What is SPCS?

Student Psychological Counseling Services (SPCS) is a department of the division of Enrollment and Student Life. We are licensed and professional psychologists, counselors, and counselor interns who provide students with counseling services to help them function successfully in the academic environment.

The University is a Community

SPCS is concerned with the entire University community and provides services to students which can include individual, couple, family, and group counseling. These services also include programs and workshops in the residence halls; for various campus groups; and at University orientation programs. The SPCS staff also provides consultation and workshops to student organizations, academic departments, and other University offices. In addition, our full-time psychologists and counselors may teach courses offered through the Psychology Department.

Studies indicate that, in any community, approximately 10% of the population suffer at any given time from a discernable emotional disturbance, such as depression, acute anxiety, drug or alcohol abuse, or a more serious condition. And some are so affected that their symptoms could lead to severely disturbed behavior that would necessitate the services of medical, psychological, and/or law enforcement agencies. The potential exists for a number of our students to experience serious and painful crises in their lives that will interfere with their education. How well they cope with the normal challenges of college life in addition to these possible crises will influence not only their class performance but their effectiveness in managing future life tasks as well.

The mental health definition of crisis is based on a person's internal reaction to a perceived external threat. It is not the event itself that constitutes the crisis; but a response to what is perceived to be a dangerous situation. A crisis occurs when a student feels unable to cope with what is occurring in his/her life. The more helpless the individual feels, the greater the crisis becomes. In general, our community of faculty, staff, and students should be aware of the emotional turmoil of others in order to provide help before a situation becomes overwhelming.