Student Counseling at MHCC

GETTING THE SUPPORT YOU DESERVE

College life can feel overwhelming at times, and it’s okay to seek help when you need it. MHCC offers a vital resource for students: the counseling department.
Here, you’ll find professional counselors ready to support your mental health, guide you through academic challenges, and offer help with many other aspects of student life.

Meet the Counselors

The counselors at MHCC are licensed professionals trained to help students with everything from mental health struggles to career decisions. One of them, Eden Eisenstein, has worked at the college since 2012. With a master’s degree in counseling and years of experience, she helps students through challenges such as stress, anxiety, and career uncertainty.

The Career Planning and Counseling Center offers short-term mental health counseling and career counseling to students, all included in your tuition fees. This means you can access these services without extra cost.

How to Access Counseling Services

Getting counseling at MHCC is simple. To make an appointment, visit the counseling department in Room AC1152, just off the Main Mall near the Student Union. Once your appointment is set, you’ll need to fill out some basic forms online before your first session. If you prefer, you can also complete the forms in person using one of the computers in the office.

Before your session, you’ll also complete a mental health screening that helps the counselor understand what you’re going through. You can answer as much or as little as you’d like on this form. It’s meant to help counselors know how they can best support you.

Common Concerns Students Bring to Counseling

Many students visit the counseling department for help with various challenges. Among the most frequent issues are:

• Anxiety and Depression: These are some of the most common mental health struggles students face.
• Academic Pressure: Concerns about class performance or future career choices are also frequent.
• Relationship Issues: Counselors can help students work through personal struggles, whether related to family, friendships, or other relationships.
• Life Changes: Adjusting to college life can be difficult, and counselors are there to help students through times of transition.

During your initial session, you’ll discuss your goals with your counselor, who will then work with you to create a plan that fits your needs.

Group Sessions and Workshops

In addition to one-on-one counseling, MHCC also offers group counseling sessions. For example, the department currently runs a student parent support group and an anxiety support group in the fall and spring. These groups are a great way to connect with others who may be going through similar struggles.
While group sessions are helpful, they can be hard to get started due to attendance challenges. However, counselors are dedicated to making these resources available to those who need them.

Working with Other Campus Resources

The counseling department works closely with other departments at MHCC to provide the best support for students. For example, if a counselor sees that a student is struggling with course planning, they may refer the student to Advising for help with class schedules. They also work with the Accessible Education Services and the Equity and Community Resource Center to ensure that all students have access to the resources they need. If a student is facing basic needs challenges, the counseling team can connect them with food pantries or other services.

Academic Support at MHCC

If you’re struggling with your academic work, there are many places on campus where you can get support. The Library offers tutors who can help you with assignments and course material.
MHCC also has additional tutoring centers to help students with their studies:

• The AVID Center provides tutoring services and study strategies to help you succeed in your courses.
• The Math and Science Center offers support for students in math and science subjects, with tutoring and workshops available.
• The Writing Center is available to assist students with writing assignments, whether the task is an essay, research paper, or another writing project.

These centers provide free tutoring and can be a great way to get the extra help you need to succeed.

Confidentiality and Support

One of the most important things to know about counseling at MHCC is that everything you share is confidential. This means your sessions won’t affect your academic standing. The only exceptions to confidentiality are if there’s a risk of harm to yourself or someone else or if mandatory reporting laws apply to the MHCC employee.

Office Hours and Location

The Career Planning and Counseling offices are open Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you need more information or want to make an appointment, the staff at the office are available to help.

Taking Care of Your Mental Health

Mental health is just as important as academic success. Whether you’re feeling anxious, stressed, or just need someone to talk to, the MHCC counselors are here to support you. Counseling is free for all students, and it can make a big difference in helping you navigate the challenges of college life.

Additionally, if you’re struggling academically, be sure to take advantage of the tutoring centers for help with assignments and coursework. These resources are there to support your success both in and outside the classroom.

Dina Ibrahim