office of Counseling and Career Services or drop by the office during the hours of 8 a.m. to  5:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday and 8 a.am.to 12 p.m. on Friday. To speak to a counselor after office hours and on weekends call University Police at 357-5431 and a counselor will be contacted for you.

For more information about counseling and career services and resources go to Counseling Services, NSU Cares, and the NSU Career Center.

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Employment and Opportunities with CACS

Welcome to Northwestern State University’s offices of Counseling and Career Services; and Job Location and Development website! The primary goal of this office is to assist students excel within their academic curriculum by providing employment resources and professional development opportunities.

Northwestern State University does not discriminate in its admission policy, program or activities on the bases of race, color, creed, handicap, national/ethnic origin, age, religion, sexual orientation or disabled veteran/Vietnam era veteran status in its educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, or employment practices and programs. In additional to meeting fully its obligations of nondiscrimination under federal and state laws, NSU is committed to maintaining a community in which a diverse population can live and work in an atmosphere of tolerance, civility and mutual respect for the rights and sensibilities of each individual, regardless of differences in economic status, ethnic background, political views or other person characteristics and beliefs.

Contact 

NSU students enrolled in the Clinical Mental Health and Clinical Psychology Masters programs who are interested in an internship or assistantship in the office of Counseling and Career Services should contact:

Rebecca K. Boone NCC, LPC-S, LMFT
Sylvan Freidman Student Union, Rm. 305
(318) 357-5621
booner@nsula.edu

Graduate assistantships are available for highly qualified graduate students.  To be eligible for a graduate assistantship, the student must:

  1. Be accepted into a graduate degree program (master’s or specialist)
  2. Achieve “regular admission” status
  3. Be considered a “full-time” student at Northwestern State University

The minimum credit course load for graduate assistants in the fall/spring semesters is 9 semester hours of which at least six semester hours must be for graduate credit.  The maximum course load for graduate assistants is 12 semester hours.  To be eligible to retain the assistantship, the student must:

  1. Maintain a “B” average in all graduate courses
  2. Meet all other stated requirements of the Graduate School

Out-of state tuition, if applicable, is waived for graduate assistants.  Applications for assistantships should be directed to the Dean of the Graduate School.

Being a graduate assistant is an opportunity for graduate students to gain valuable “real-world” experience and work closely with the staff.  GA’s will balance working for the offices of Counseling, Career Services, and Job Location and Development along with their own course load.

Responsibilities

  • Service of 20 hours per week for assistantship
  • Active participation in Counseling and Career Services activities (career guidance, mock interviews, resume writing assistance, career fairs)
  • Timely completion of projects
  • Adherence NSU Counseling and Career Services policies and mission
  • Adherence to ethical guidelines of the college personnel profession and American Counseling Association.

Assistants are expected to portray a professional image for the named offices and adhere to the State of Louisiana, NSU, and CACS guidelines.

The Northwestern Clinical Mental Health and Clinical Psychology Masters’ level training program is designed to provide an opportunity for NSU students to gain knowledge about the structure and function of a University counseling and career center as an integrative and integral part of the mission of the University.

Interns will develop their own learning objectives with the collaboration of the site supervisor and their internship professor. They will participate in individual supervision sessions with their site supervisor as well as group supervision in the internship class.  Emphasis will be placed on skill building in the areas of communication, decision-making, ethical practices, job knowledge/professional development, planning, team building, interpersonal relationships, self-awareness, and tools and technology.

Students who participate in a counseling internship experience at the office of Counseling and Career Services have the opportunity to learn and develop through their experiences in the following areas:

  • psychoeducational outreach programming
  • individual and group counseling
  • consultation (in conjunction with a senior staff member)
  • supervision
  • experience with organizational and system dynamics
  • familiarity with the interrelatedness of counseling services to the larger University community.

Responsibilities

  • Service of 20 hours per week for internship and 20 hours per week for assistantship
  • Active participation in Counseling and Career Services activities (counseling, career guidance, mock interviews, resume writing assistance, career fairs)
  • Timely completion of paperwork
  • Adherence NSU Counseling and Career Services policies and mission
  • Adherence to ethical guidelines of the college personnel profession and American Counseling Association.

Student employees are individuals who are enrolled at the university during a respective semester and who are employed within the scope of these procedures.  Student employees are short-term employees and their primary goal is academics.  The purpose of having student employees is to assist with the administration of basic functions in various areas on campus.  Compensation to student employees does not include fringe benefits such as sick leave, vacation leave, holiday pay, group insurance, or retirement benefits.

Federal Work-Study Program (FWS) – Only those students eligible for federal aid (Title IV) may be employed in this category.  (Students employed in the FWS Program must be enrolled in at least 6 hours for a fall/spring semester; and at least 3 hours for a summer semester or be pre-registered for the following fall semester)

Student Workers are essential to the day-to-day operation of programs and services provided by the office of Counseling and Career Services.  The on-the-job experience for student assistants is viewed as an extension of the student’s educational experiences while attending the University.  Student workers are expected to portray a positive image for the Counseling and Career Services and adhere to the Federal, NSU, and CACS guidelines.

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The Career Center is here to assist students and alumni plan, prepare and promote their careers by partnering with employers to bring a variety of opportunities to our students.  Click here to visit us at our page.

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    Counseling Services

    The professional staff of Counseling and Career Services helps students, staff, and faculty resolve existing problems, prevent potential problems, and develop new skills that will enrich their lives. Moving from one stage of life to another can be stressful and though an exciting time these transitions present multiple challenges, new demands, as well as opportunities for growth.

    We recognize that stress experienced during critical transitional periods sometimes creates difficulties that can interfer with academic performance, relationships and one’s overall quality of life. These difficulties can often be alleviated through professional counseling.The counseling services provided by the Office of Counseling and Career Services are designed to promote and enhance the quality of life for individuals by offering prevention and early treatment or referral for developmental, emotional or interpersonal difficulties that arise.

    Counseling services are delivered in several formats including individual, couples and group counseling, classes, and workshops. Consultation and outreach services are also available to faculty and staff, University organizations and departments.

    All services are provided in the counseling center. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic Telehealth counseling services are offered to students via WebEx, Zoom and FaceTime if they are in quarantine.

    To set up a counseling appointment students may contact the counselors by clicking on the Contact tab on this page or calling (318) 357-5621. Please take a minute to read our Covid-19 Prevention Guidelines before you visit our office.

    If you or someone you know is struggling you are not alone. Join MTVU, MTV’s 24-hour college network and the Jed Foundation which explores college students’ emotional health in their Emotional Health 101 video.

    Half of Us is a great resource to find ways take control of your emotional health; to use an anonymous screening tool to check your emotional health; to learn how to help a friend because you’re worried about him or her; and to get connected to get help for yourself or a friend

    ULifeline is an online resource for college mental health. Learn more about mental health issues that impact college students, wellness, how to help yourself and your friends.  To screen yourself for problems that may be affecting your thoughts, feelings and behavior click on the Self-Evaluator.

    Man Therapy is an online tool designed to help men with their mental health. Take the “head inspection” assessment, live chat, crisis services and tools for handling stress and difficult life events.

    For Student Veterans: Are you a current or veteran of military services?  If so you may be experiencing difficulty adjusting to civilian life, relating to those around you, or finding groups of people with shared experiences that can help.  For soldiers that have been deployed some PTSD symptoms may exist including nightmares, avoidance, feelings of danger, shame, guilt, or even depression.  If some of these symptoms are present know that you are not alone and help is available!  Please feel free to contact Northwestern State University Counseling and Career Services where we can provide you with a Licensed Professional Counselor or refer you to a Veterans Affairs center in your local area.  Remember we are here to serve you!

    KOGNITO Are you worried about a friend or a classmate? College can be a stressful time. Build the confidence to talk to a friend who may need help.

    Make the Connection is a website for student veterans in higher education. There is useful information regarding life events experienced by service men and women, resources for making the adjustment to civilian and college life, information about common emotional, behavioral and mental health issues and mental health screening assessments, self-help programs and apps to help with coping challenges.

    The Steve Fund is dedicated to the mental health and emotional well-being of students of color.

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    Crisis Services and Referral

    Members of the faculty and staff are often the first to notice changes in the mood, appearance and behavior of their students. If you are concerned about a student’s behavior, call the Office of Counseling and Career Services. We provide consultation services to all members of the Northwestern community.

    Call the Office of Counseling and Career Services at 357-5621 during office hours 8AM-4:30PM when there is an emergency and you must speak to a counselor. After 4:30PM and on weekends call the University Police at 357-5431 and they will contact a counselor for you.

      Crisis Intervention and Referral Information for Faculty and Staff

     Suicide Prevention Brochure

      Counseling Services Informational Brochure

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    Crisis Hotlines

    The office of Counseling and Career Services will be closed from December 17 at noon until January 3, 2022. 24-hour Crisis Call Services will be suspended from December 17, 2021 to January 3, 2022. 24-hour Crisis Call Services will be resumed on January 4, 2022. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency please go to the nearest hospital emergency room.

    National Suicide Hotline
    800-273-8255 or 988
    TTY: 800-799-4889
    Text START to 741741

    National Sexual Assault Hotline
    1-800-656-4673

    Eating Disorders Helpline
    1-888-375-7767

    Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
    1-800-422-4453

    National Domestic Violence Hotline
    1-800-799-7233
    TTY 1-800-787-3224

    Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline
    1-800-662-HELP (4357)

    Self-Injury Hotline
    1-800-DONT-CUT(366-8288)

    The Self-Injury Crisis Text Line
    Text TWLOHA to 741741

    Sexually Transmitted Diseases
    1-800-232-4636
    TTY: 1-888-232-6348

    Veterans Crisis Line
    1-800 273-8255 and press 1
    Text 838255

    The Steve Fund (for mental health and well-being for students of color)
    Text STEVE to 741741

    The Black Mental Health Crisis Text Line
    Text COALITION to 741741

    LBGTQIA Trevor Project Hotline
    1-866-488-7386

    National AIDS Hotline
    1-800-342-2437

    Trans Lifeline
    1-877-565-8860

    Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN)
    1-800-656-4673

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    Mental Health Resources

    Here are some links that may be helpful to you. If you have a favorite link you think should be included on this site please email us and let us know.

    Abuse and Violence

    Alcohol and Drug Abuse

    Anxiety

    Apps

    Black Community Resources

    Depression

    Eating Disorders

    Grief and Loss

    Health and Wellness

    LGBTQI+

    Mental Health Resources

    Relationships

    Self Assessments and Screenings

    Self-Help

    Self Injury

    Sexual Health

    Stress

    Questions about Counseling

    Anyone can benefit from counseling. Counseling can be used for self-exploration and personal growth and does not necessarily have to be sought for a specific problem or concern. However, for anyone experiencing developmental, emotional or interpersonal difficulties that are particularly challenging counseling is highly recommended.

    Counseling addresses specific problems of concern that limit or interfere with a person’s normal daily functioning. Students may feel anxious, angry, lonely, or depressed when faced with developmental concerns and academic challenges. Many students are concerned with their personal growth and adjustment to college. Seeking professional assistance is appropriate in aiding personal growth and adjustment and is a healthy response to solving problems that may arise during the college experience.There are many reasons why you may want to see a counselor. Some of these include: Alcohol/drug issues, anger management, anxiety, depression, difficulty adjusting to college, relationship conflict, rape/sexual abuse, just to name a few

    Individual counseling, couples counseling, career counseling and crisis intervention services are provided. Group counseling services are offered on an as needed basis to satisfy the needs of the students each semester. All counseling services are confidential.

    Counseling is a free service provided to all Northwestern State University students.

    The Office of Counseling and Career Services is open each week Monday through Friday from 8:00 – 4:30. Students can call 357-5621 or come by the office located in the Friedman Student Union, Room 305 to schedule an appointment.

    Students can expect to receive confidential counseling services and competent care provided by licensed professional counselors and supervised counseling interns. Counseling sessions usually last fifty minutes. Most students receive 8-10 sessions. It is normal to feel uncertain and nervous when attending your first counseling session, but after a few sessions you will become more comfortable with the counseling process.

    If a student for some reason is uncomfortable with his/her assigned counselor it is that student’s right to request another counselor in the office or a referral to a community resource. The needs and requests of the students will be accommodated whenever possible.

    Sometimes in counseling as you change or address the problem at hand other areas of your life, such as existing relationships, begin to change as well. You may feel worse before you feel better, especially when exploring difficult issues in your life. Most students report that counseling improves their quality of life in some way. Many students begin to feel better and to can relate better to others as they develop healthier coping skills for better managing distressing situations. Students often report improved academic performance and a greater sense of satisfaction within the university system. Overall, counseling services offer students additional support as they grow and change.

    Appropriate referrals are made to local health care professionals in cases where a counselor’s mental health assessment reflects the need for pharmaceutical treatment.

    No one will be told that you are seeing a counselor unless you tell them. All counseling services are confidential.  A consent form must be signed by you if it is nessecary to share information on your behalf with a third party.  However there are four exceptions to confidentiality which include:

    1.     If a student reveals he/she has intentions to harm himself/herself or another.

    2.     Release of confidential information is requested through a court order.

    3.     Child abuse or neglect is suspected or evident.

    4.     Abuse, neglect or exploitation of adults who are vulnerable due to physical or mental impairment or advanced age is suspected.

    Under any of these circumstances a counselor is ethically bound to take steps to protect the student or a victim of abuse by informing the proper authority, be it a parent, law enforcement officer, or child protection professional.

    In cases in which a student’s needs reach beyond the scope of practice of our counseling services appropriate referrals will be made to outside sources who can better serve that individual.

    Students are normally seen for 6 to 8 sessions. Then the student and counselor go over the counseling goals that were identified and determine if they were met. At that time a decision will be made whether to continue counseling or terminate counseling.

    In some cases, a student’s issues are such that the resources of the counseling center and expertise of the counselor cannot meet their needs. Under those conditions, a student will be referred to the appropriate resource in the community.

    Through our website students have access to mental health assessments for alcohol and substance abuse, depression, anxiety, eating disorders and personality disorders.  We also have information and links to resources for various other topics of interest online such as tutorials, self-help, and informational links (see Counseling resources).

    Telehealth counseling services are offered to students via WebEx, Zoom and Microsoft Teams, and FaceTime if the student is in quarantine or during the summer break.

    The Office of Counseling and Career Services provides 24 hour emergency services. If you have and emergency situation such as a mental health crisis, rape, suicidal thoughts,feelings or attempt, etc. arise after 4:30 call University Police at 357-5431 and alert them to the crisis. They will contact the counselor on call for you.

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    Services for Veteran Students

    Are you a current or veteran of military services?  If so you may be experiencing difficulty adjusting to civilian life, relating to those around you, or finding groups of people with shared experiences that can help.  For soldiers that have been deployed some PTSD symptoms may exist including nightmares, avoidance, feelings of danger, shame, guilt, or even depression.  If some of these symptoms are present know that you are not alone and help is available!  Please feel free to contact Northwestern State University Counseling and Career Services where we can provide you with a Licensed Professional Counselor or refer you to a Veterans Affairs center in your local area.  Remember we are here to serve you!

    VA Outpatient Clinic
    740 Kyser Avenue
    Natchitoches, LA 71457
    318-357-3300

    Veterans Crisis Line
     1-800 273-8255 and press 1
     Text 838255

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    Staff

    Rebecca K. Boone NCC, LPC-S
    Director Counseling and Career Services
    booner@nsula.edu

    Counseling Services

    Maggie Bossier NCC, LPC-S
    Assistant Director Counseling Services
    welchm@nsula.edu

    Zachary Veuleman NCC, LPC
    Counselor
    veulemanz@nsula.edu

    Career Services

    Rachel Cunningham MA
    Assistant Director Career Services
    cunninghamr@nsula.edu

    Sarah Burkhalter 
    Location and Development Officer
    burkhalters@nsula.edu

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