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Behavioral Health & Wellness Counseling
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Behavioral Health & Wellness Counseling

Behavioral Health & Wellness Counseling services provides individual, couple and group counseling, as well as referral and consultation services for residential students (ATSU-ASHS, ATSU-ASDOH, ATSU-CCPA, ATSU-KCOM, ATSU-MOSDOH, and ATSU-SOMA). Online students (ATSU-CGHS) may refer to a list of national resources and referral information for mental health/substance use counseling as well as intimate partner violence. Online students are also encouraged to utilize their health insurance benefits or employer’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), if available.

If you or someone you know is in a crisis and need an immediate response, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800.273.8255 or dial 911 for Emergency Medical Services (EMS). The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a network of over 160 local agencies.

  • Resources for residential students (KCOM, MOSDOH, ASHS, ASDOH, SOMA) +

    • Missouri campus

      Emergency: 800.356.5395 (Mark Twain Behavioral Health) or dial 911
      Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (other times as arranged)
      Location: Gutensohn Osteopathic Health and Wellness Clinic, room 304

      Sarah Thomas, MSW, LCSW
      Director Behavioral Health & Wellness
      Phone: 660.626.2751

      Schedule an appointment with Sarah

      Sarah Thomas, MSW, LCSW, received her bachelor’s degree in social work and a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies from the University of Missouri-Columbia (2003) and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Missouri-Columbia (2005). She became a licensed clinical social worker in 2005.

      Phil Jorn, MA, LPC, NCC
      Behavioral Health & Wellness Counselor
      Phone: 660.626.2138

      Schedule an appointment with Phil

      Phil Jorn, MA, LPC, NCC, received his bachelor’s degree in psychology (1998) and his master’s degree in counseling (2000) from Truman State University. Jorn obtained his clinical licensure in 2004 and joined ATSU in 2020.

      Jorn has provided individual, couples, family, and group therapy to individuals experiencing a wide range of mental health concerns. Jorn utilizes evidence-based approaches to treatment.

      Arizona campus

      Emergency: 602.222.9444 (Crisis Response Network) or dial 911
      Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (Other times as arranged)
      Location: 5845 Building, suite 213

      Sarah Thomas, MSW, LCSW
      Director Behavioral Health & Wellness
      Phone: 660.626.2751

      Schedule an appointment with Sarah

      Sarah Thomas, MSW, LCSW, received her bachelor’s degree in social work and a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies from the University of Missouri-Columbia (2003) and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Missouri-Columbia (2005). She became a licensed clinical social worker in 2005.

      Services for residential students: All services are provided free of charge for ATSU students and their significant spouse or partner. Counseling is a confidential service. Anything you say to a counselor and/or the fact that you used this service will not be disclosed to other persons or agencies without your consent, within legal and ethical limitations. No information about counseling goes on your academic record. Behavioral Health and Wellness Counseling can also assist students in locating resources and other services specific to their needs available on campus or, when off-campus, in their communities.

      ATSU counselors adhere to the ethical code of the American Counseling Association or the National Association of Social Workers depending on each counselor’s license and professional association.

      Interactive Screening Program - Take an anonymous, online screening for depression and stress and receive a personalized response from an ATSU Behavioral Health & Wellness Counselor through the ISP website. The student’s identity will not be shared with the counselor; however, the counselor will be able to view the student’s responses and reply to their screening and responses with suggestions and information to support the student’s wellbeing.

  • What is professional counseling? +

    • Professional counseling has been defined as: “a professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families, and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education, and career goals. Counselors work with clients on strategies to overcome obstacles and personal challenges that they are facing.”

      Counseling as an activity most closely resembles a conversation with a trusted mentor who helps their clients explore what prompted them to seek support, their personal history and current situation, and the ways in which they may be feeling, thinking, and/or behaving (the symptoms they may be experiencing right now).

  • Confidentiality +

    • Everything discussed during counseling sessions is kept confidential within legal and ethical limitations. ATSU’s mental health wellness counselors are required by law to abide by state-mandated rules of confidentiality.

      No member of ATSU’s faculty, staff, or student body will be informed that you are receiving mental health wellness counseling, nor have access to your files without your explicit, written consent.

      Confidentiality applies to all students even if the student has been mandated for counseling. Mandated students are asked to sign a release allowing ATSU’s mental health wellness counselors to report treatment compliance to the appropriate referring person.

      Exceptions to confidentiality:

      Your right to confidentiality does not apply in the following situations:

      • Any report or suspicion of abuse or neglect of a child or incapacitated adult
      • Any report of suicidal thoughts with intent to follow through
      • Any report of homicidal thoughts with intent to follow through
      • Any state of grave disability

  • Well Connect +

    • WellConnect Student Assistance Program

      A free benefit, WellConnect, can help residential students and anyone in their household. WellConnect is available 24/7, including holidays and weekends. Visit WellConnectForYou.com or call 866-640-4777 to speak with a licensed counselor and receive ATSU’s WellConnect School Code.