Counseling Services

Counseling Services is here to help you resolve personal concerns that may interfere with your academic progress, social development and satisfaction at Simpson. Free individual, group and couples counseling for all Simpson students is available as well as prevention and consultation services for the college community.

In Case of Emergency

Simpson Counseling Services
(515) 961-1332
Simpson Campus Security
(515) 961-1711
Iowa Lutheran Hospital
(515) 263-5120
Mercy Medical Center
(515) 247-3121
Crisis Observation Center
(515) 564-5742
National Suicide Hotline
(800) 273-8255
Statewide Crisis Line
(800) 332-4224

About Counseling Services

Things to know about counseling provided by Simpson College Counseling Services

  • We are continuing with any current clients who wish/are able to do so and WILL BE TAKING NEW CLIENTS throughout the rest of the academic year.
  • If you would like, we are also happy to assist with referrals to services in your home community.
  • Sessions remain confidential.
  • Initial sessions will still be 30-45 minutes, regular sessions will be 45-50 minutes.
  • If you would like to schedule a session, we will send you links to paperwork for you to complete prior to your session or when you arrive early for your session.

Free counseling available to students dealing with

  • Difficulty with friends, roommates, or family members
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Sexual identity
  • Lack of motivation or difficulty relaxing, concentrating or studying
  • Eating disorders
  • Substance abuse
  • Sexual assault and sexual abuse recovery
  • Uncertainties about personal values and beliefs
  • Other issues impacting a student’s life and academic performance

Additional Counseling Information

Employee and Family Resources

On-Site Services

  • A Therapist will be on campus from 8am-2pm on Fridays through the end of May Term beginning on 2/11
  • Connect with one or both of these services by calling 800-327-4692

Central Iowa Crisis Services

  • 24/7 Crisis line- 855-581-8111
  • Chat and text line available Monday-Friday 9am-3pm.

UnityPoint Behavioral Health Urgent Care

  • Therapist and psychiatric medication providers on site.
    • Monday-Friday 9am-5pm- Walk in only
      1250 E. 9th St. Des Moines, 50316
      515-263-2632

Frequently Asked Questions

Find what you need to know about Simpson’s Counseling Services

Counseling (or therapy) is a safe relationship of trust, respect and confidence in which the person seeking help learns to explore oneself and his/her own abilities to cope with life experiences more effectively. The fundamental belief in counseling is that individuals have worth, dignity and the capacity to solve their own problems when they understand themselves and their choices and potential outcomes. Also, counseling can do more than help people solve problems. One may use it to help in her or his own personal growth and development.

Absolutely not! Counseling is for people with significant mental health concerns, as well as for people with normal developmental concerns. Many students at some time have problems adapting to new situations and changes taking place within them. Normal developmental concerns and academic pressures while at Simpson might lead them to feel intense anxiety, anger, sadness or depression. Very often these concerns can be worked out alone or with a friend.

Occasionally, however, because of the nature or magnitude of the personal concern, getting help may be desirable. People come to counseling wanting to feel better about themselves and others. Counselors are trained to assist people with personal growth, with awareness of self and environment and with developing the skills they need to cope with problem situations. We believe students are demonstrating courage and wisdom by seeking another objective perspective through the utilization of counseling services.

Stop by Counseling Services in the Kent Campus Center and speak with the receptionist. You may also contact Counseling Services to schedule an appointment by calling 515-961-1332 or by emailing your appointment request to counseling.services@simpson.edu. During busy times of the year, there may be a wait of several days before an initial appointment can be attended. However, if something is urgent, please contact us immediately and we will arrange to see you. We maintain office hours weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

There is no fee for currently enrolled Simpson students.

Counseling staff members are professionally trained in mental health fields. They have experience working with a diversity of students and issues. Because counselors have different beliefs about how people change, they differ on how much talking they do in sessions, whether they ask you to do any homework and their focus of discussion. You can expect they:

  • will maintain the highest ethical and legal standards of confidentiality,
  • are interested in listening to your concerns and open to discussing them,
  • will take you seriously and answer questions about the therapeutic relationship,
  • are interested in helping you discover a better understanding of concerns.

Generally, all information you share with your counselor is kept confidential and cannot be shared with family members, friends or other employees of the college unless your permission is granted in writing. If there is concern that an individual may be a serious threat to the safety of themselves or others, confidentiality can be broken. In addition, if a counselor becomes aware of any abuse committed against a minor or an elder, the counselor is mandated by law to report that abuse. Finally, in rare occasions, if records are subpoenaed by the court confidentiality may be broken. It should be noted that the situations listed above happen in only a very rare number of cases.

Counseling typically begins with brief confidential paperwork that allows you to share some information that will help the counselor guide your intake session. This initial session allows you and your counselor to discuss and assess your concerns and goals. At this time, it is also decided together whether group or individual counseling or outside referral best fits your needs.

Need assistance? Contact us!