Counseling Center

Jones College Counseling Center primary purpose is to provide holistic psychological support to students as they pursue their goals and objectives during their enrollment at Jones.

Individual Counseling

Although college is an exciting time, there can still be personal stress that affects a student’s wellness or academic goals. Student life can become difficult, and sometimes, overwhelming academic stress, financial stress, and social stressors can make it difficult for students to perform optimally. In addition, other stressors such as trauma, illness, bereavement, and instances of discrimination can complicate matters. Counseling can help students manage these stressors, decrease severity of negative mental health symptoms, and help student’s function in their academic and social lives.

Counseling takes place in a safe, confidential environment where counselors and students create a trusting relationship. Counselors may offer specific behavioral changes, assist with problem solving, or direct students to important on-campus resources. Counseling may also address long-standing mental health problems, personal growth, and explore ways that past experiences impact present functioning. Counseling through Jones College Counseling Services is designed to be short-term and problem focused; however, the length and type of counseling depends on individual student concerns and the student's goals for counseling.

Mental health concerns that our staff members typically address include:

Symptoms of depression
Symptoms of anxiety or panic attacks
Difficulties with motivation, time management, and procrastination
Effects of recent traumas such as sexual assault or loss of a loved one
Interpersonal concerns such as homesickness, interpersonal conflicts, and/or social anxiety
Effects of discrimination based on race, class, gender, ability, or sexual orientation
Effects of stress and trauma due to family conflict
Concerns about alcohol and drug use
Concerns related to eating such as binge eating or restricting diet
Performance related concerns such as test anxiety
Concerns related to concentration and focusing attention

When to Seek Individual Counseling

Students experiencing the following symptoms should consider mental health counseling to help maintain academic and social functioning:

Persistent thoughts about harming self or others
Feel alone, confused, or unable to cope after a recent loss or trauma
Persistent feelings of sadness, including loss of motivation for schoolwork and inability to engage in pleasant activities.
Feeling overly restless, nervous, or panicked when faced with academic and social demands

Noticeable changes in personality, mood, or temperament, including mood swings that lead to risk-taking or aggressive behavior
Unsuccessful attempts to control alcohol or drug use, or unexpected consequences from alcohol or drug use
Changes in work or school performance due to stress or difficulty concentrating
Noticing patterns in your thoughts or behaviors that seem to hinder personal growth

Confidentiality

When seeking counseling services, many students are concerned about confidentiality. Jones College Counseling Center operates within strict professional guidelines regarding confidentiality. Counselors are professionally and ethically obligated to keep what you say confidential. They may seek input from other counselors at the center in order to improve the quality of your care, but no information about your counseling will be released to, or discussed with, anyone outside of Counseling Services without your explicit, written permission.

However, there are four specific instances where your counselor is obligated to breach

confidentiality. These include:

If there is a risk of imminent harm to yourself or another person (e.g., a serious intent to commit suicide or homicide), counselors have a legal and ethical duty to protect life. Your counselor may contact police and psychiatric hospitalization services to protect yourself and others from suicidal or homicidal intent. If possible, your counselor will collaborate with you to implement safety plans other than police intervention or psychiatric hospitalization. Police intervention and psychiatric hospitalization are used only when necessary.
If your counselor is provided evidence that a child, elderly person, cognitively disabled, or physically disabled person is being abused, therapists will report this to appropriate authorities.
Counselors must release information when there is a valid court order for disclosure of student files.
If you experience a medical crisis while at Jones College Counseling Services, your counselor may provide necessary medical information (e.g., about medications) to medical personnel as appropriate for your safety.

Counselors have a legal responsibility to disclose student information without prior consent in these situations. Fortunately, this is rare and all measures of security possible are taken to ensure your confidentiality. Data or student files related to your counseling sessions are not stored as part of your Jones College student record.

How to Make an Appointment

To make an appointment, call the Jones College Counseling Center at 601-477-4070 or email sarah.jones@jcjc.edu. You may also stop by the Counseling Center office located on the first floor of the Administration building.

Emergency Services

Students are welcome to come to Jones College Counseling Center for mental health emergencies during normal business hours. For after-hours mental health emergencies, Jones College Campus Police should be contacted at (601) 477-4006.

For all medical emergencies or any situation involving personal safety or safety of others, contact 911.

Information for Parents

Please note that we are very committed to the limits of confidentially, and if a student has accessed services at our center, we cannot share that information unless the student has signed a release of information at our office that allows us to speak with another party or there is an immediate safety issue.

Please know that we will do our best to address the needs of the student. Please also know that a family member’s role is important. While it is necessary for the student to make that call to access services, it is also crucial that these students know that they are supported by their loved ones in this process.

Again, parents are always invited to call and consult with one of our staff members with concerns or questions. Our hope is that collaboration will encourage both safety and success.

When It's More Than A Bad Day

Counseling Center

Additional Resources

Signs and Symptoms

Referral Resources

Suicide Prevention

Mental Health