Faculty & Staff

For Faculty and Staff

This information is primarily intended to provide information for Faculty and Staff when they are considering sending students to the Counseling Center.

General Overview:

Clients are encouraged to participate in several of our programs that are designed to assist with retention and success. For example, in addition to personal psychotherapy, we offer a variety of academic skills, interpersonal skills, and diversity workshops.

Clients’ initial meeting with the therapist is designed to assess the most relevant issues that may be contributing to misunderstandings, misperceptions, feelings of invalidation, or stuck points in life. We work with brief and short-term approaches but most clients obtain some degree of resolution and comfort after a few sessions. Clients are assisted with examining their lives very deeply to look for recurring patterns that could be adjusted and are empowered to make changes that fit their preferences and lifestyles.

Appointments are scheduled with the student’s academic and job schedules in mind, in an attempt to remove any barriers that could prevent attendance.

All records and information about our clients are kept confidential in accordance with state and federal laws.

Where is the MSU Denver Counseling Center located?

We are located in the Tivoli Student Union, Suite 651. To find us in the Tivoli, take the Tower elevator to the 6th floor. From the elevator, turn left and go down the stairs. Our facilities are handicapped accessible.

Who is eligible for services?

MSU Denver students who are currently registered and attending classes for at least one credit hour in Fall, Spring, or Summer, may receive services. Faculty and staff may be seen for a one-session consultation and referral. Faculty and staff may choose to utilize the Colorado State Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP) Counseling Services https://cseap.colorado.gov/support-for-all-employees/confidential-counseling.

Who are your mental health providers?

Our therapists are qualified mental health professionals; including psychotherapists, psychologists, and advanced graduate student trainees.  For some specialized  concerns your therapist may recommend a referral to an off-campus agency who will better assist you. Staff are trained in trauma-informed care and adhere to some of the highest standards in the field.

How does one get an appointment?

We are providing both virtual and in-person sessions during the period of the Pandemic, in keeping with prevailing health guidelines. To begin counseling one may simply come to the Center located in the Tivoli Student Union, Suite 651, or one may call our main number at 303-615-9988. Our administrative staff will help you fill out the paperwork required and set you up with a therapist. The initial meeting usually takes about an hour or less, and your therapist will help determine the nature of your problem(s) and your treatment options. Please note though, we are only able to see MSU Denver students who are currently registered for at least one class.

What are your hours?

The Counseling Center is open from 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., (Closed for lunch 12:00 noon-1:00 p.m.) Monday through Friday. We are in meetings on Wednesday mornings from 9:00 a.m.–12:00 noon. Given the high demand for our services, we encourage persons to make an appointment in advance.

Is there a cost?

No. We are able to provide service at no additional charge to currently enrolled MSU Denver Students.  Student Health Fees cover our services. Clients work with their  therapists to determine the duration of care/treatment, if it is appropriate to receive services from us.

Crisis Assistance:

Students may call our Center at 303-615-9988 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to consult with one of our professional staff. If students need crisis assistance after 5:00 p.m., or on weekends and holidays, please encourage them to call our 24/7 Mental Health and Victims’ Assistance Crisis line at 303-615-9911 and identify as an Auraria student.

What options do students residing outside of Colorado have for receiving treatment if the Counseling Center is not able to provide clinical treatment?

All students can utilize our robust library of self-help resources, including online screening tools and materials designed to facilitate self-care­, regardless of their state of residence. Several apps for stress management, relaxation, and more are also available on the Counseling Center’s website. Students residing outside of Colorado may also register for any of our workshops on topics such as academic skills, diversity, personal growth, and substance abuse.

We also strongly encourage students living outside of Colorado to utilize mental health services in their local jurisdictions. Staff in the Counseling Center are available to provide assistance to students in identifying options for local mental health services/resources. 

Can professor(s) appeal to the Counseling Center to provide services as an exception to the laws if students live outside of Colorado?

No. Counseling Center staff are required to abide by all relevant mental health laws. They are not able to independently dismiss the regulations; however, Counseling Center staff can help students identify options for local mental health services/resources within their state of residence.