Ciara Fuson
Contributing Writer
cbenham@murraystate.edu
It is no secret that college can be mentally taxing on students. Finding time to take care of your mental health while balancing your education can feel overwhelming. But Murray State offers free and flexible resources to help.
Among these free resources are the Counseling Center and the Psychological Center, which offer counseling services to clients both virtually and in-person. The Counseling Center is located in suite 104 in the Oakley Applied Science Building and is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The mission of the Counseling Center is, “for trained professionals in the Counseling Center and in the Testing Center to provide services that enhance the well-being, growth and development of Murray State students,” according to the Murray State website.
The Counseling Center provides individual therapy, couples therapy and family therapy from licensed professionals at no cost.
Students also may visit the Psychological Center located in room 401 in Wells Hall, which offers both in-person and telehealth sessions with graduate students in clinical psychology at Murray State, supervised by licensed clinical psychologists.
The Psychological Center offers free therapy to faculty, students and staff and also provides evaluations for learning disabilities and ADHD.
Another great resource to students is the Women’s Center. The Women’s Center, located in suite C102 in the Oakley Applied Science Building, offers free services for anyone in need at the University.
The Women’s Center’s services include free period products, The Bra Closet and a family room for students with lactation needs. Beginning in fall 2021, the Women’s Center now offers listening sessions on the first Wednesday of every month for the campus community to discuss safety concerns with Murray State officials.
Students who have experienced sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence or stalking can seek guidance from the Title IX office.
The Title IX office is located in room 103 in Wells Hall and allows students to report sexual misconduct and advice on what steps to take next.
In the event of a mental health emergency, the Counseling Center has a counselor on call 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday during the academic year to help with crisis situations. If an emergency happens after hours, on a weekend or during a break, the University urges students to contact the Murray State Police immediately.
For other immediate assistance, students may contact the Regional Crisis Line at (800) 592-3980, the National Suicide Hotline at (800) 273-8255, the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or Lotus (formerly known as the Purchase Area Sexual Assault Center) at (800) 928-7273.