Mental Health and Wellness Counseling

Whether you are new to counseling or have received support previously, we are glad you are here!  Making mental health a priority is key to success and overall wellness not just in school but in life.  Here are a few reasons students utilize counseling:

1. To identify negative or illogical thinking patterns that contribute to feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, and to develop a more positive outlook.
2. To explore learned thoughts and behaviors that create or maintain problems in a safe and non-judgmental setting.  
3. To regain a sense of control and pleasure in life.
4. To encourage support from family and friends.
5. To find solutions to life's problems.
6. To discover personal strengths and how to use those strengths to grow stronger in other areas.

Here are a few myths about counseling:

1.  Counseling is a sign of weakness.
   Incorrect!  Nothing could be further from the truth.  It takes courage to address problem areas and examine painful feelings.  
2. Counseling is only for people with serious emotional problems.
   Wrong!  Counseling is like seeing a dentist – you don’t go to a dentist only if you have a cavity.  It can be helpful to see a dentist to get your teeth examined and cleaned.  Students often seek and benefit from counseling for issues such as academic difficulty, relationship problems, adjustment concerns, managing stress, and/or grief.  
3. Counseling is expensive.
   Ok, so this one is debatable.  Counseling can cost a fair amount however the short-term counseling offered at Minneapolis College is free for any currently registered student.  Note that this is true for both Counseling Services with us in the Student Support Center as well as in the Student Health Center on campus.

Still have questions? No problem!  During your first appointment with a counselor, we will do everything we can to provide answers to your questions, explain services in more detail, and allow you the chance to share some background with us so that you can get “a feel” for the process.  

If after the first session you decide you want to return, we will move forward.  If you feel you want some time to think about a second appointment and further counseling, we will honor that.  We are also able to provide referrals both on and off campus should you decide that is the best path for you.

Additional Details:  Appointments are 50 minutes long and counselors are usually able to meet with students every two weeks.

Merlita Lockman
(she/her/hers), 612-659-6739, M.S. Counseling and Student Personnel

Merlita joined the college in December 2021. She has a Master of Science in Counseling and Student Personnel and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Her approach to counseling tends to be Rogerian, cognitive-behavioral, and solution-focused.

Merlita believes in actively listening, empathizing, being genuine, and accepting each student without judgment. She views her role as a short-term support to give students the direction they need to continue (move focus from problem to solution) and trust that they have the resiliency to do what it takes to be successful.

Merlita is committed to offering counseling services to students to promote academic success and mental wellness. She considers working at the college as working on the front lines of equity and inclusion.

Melissa Schultz
(she/her/hers), 612-200-5361, M.A. Counseling & Psychological Services

Melissa joined the college in 2015 and has her Master’s Degree in Counseling & Psychological Services. Her approach to counseling tends to be Humanistic/Client-Centered (cultural context included) and incorporates concepts of self-care, mindfulness, advocacy, resiliency, and resource building into her conversations with students.

Melissa believes that 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.

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.

Meagan Abel
(she/her/hers), PsyD. Counseling Psychology, M.A. Clinical Psychology

Meagan has a Doctoral Degree (PsyD) in counseling psychology, a Masters of Arts (MA) in Clinical Psychology, and a Bachelors of Arts (BA) in Psychology and Family Studies. Her areas of expertise are in multicultural counseling, health psychology (helping people manage and improve their health and wellness) and in the treatment of trauma. She is known for her down to earth approach and uses a client-centered approach to counseling in addition to drawing from DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) and CBT(Cognitive Behavior Therapy). Meagan is also a strong advocate for social justice issues impacting the BIPOC and queer communities. She believes that with the right support students from all backgrounds can overcome the challenges they may face to achieve their educational and career goals.

On Campus Supports

• Boynton Student Health Clinic (H.3400)
  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.
• Collegiate Recovery Program (Support for Students in Recovery)
• Resource & Referral Center (Support for Students seeking assistance with food and/or housing insecurities, transportation, daycare grant, etc.)
• Veteran’s Services (Support for Veteran students and their families)

Off Campus Supports

• Attached you will find a comprehensive list of mental health agencies in our community.  Please note that counselors are available to meet with you to discuss which organizations could be a good fit given your needs. 
  • Download the Mental Health Resource List PDF

Counseling Services

• Location: Student Support Center (T.2200)
• Phone: 612-659-6709
• Email: counseling.office@minneapolis.edu