Columbus State University’s Counseling Center is broadening its reach to meet the growing mental health needs of students, offering a wide range of free and confidential services designed to support both personal well-being and academic success.
Located in Schuster Center 301 with an additional site at RiverPark, the Counseling Center is staffed by licensed professionals along with supervised graduate trainees. Their mission is to help students manage challenges that may interfere with their academic and personal lives, while encouraging growth, resilience and self-discovery.
Students can access individual counseling to address concerns such as depression, anxiety, stress, and relationship issues. The center also hosts support groups where students can share experiences and find community, as well as workshops on topics like stress management, grief and self-esteem.
Academic support is another key focus. Through the Academic Retention Workshop, students can build life planning, study and coping skills. The center also offers diagnostic testing for ADHD and learning disorders, which can provide the documentation needed for academic accommodations.
Recognizing the needs of distance learners, the Counseling Center now provides services for online students, including consultation, referrals and limited telecounseling for those living in Georgia.
In addition to scheduled sessions, the center is prepared to respond to urgent situations. Students in crisis can call the center’s 24/7 crisis line at 706-507-8740 for immediate assistance. After-hours emergencies may also be directed to University Police.
For cases requiring long-term or specialized care, the center provides referrals to outside providers. Preventive efforts are also part of its mission, with staff offering outreach programs and classroom presentations that raise awareness and promote a culture of openness around mental health.
All services are free to currently enrolled students, and confidentiality is strictly maintained with counseling records kept separate from academic files. The center operates Monday through Friday, with extended evening hours on Mondays and Tuesdays to better serve students with busy schedules.
By providing counseling, crisis response, academic support, outreach and resources for online learners, the CSU Counseling Center plays a central role in fostering student success both inside and outside the classroom.
For more information, please contact the counseling center at 706-507-8740 or visit https://www.columbusstate.edu/counseling-center/.
