Counseling

Are you feeling stressed out? Have you been feeling more irritable or down than usual? Try our Stress and Depression Screening Tool.

This is a free, completely anonymous, screening tool for stress and depression. With your identity concealed for anonymity, one of our South Dakota Mines counselors will reach out to you to help answer questions and provide resources to support you through a private platform.

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Our counselors are committed to providing high quality care and meeting you where you're at on your journey. Here are some common reasons South Dakota Mines students come to counseling…

Could this be you?

• I'm stressed!
• I have a hard time feeling comfortable around others.
• Sometimes I feel I can't go on.
• I feel out of control when I eat.
• Sometimes I feel like nobody cares.
• I'm thinking about dropping out of school.
• I'm having a hard time focusing on my coursework.
• I'd like to learn more about myself.
• I feel incredibly alone right now.
• My partner and I just broke up - I feel hurt and angry.
• Something bad happened - it's hard to talk about it.
• I'm not happy with the way I look.
• Other people are worried about my drinking / smoking.
• I'm always nervous and I can't stand it.
• My friend is acting strange, and I don't know how to help him, etc.

If any of these sound familiar, there is a chance counseling may be a good fit for you!

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Reaching out for help takes courage. We understand knowing what to expect can help you during your first visit with us.

Contact Us!

Contact us by stopping in at the counseling front desk on the main level of Surbeck, calling 605-394-1924, or emailing. You will be greeted by one of our support staff members and they will assist you through the process of scheduling. You will be scheduled with a counselor at the soonest date possible.

Initial Consultation

Before meeting with your counselor for the first time, you will fill out a few pages of paperwork consenting to services and an intake form to help us gather basic background information for the day of your appointment. This may be provided to you electronically or in paper format.

Privacy and confidentiality are of upmost importance. These informational forms will be attached for your convenience. Sessions are generally no longer than 50 minutes. During your first few sessions, you and your counselor will create a tailored plan of action to help you meet your goals during sessions together.

Since everyone has different needs, the therapists at South Dakota Mines work at a pace that is most comfortable to you. Most of the time, you'll work with the same counselor throughout the duration of services unless otherwise specified. Our clients are encouraged to find the best fit counselor for their needs. Clients are welcome to switch counselors if they would like at any time during the duration of services.

Ongoing Services

You and your counselor will make appointments after each session. However, life happens. The support staff can help with rescheduling or other issues with scheduling that arise. We ask that if you chose to cancel your appointment, you provide 24 hours' notice so the next client on the waiting list has ample time to fill the time slot.

Depending on your needs, you and your counselor will decide how often to meet: weekly, biweekly, monthly or as needed. This is determined after your initial consultation with your counselor.

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We offer telehealth counseling services in addition to in-person sessions. If you are interested in utilizing telehealth services, please review this document for special consent information on telehealth practices.

The State of South Dakota legally recognizes that communication between a counselor and her/his client as privileged and confidential. Your mental health records do not become part of your educational records. We will not disclose your contacts with us to your spouse/partner, your parents, professors, or anyone else without your permission other than under the following exceptions:

• If you are in imminent danger to yourself or are a significant danger to someone else, we have a legal obligation to break confidentiality to protect you and/or others.
• Your records can also be subpoenaed by a court of law (e.g. if you claimed emotional damages in a lawsuit).
• If you are abusing children or vulnerable adults or inform us concerning someone who is, then we have a legal responsibility to report this to the proper authorities. Such a report could potentially lead to disclosure of your being a client and require testimony concerning the suspected abuse.

We also reserve the right to consult with your primary care provider and other mental health professionals when appropriate. It is the policy of South Dakota Mines Counseling and Student ADA Services to involve the Threat Assessment Team, Dean of Students, Residential Life, and any pertinent campus office on a need-to-know basis if there is a pressing safety issue.

• FERPA
• HIPPA
• ACA Code of Ethics
• AMHCA
• NSAW
  
  How to File a Complaint or Report a Problem

Process:

• Talk with your counselor
• Director of Counseling
• Dean of Students
• File a Formal Complaint with the University (see Student Complaint Process below)
• Title IX Coordinator if necessary

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to ask your therapist. We are here to assist you and ensure that your experience with us is positive and secure.

Contacts:

• South Dakota Mines Student Complaint Process
• Title IX

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