be_ixf;ym_202304 d_01; ct_50

You Are Here:

Counseling Services

Counseling Services

 

The counseling center exists to support and empower students through confidential, holistic mental health services. Our full-time licensed professional counselors and part-time master’s level clinicians help students integrate faith, living, and life.

We offer the following short-term counseling services:

  • Individual, couples, psycho-educational, and group counseling
  • Crisis intervention
  • Outreach and prevention programs
  • Consultation
  • Internship training for clinical mental health counseling masters students

Contact Us

Current students can schedule an appointment by calling 417-865-2815 ext. 7222 or visit the Wellness Center during operating hours. We are available 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday with evening hours for groups and by appointment.

If in crisis during regular office hours, call or visit the counseling center. After hours, please contact your Resident Director or Public Safety (if living on campus), Springfield Police Department, or the local crisis hotline at 1.800.494.7355. The counseling center is closed during academic breaks. Counseling Services can help connect you with possible resources upon request.

Location

The counseling center is located in the Cantrell Student Union within the Wellness Center on the northwest corner of the first floor. We share our waiting area with Health Services and also maintain an annex next door to our primary location that houses counseling offices for interns, a group room and a safe room.

Eligibility and Cost

On campus counseling is available at no cost to currently enrolled traditional undergraduate, graduate, and seminary students, in seated classes, who pay applicable student fees. Spouses of currently enrolled students may attend marriage counseling with their partner, but are ineligible for individual sessions. Counseling Services does not offer individual counseling services to families of currently enrolled students.

Who Receives Counseling Services?

Any eligible student is welcome. Many find that our counselors offer an unconditional, safe environment in which to share life issues, gain perspective, and manage challenges. Some of the more typical issues addressed include anxiety, depression, eating disorders, addictive behaviors, academic complications, family conflicts, pre-marital/marital relationships, relationships, etc.

Notice of Non-discrimination

Evangel University Counseling Services adheres to the non-discrimination standards as outlined in the American Counseling Association Code of Ethics. Counseling Services complies with all applicable federal and state nondiscrimination laws and does not engage in prohibited discrimination on the basis of race, color, nationality, or ethnic origin, sex, age, or disability in the provision of services. The university is affiliated with the Assemblies of God and is operated within the Christian-oriented aims and ideals of the denomination.

Confidentiality

Students sometimes feel hesitant to seek counseling services out of concern that parents, teachers, or administrators at Evangel would have access; this is not the case.

  • All records are confidential and they are NOT part of your academic or administrative records.
  • Your records and personal history are available to no one, this includes parents, family, police, faculty, or administration unless you provide written consent. No information about your counseling will be released to anyone without your authorization, except under the following circumstances:
    • If you are under 18 years of age, your parents or legal guardian(s) may request access to your records and may authorize their release to other parties.
    • If you are determined to be in imminent danger of harming yourself or someone else.
    • If you disclose abuse or neglect of children, the elderly, or disabled persons.
    • Where otherwise legally required.

Meet the Staff

Leah Wilson, MA., LPC-S, Director

Leah Wilson grew up as a Missionary Kid in Jamaica. She holds degrees from Central Bible College and Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, both in counseling. She spent almost 9 years counseling students at Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie, Texas, as well as teaching. She is a licensed professional counselor in the states of Missouri and Texas. She has taught adjunct at Evangel University since 2018 and has served as the Behavioral Health Program Coordinator within the College of Online Learning. She recently had her own private counseling practice and currently is a PLPC clinical supervisor in the state of Missouri. She has specialty training in EMDR, CISM and Prepare Enrich.

Reba Woolverton, LPC, Staff Counselor

  • Master’s in Counseling, Registered Nurse
  • Has been on staff since 2013
  • Experience in managing an acute care psychiatric unit, substance abuse program, and nursing

Macie Ponseigo, PLPC, Staff Counselor

Crystal Bright, Administrative Assistant

  • Adult Studies student pursuing a degree in Behavior Health.
  • Has been on staff since 2005