Counseling

megan cook
Megan Cook
cookm@trine.edu
260.665.4172

shelly edwards
Shelly Edwards
edwardss@trine.edu
260.665.4809

amy spallinger
Amy Spallinger
spallingera@trine.edu
260.665.4183

 

 Mental Health

Many students find themselves struggling in the university environment, whether from the transition to college as a freshman or stress from trying to balance academics, time management, and emotional/relational challenges. Some are able to problem-solve with the support of friends and family and some students need extra support and guidance. An objective viewpoint can be helpful in putting difficult issues into perspective, so they become more manageable. 

Trine University’s Counseling Services Department is committed to creating an environment where students holding diverse identities feel welcomed, heard and understood. Our Counseling Team is available on campus to support students through empowerment, advocacy, encouraging growth and change, building resilience, and fostering connections and engagement within our campus community. 

Students access Trine Counseling Services for various reasons such as stress management, homesickness/adjustment to college, identity issues, relationship issues, mood challenges, test anxiety and more.

Our Trine University Counseling Center Staff Clinicians can provide a wide range of therapeutic interventions and are skilled at addressing many concerns that are common in a college setting. The Counseling Center Team is committed to delivering quality care and can provide short-term, solutions-focused mental health services to Trine Main Campus Undergraduate students. If a student’s needs cannot adequately and ethically be met by the Counseling Center’s resources, and/or if a student requires more long-term, intensive treatment and/or requests additional supports that extend beyond Counseling Services short-term, problem-solving model of therapy; The Staff Clinicians will work with the student on an appropriate referral to best meet student’s specific therapeutic and/or medical needs.  

These therapeutic mental health counseling sessions are free and confidential, and no information regarding treatment will be shared with other entities, including family or university personnel, without the written consent of the student receiving services.

The ultimate goals of Trine University’s Counseling Services Center are to assist students in achieving their academic goals, build meaningful connections, and prepare for the future in the healthiest manner possible.

Additional Resources: 

Please call 911 in the event of an emergency

Parkview Student Assistance Program: (Evenings & Weekends: 260-446-1867)

Bowen Center (Angola): 1-800-342-5643

Northeastern Center (Auburn): 1-800-790-0118

Parkview Ft. Wayne Behavioral Health HelpLine (24/7): (260) 373-7500 or (800) 284-8439

Park Center/Parkview Behavioral Health URGENT CARE: 260-471-9440 or 260-481-2700 or 260-481-2800

Ft. Wayne Walk-In Clinic (Park Center, an affiliate of Parkview Health)
Call 24/7: 260-471-9440
Clinic Hours: 8 a.m. - 10 p.m., Monday through Sunday

Maple Heights Behavioral Health Hospital (Fort Wayne): 866-963-2500 or 260-800-3601 

National Mental Health America: 1-800-969-6642
(Provides general information and referrals to offices for over 200 mental health providers).

prevention lifeline 1lifeline 2

text 741741

FOR THOSE IN CRISIS TEXT "HOME" 

Sexual Assault:

  • Cameron Memorial Community Hospital (416 E Maumee St.): 911 or (260) 665-2141
  • Fort Wayne Sexual Assault Treatment Center: 260-423-2222
  • Women's Bureau https://womensbureau.org/ 24 Hour Rape Crisis Hotline: 260-426-7273
  • RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-4673 or online chat: https://www.rainn.org/resources 
     RAINN
  • Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Crisis Line at 800-441-4073
  • https://ywcanein.org/ If you are in crisis or need immediate help, please call
    our Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Crisis Line at 800.441.4073.  
    We are here to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • National Rape Crisis Line: 1-800-656-4673

IN CRISIS (crisis = painful emotion for which you need support, does not have to be suicidal feelings):

  • Crisis Text Line– Text “HOME” to 741741 for FREE, confidential, 24/7 support
  • Young People of Color in Crisis (particularly college students)- Text “STEVE” to 741741
  • Trans Lifeline – 877-565-8860 in crisis or just need someone to talk; 24/7 free, confidential; peer support ran by trans people for trans & questioning callers
  • LookUpIndiana.org – 800-284-8439 or Text “LOOKUP” to 494949 or chat on line; confidential 24/7

THOUGHTS OF SUICIDE:

Please call 911 in the event of an emergency

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline800-273-TALK (8255) provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. hotline
  • Trevor Project 866-488-7386, 24/7, www.thetrevorproject.org free and confidential support; unique resources for LGBTQ youth. 

Trevor Project

  • Crisis Text Line: Text “Home” to 741741

 

The following resources are also available:

We are available to see students in person within our offices located on the second floor of the LINK as well as virtual sessions.  Below is some information to help you decide if virtual sessions would be a good fit for you.

Talk to a counselor/therapist from your own couch

Did you know that we offer video counseling services so you can meet with a therapist from the comfort of your own residence? We want to make it easy for you to get help.

Contact counseling@trine.edu or 260.665.4172 to schedule an appointment. **If you do not have a private location, please indicate that and our team can make arrangements for you to utilize a private room for your Zoom appointment.**

Requirements

Here’s all that’s required for video counseling sessions:

  • You need to be physically located in Indiana during your appointment.
  • You need to have access to audio/video technology (a phone, tablet, or computer).
  • You need to have access to a confidential space for your sessions. *If you do not have a private location, please indicate that and our team can make arrangements for you to utilize a private room for your Zoom appointment.

Is video counseling right for you?

It’s convenient

There’s no need for you to travel to and from the UC LINK or to worry about getting to class before or after your appointment. Your counseling session can happen wherever you choose.

It’s comfortable

Sometimes it’s just easier to share private information when you’re in the comfort of your own space. With no need to come to the LINK you can even attend in your PJs!

Does this really work?

Online therapy services continue to be a growing trend. According to recent research, it’s just as effective for most issues and is a fine alternative to meeting with a counselor face-to-face. It will be helpful to the campus community as well in effort to practice appropriate social distancing.

Tips for Virtual Visits

We now offer “virtual visits” so you can meet with a Clinician from the comfort of your residence. We want to make it easy for you to get help.

How to get the most out of your virtual visit:

  • Identify what you want to get out of the session or the most important topic to discuss – this helps you get the most out of your visit!
  • Choose a quiet place where you can be alone and without distractions (e.g., roommates), and close the door.
  • Use earbuds or keep the audio level low – this helps protect your privacy!
  • Sit upright instead of lying down – this helps you to be more engaged!

If you choose a video session:

  • Use your laptop instead of phone/tablet and place it on a table (not your lap), so that you are looking at the counselor at eye level.
  • Place a light source (e.g., window, lamp) behind your camera; this helps the counselor see your face.

Things to know

  • To protect your confidentiality, we use HIPPA compliant video software but using phone/video brings additional risks to confidentiality (e.g., being overheard by others who are around you, hacking).
  • To reduce risks to confidentiality, use a secure internet connection instead of public/free WiFi and use your personal laptop/phone instead of a shared device (e.g., someone else’s laptop).
  • You cannot record the virtual visit.

 

Other Services available

Contact your Community Mental Health Services provider to seek services local to you:

Northeastern Center 


OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES

IN CRISIS (crisis = painful emotion for which you need support, does not have to be suicidal feelings):

  • Crisis Text Line – Text “HOME” to 741741 for FREE, confidential, 24/7 support
  • Young People of Color in Crisis (particularly college students)- Text “STEVE” to 741741
  • Trans Lifeline – 877-565-8860 in crisis or just need someone to talk; 24/7 free, confidential; peer support ran by trans people for trans & questioning callers
  • LookUpIndiana.org800-284-8439 or Text “LOOKUP” to 494949 or chat on line; confidential 24/7 

THOUGHTS OF SUICIDE:

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-TALK (8255) - provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources.
  • CHAT available online https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/
  • Spanish available for calls or chats
  • Trevor Project866-488-7386, 24/7, free and confidential support; unique resources for LGBTQIA+ youth

SUPPORTING A FRIEND RESOURCES:

Additional Resources:

Support is available, Feel free to contact Trine University Counseling Services counseling@trine.edu

 

The Student Counseling Services office is located on the second floor of the LINK in the Rick L. & Vicki L. James University Center. Office hours are 8 am - 5 pm Monday through Friday by appointment and crisis counseling is available as needed.

For more information on available resources, please visit the additional resources page.

It is the intent of Trine's counseling services to facilitate emotional and psychological development which can make a positive impact on academics, decision-making, and student retention. The counselor works to help students resolve problems that may impede personal, social, and academic functioning while emphasizing prevention, development, adjustment and overall wellness.

Students come to counseling for several different reasons including depression, anxiety, and relationship difficulties. In addition, it is quite common for students to experience overwhelming feelings of loneliness, isolation, disappointing academic results, and career indecision. Counseling services offers a healthy way to handle these challenges and stressors. The counselor will determine what services are the most appropriate for the student and if it is decided that the student's needs can be best met elsewhere, then a referral will be provided.

If you or someone you know would benefit from counseling services please contact one of the following to schedule an appointment:

Megan Cook
cookm@trine.edu
260.665.4172

Shelly Edwards
edwardss@trine.edu
260.665.4809 

Amy Spallinger
spallingera@trine.edu
260.665.4183

Crisis counseling is available as needed after normal business hours through the Parkview Student Assistance Program 260.446.1867.

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