More About DSU’s Counseling Center

Located in the Learning Engagement Center, the DSU Counseling Center has quietly become an essential part of campus life. Director Nicole Bowen leads a team including Assistant Director Zoe Landis, counselors Theresa Plut and Paul Techo, and Support Specialist Marie Johnson. Together, they’ve created a safe space on campus for students dealing with mentally taxing situations in their lives.

Students come in for all sorts of reasons: relationship troubles, academic stress, anxiety, depression, or just feeling off without knowing why. One student shared how a few sessions helped them recognize patterns they’d never noticed, leading to better productivity, grades, and overall well-being. The center uses a goal-focused approach to provide the students with the best possible help. Some students feel better after a handful of visits, while others stay longer. Sessions can happen in person or through telehealth.

The counselors emphasize that therapy isn’t only for crises, but similar to getting a physical checkup when healthy, it can be a mental wellness checkup. As one counselor noted, therapists offer objectivity that even supportive friends and family can’t provide.

Getting started is straightforward. 

The first session focuses on getting acquainted and understanding what’s happening. Confidentiality is discussed upfront—sessions stay private except in rare safety-related situations.

Students appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and approachable staff. However, some mentioned they’d like more campus-wide outreach, so more students know these resources exist. For students navigating university life, the center is there to help them survive tough times and help them better navigate their current and future situations.

Students can schedule through Trojan Connect, call 605-256-5121, or email counseling.center@dsu.edu. After hours, 24/7 help is available through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or Crisis Text Line.