University Counseling Services

Emergency Information

In emergency situations after hours or on weekends or holidays, please call the Murray State Police at 270.809.2222 or 911.

 The following outside resources are also available for immediate assistance when the Counseling Center is closed:

• Regional Crisis Line: 800.592.3980

• National Suicide Hotline (this number is also on the back of your Racer ID): 988 or 800.273.8255

• TalkNow using the TimelyCare app or timelycare.com/murraystate

• Lotus (formerly known as the Purchase Area Sexual Assault Center): 800.928.7273

• TrevorLifeline (hotline for LGBTQ+ individuals): 866.488.7386

• Trevor Textline: 678-678

Zen Den

We also have a Zen Den available for students to use. This is a cozy quiet space that students can reserve for 30-minute slots when they they need a private space to relax. The room includes a giant beanbag chair, a weighted blanket, noise-cancelling headphones, aromatherapy, a noise machine, a light box, coloring books, stuffed animals for hugging, and some fun books to read. If you are interested in reserving the room, you can call us at 270.809.6851 or email us at msu.counselingcenter@murraystate.edu. You can also stop by our office in C104 Oakley Applied Science and ask if the room is available. The room is intended to be used by one person at a time, and you will need to sign a release the first time you use it. The space is available for use when our office is open (8-4:30, M-F).

Getting Started

Any student who is interested in counseling can email us at msu.counselingcenter@murraystate.edu to request the link for the initial paperwork. These forms take approximately 30 minutes to complete, so don't start them until you have enough time to finish them. After we receive your completed forms, your case will be assigned to a counselor as soon as one is available, and they will contact you to schedule your first appointment.

If you cannot wait for an appointment and need to speak with someone right away, you are welcome to access our on-call counselors, who are available 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Common Mental Health Concerns in College Students and Important Resources

The following links have important information about the most common mental health issues that college students face. This information includes the signs and symptoms of common mental health issues, what to do if you see these signs and symptoms in yourself or someone you know and where to go for help. For additional information about on- and off-campus resources in Murray, click on "Campus and Community Resources" on the left side of the page. 

The JED Foundation

Half of Us

Top 5 Mental Health Problems Facing College Students

Mental Health Resources on Campus and in the Murray Community

Common Issues

• Adjusting to new situations
• Depression
• Managing stress
• Homesickness
• Anxiety, fear, nervousness
• Poor anger control
• Grief
• Eating and body image issues
• Relationship issues
• Social issues
• Family problems
• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Crisis intervention
• Suicidal thoughts
• Trauma recovery, as in situations of rape or abuse
• Diversity and cultural issues
• Issues related to gender identity or sexual orientation
• Self-awareness and self-care
• Public Speaking Anxiety Management

Confidentiality

Your discussions with your counselor and any paperwork you complete are treated confidentially by the Center. Your records are NOT part of your academic or administrative records. If you would like us to share any information with another person, another department on campus or an outside agency, you must sign a written release permitting us to do so. No information will be transmitted to any other individual, agency or department without your express permission, except as required by law to protect your safety or the safety of other individuals.

All staff members in the Counseling Center adhere to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) in addition to the ethical principles and codes of conduct mandated by their specific licensing boards.

Location

We are located in Suite 104 in the Oakley Applied Science Building. Our building is across from John W. Carr Hall, between Blackburn and Old Fine Arts. We are in the center of the building, on the first floor.

Limitations Regarding Our Services

The Counseling Center does not perform court-ordered or court-mandated counseling or assessment. We also do not provide primary substance-abuse treatment.

The Counseling Center does not provide prescription services. If students are interested in pursuing a medical evaluation regarding prescription medications used to treat mental health issues, we will refer them to appropriate local medical providers, or we may encourage them to speak with their family doctor at home. Students are responsible for ascertaining whether their health insurance plans cover these prescription services.

The Counseling Center does not provide letters for students who are seeking Emotional Support Animals (also known as Comfort Animals). Students will need to find outside providers to write those letters.

Concerns About Other Individuals

If you would like to report concerns about other individuals on campus, please contact our Student Intervention Team using this link: SIT Report. The team's purpose is to collect, track and evaluate reports from all parts of campus concerning students who may pose a threat to their own safety and/or the safety of others. Students and faculty can do their part by reporting concerns on the Student Intervention Team website. Please help us promote a safe and supportive campus.

Services for Faculty and Staff

Faculty and staff and their family members are eligible to receive free counseling services through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offered through Human Resources. Employees can contact the Wayne Corporation directly at 800.441.1327 or visit the Wayne Corporation website. If you have questions, you can also call Human Resources at 270.809.2146 to ask about the services provided or the process to access them. Learn more information for Faculty and Staff.

Mission Statement

The mission of University Counseling Services is for trained mental health professionals in the Counseling Center to provide services that enhance the well-being, growth and development of Murray State students. Through mental health counseling, outreach, consultation,  education, and advocacy, our office works toward encouraging and upholding an inclusive and cooperative campus environment that promotes the individual success of all students.