Mental Health and Wellness Counseling
College can be tough on your mental health and many people are experiencing added challenges amid the uncertainty of COVID-19 as well as the unrest in our communities resulting from the murders of George Floyd, Daunte Wright, and countless others.
Our counselors are available to help you identify healthy ways to cope with the issues that come up as you pursue your education. We believe all students can thrive with relevant, consistent support and want you to know that we are here to be a part of your success team.
Connect with our Counselors
We are currently offering virtual and in-person appointments to accommodate various comfort levels. Our services are free and confidential.
Schedule an Appointment:
Log in to Navigate, select "Appointments," then select "Mental Health and Wellness Counseling."
Thursday Virtual Drop-Ins:
Virtual drop-ins are available most Thursdays from 10AM- 12PM and 1PM- 3PM via Zoom. These brief sessions provide the opportunity to learn about our services, complete an intake, or have a quick check-in with a counselor. Please click on the links below to join.
10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Session | Meeting ID 973 3704 1033
1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Session | Meeting ID 973 3704 1033
Email a counselor:
Melissa Schultz
For Faculty & Staff Working with Students in Crisis
How to Reach a Counselor
Counseling support & resources will continue to be available to current Minneapolis College students as we move through this period of uncertainty. Students have the following options available to them:
- Phone or Zoom Appointment with a Minneapolis College Counselor
Students can schedule a phone or Zoom appointment during regular business hours using Navigate (please link address). They can also reach out via email to one of our counselors below.
Melissa Schultz - Phone or Zoom Appointment with Boynton Health (Mental Health Services)
At this time, mental health services are being offered remotely and students should call 612-659-6384 for further information. Care for students that are sick is also available in the Clinic at Minneapolis College. Students are asked to call 612-659-6384 to talk with a clinician prior to coming in. - Emotional Support Help Line for All Students
United Healthcare is offering an EMOTIONAL SUPPORT HELP LINE FOR ALL STUDENTS through one of their subsidiary companies called Optum. Their toll-free help line number, 866-342-6892, will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for as long as necessary and the service is free of charge and open to any student. Students would have access to specially trained mental health specialists to support them if they feel they are experiencing anxiety or stress related to the recent developments around COVID-19.
Who We Are
Melissa Schultz (she/her/hers), M.A. Counseling & Psychological Services
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Melissa joined the college in 2015 and has her Master’s Degree in Counseling & Psychological Services. Her approach to counseling tends to be cognitive-behavioral, client-centered (cultural context included), and solution-focused.
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Melissa believes each student comes with their own set of experiences and strengths and that ultimately, they have the answers needed to live a healthy and joyful life. Melissa views her role as one of a partner that listens and supports students to both identify and address barriers to academic success and overall wellness.
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Melissa’s favorite part about working at the college is the diversity that exists within the community, the amazing resilience of our students and the shared commitment to learning in a nurturing environment.
Rusty Rose-Dixon (she/her/hers), Licensed Graduate Social Worker
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Rusty was a Student Support and Veterans Intern at Minneapolis College as a Graduate student during the 2020-2021 school year.
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She graduated from St. Catherine University’s College for Adults with a Bachelor of Social Work in 2020 and went on to complete St. Kate’s accelerated Master of Social Work program by May of 2021.
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Her experience as a social worker includes internships at the Minneapolis Veterans Home and Tubman’s Chrysalis Center.
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She enjoys working with students because of the strengths, resilience, and creativity they bring with them in overcoming barriers. As a Gold Star Wife Rusty has an affinity for working with the military-connected population.
Grace Heneghan (they/them/theirs), Master’s in Social Work Intern
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Grace is a student support intern for this year. They are at the University of Minnesota completing their Masters of Social Work and graduate certificate in Human Sexuality with an anticipated graduation of May 2022.
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Grace’s social work experience includes interning at FAIR High School last year, with additional experience in youth work, outdoor education, and curriculum development.
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Their approach to social work is dedicated to anti-oppressive practice with a focus on centering students as the experts of their experiences. Some of their social work areas of interest include LGBTQIA+ issues, gender and sexuality exploration, and grief and loss support.
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Grace is excited to support and connect with students this year.
Additional Resources (On and Off Campus)
The on-campus Student Health Clinic provides mental health and primary care services to currently enrolled students. Please call 612-659-6384 to talk with a clinician before your visit.
Emotional Support Help Line for Students
United Healthcare and Optum provide a toll-free help line that is open 24/7 to support students if you are experiencing stress or anxiety related to COVID-19. Call 866-342-6892 to speak with a trained mental health specialist.
If you are currently experiencing a mental health crisis, please consider the following options:
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Crisis Text line offers free help to those who are having a mental health crisis or contemplating suicide. Text MN to 741741. Services are available 24/7 across Minnesota.
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Call the National Suicide Prevention Line (toll free) at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
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If you are a Hennepin County resident, call COPE (Community Outreach for Psychiatric Emergencies) at 612-596-1223. The COPE team is available 24/7.
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For LGBTQIA+ crisis and suicide prevention support, call Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860 and/or The Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 (24/7/365 available, text options available at TrevorText: Text START to 678-678 stand messaging rates apply)
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Visit the Minnesota Crisis Response Website
If you are experiencing a resource related crisis (e.g. food, shelter, emergency assistance, and other community resources), you can contact our partners in the Resource and Referral Office: