Counseling Services
Hours: Monday – Friday 8am to 6:30pm, Friday 8am to 4:30pm
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.
We are continuing with any current clients who wish/are able to do so and are TAKING NEW CLIENTS this year. If you would like, we are also happy to assist with referrals to services in your home community. Sessions remain confidential.
Initial sessions are 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.
Grief Resources
In light of the recent loss on our campus of President Byers, we have provided some resources to help cope.
What We Do

Individual Counseling
Depression, anxiety, sexual identity, lack of motivation, eating disorders, substance abuse, sexual assault/abuse recovery, and more
Relationship Counseling
We can help navigate conversations between partners, Roommates, Teammates, etc.
Consultation
General Support and suggestions of resources, no student specific information provided
What We Don't Do

Psychological Testing
We can refer you to a local provider if you are seeking testing but do not provide this service.
Medication Management
Medication can be a useful tool in managing anxiety and depression and we can refer you to a nurse practitioner or psychiatrist who deals with medication management if that is something that may be beneficial.
Specialized/Intensive Treatments
If you are requiring a more intensive therapy, we do have local providers in the metro area we can refer you to for additional treatment.
Cold Call
We welcome students to contact us when needing support, but we cannot reach out directly to students without them initiating the contact.
Accommodation letters
If you are needing assistance with classroom or living accommodations, please reach out to Student Accessibility Services at sas@simpson.edu.
In Case of Emergency
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 |
24/7 Crisis line (855) 581-8111Chat/text M-F 9am-3pm www.yourlifeiowa.org or text (855) 895-9398 |
Unity Point Behavioral Health Urgent Care (515) 263-2632 M-F 9am-5pm walk in only 1250 E 9th St Des Monies |
Meet our Counselors!

Jenny Vargas
- Director of Counseling Services

Ashley Parker
- Mental Health Counselor
Need assistance? Contact Us.
- counseling.services@simpson.edu
- 515-961-1332
- Kent Campus Center, 2nd Floor