Mission Statement
The mission of the Barton College Counseling Center is to provide a safe, non-judgmental environment for facilitation of students’ personal growth and development.

Individual Counseling
Counseling is provided by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Services are confidential and free to full-time students. Appointments are available 8:15 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Walk-ins are accepted as availability permits. Students may enter counseling through self-referral or referral from faculty, staff or parents. Grief, adjustment, relationships, stress management and anger management are examples of issues often brought to the counselor’s attention.. The Counseling Center is primarily for short-term counseling. Other problems that may require medical evaluation or long-term treatment are referred to outside sources.

Outreach
During the academic year the Counseling Center provides programs in the classroom, residence halls, and to the entire campus community. The programs provide education on topics such as alcohol and other drugs, healthy relationships, and eating disorders.

Several screening days are provided for depression and other common mental health issues. Screenings include education and completion of an anonymous questionnaire to determine if an individual is at risk and in need of further evaluation.

Barton College is a member of the BACCHUS (Boosting Alcohol Consciousness Concerning the Health of University Students) Peer Education Network. BACCHUS is an international organization of college and university peer education programs that promote healthy and safe campuses. National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week and Safe Spring Break are two important events sponsored by BACCHUS. Because students play a unique role in encouraging safe practices among their peers, they are offered the opportunity to become a part of promoting positive choices. Students may either volunteer to assist with specific projects or they may take a 12-hour course and exam to become Certified Peer Educators.

The Counseling Center is located in the Lee Student Health Center and may be reached at 252-399-6587 or cmanning@barton.edu.