Services Offered Free to Registered BHSU Students:
- Individual Counseling
- Success Coaching and Wellness Programming
- Select Group Counseling Services / Support Groups
- Drug and Alcohol Education (CHOICES Program)
- Individual - Short term
- Individual - weekly, biweekly or monthly
- In-person, Tele-health, or via Telephone (student's preference)
- Group Counseling
- Medication
- Referrals
OPTIONS Program:
What is OPTIONS? OPTIONS is Black Hills State University’s alcohol/drug abuse psychoeducation program. This program is based on an educational and harm reduction approach. The intention is to engage students in a self-reflective process, in a non-judgmental environment, where they may notice substance-use behaviors, contemplate whether a change is desired, and be given new knowledge to help create a personal plan. (If sanctioned by the University for a drug or alcohol violation a fee may be incurred.)
Our Office
Located in Student Health Services in the Basement of the Student Union.
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Counseling appointment hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. M-F or by special request.
Contact our office at 605.642.6520 or email us at CounselingCenter@BHSU.edu to schedule an appointment.
Not sure if counseling is for you? Click here to learn more...
Our counselors are committed to providing high quality care and meeting you where you’re at on your journey. Everyone arrives in a different place. Here are some common reasons BHSU students come to counseling…
Could this be you?
- I'm stressed!
- I have a hard time feeling comfortable around others.
- Sometimes I feel I can’t go on.
- I feel out of control when I eat.
- Sometimes I feel like nobody cares.
- I'm thinking about dropping out of school.
- I'd like to learn more about myself.
- I feel incredibly alone right now.
- My partner and I just broke up - I feel hurt and angry.
- Something bad happened - it's hard to talk about it.
- I'm not happy with the way I look.
- Other people are worried about my drinking/smoking.
- I'm always nervous and I can't stand it.
- My friend is acting strange, and I don't know how to help him, etc.
If any of these sound familiar, counseling may be a good fit for you!
We understand taking the first step toward change can be challenging. That’s why we want to help you understand what to expect during your first visit…
- Contact Us!
Contact us at the Health Services and Student Counseling Center via email (CounselingCenter@BHSU.edu), phone (605.642.6520), or walk-in at the Health Services Desk in the Basement of the Student Union. You will be greeted by friendly support staff who aid the counselors and the health services staff with scheduling. All scheduling will be discrete and private. Our support staff works very hard to provide quality client service and to get you an appointment with a counselor as soon as possible.
- Initial Consultation
You will be provided a brief intake form to help our counselors gather some background information about you on the day of your first visit. The form will also have the privacy and confidentiality consent form attached for your convenience. Sessions last no longer than 50 minutes. During your first session, the counselor and you will begin to create a tailored action plan to work on together in counseling services. Since everyone has different needs, the therapists at BHSU work at the pace that is most comfortable for you. Most of the time, you’ll work with the same counselor throughout the duration of your time in counseling unless otherwise specified. Our clients are encouraged to find the best fit counselor for their needs.
- Counseling Services
Your therapist or support staff will assist you in scheduling any follow-up sessions. Additionally, depending on your needs, you may choose to schedule appointments weekly, biweekly, monthly, or check in when needed. This can be determined by you and your counselor after the initial consultation.
Please call Student Health and Counseling Services 605.642.6520 for a counseling appointment
If you are in need of immediate assistance, please call 911 or Campus Security on-call at 605.641.6988 You can also contact the Spearfish Police Department at 605.642.1305
If you need to talk to someone immediately, you can call the National Suicide and Crisis Hotline by dialing 988 or you can contact the Rapid City Crisis Care Center at 605.391.4863
