Student Counseling Center

Student Counseling Center

Student Counseling Center

We are Here to Help

The Student Counseling Center seeks to enhance the overall well-being of students through a gospel-centered approach that emphasizes hope and encourages ownership of the growth process. We desire that our students will thrive mentally, emotionally, and spiritually during their time at college.

REASONS TO SEEK COUNSELING SERVICES

Anxiety, Depression, Addiction, Sleep Concerns, Suicidal Thinking, Self-Harming Behaviors, Lack of Motivation, Relationship Concerns, Trauma, Body Image, Anger Management, Stress Management, Grief & Loss, and other concerns that may be causing you some level of distress.

Are You Facing a Crisis?

If you or someone you know has attempted suicide and needs immediate medical attention, or if a suicide attempt is imminent, please call 911 immediately.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, follow these directions during and outside of office hours.

During Office Hours

Monday – Thursday, 8am – 3pm (August – May)

Contact the Student Counseling Center to request a same day appointment.

Call (616) 538-2530
Call or Text (616) 690-3917
Email counseling@gracechristian.edu

Location Room 204 – Aldrich Athletic Center
Around the corner from the weight room

Outside Office Hours

Contact your RA, RD, or Campus Security at (616) 881-2803.

Call 911 if you or someone you know is in immediate danger.

Other Emergency assistance

For free, confidential 24/7 support, contact:

Counseling Services

The Student Counseling Center offers customized services to meet the needs and goals of our students. The level of recommended treatment is based on the individual mental health needs of the student. All students who seek counseling services will be scheduled for an initial intake appointment with a trained counselor to determine the best level of care.

Financial Aid

Free

Counseling Services are free to all enrolled On-Campus students.

Ministry

Confidential

No information will be exchanged with individuals or agencies outside of our center unless you provide us with explicit consent.

Mission

Tailored

We tailor our services to the individual needs and goals of the student..

On-Campus Referrals & Consultations

The Student Counseling Center works closely with other on-campus resources. To support the needs of our students, the SCC can connect students to other services such as mentoring, community life, academic support, or our campus pastor. In addition, the SCC can also provide one-time consultation appointments for students who need to process through a specific problem or decision.

Wellness Events

Wellness events are offered to students who want to participate in hands-on activities to improve their overall health. During these events students will also learn how to improve their lives and support others well.

The H3 Project

The H3 Project is a series of events geared towards engaging your heart, head, and hands as you pursue wellness. These free events are open to students, staff, and faculty throughout the academic year.

Wellness Groups
Wellness related groups are commonly offered throughout the semester. These opportunities are open to any student who is seeking extra support and personal growth.
Individual Counseling

The Student Counseling Center offers individual counseling to on campus students based on the assessment of their initial Intake Appointment. Our goal is to provide a therapeutic relationship and assist students with new skills that will empower them to make changes in their own lives. We hope that in working together, students move towards growth and experience a more fulfilling life.

Community Resources & Referrals

The Grand Rapids area is home to many counseling services. A student may be referred to community providers and resources to provide the treatment level needed for the student. A counselor from the SCC will help students find the appropriate treatment to match their need.

 

Emergencies

  • Call 911
  • Network 180 (For Medicaid) (616) 336-3909
  • Saint Mary’s Healthcare – Emergency Department (616) 685-6789
  • Metro Health U of M Hospital – Emergency Department (616) 252-7200
  • Spectrum Health Blodgett Hospital – Emergency Department (616) 774-7740
  • PineRest Christian Mental Health Services – 24 hour hotline 1-800-678-5500
  • Forest View Hospital – 24 hour hotline 1-800-942-9610
  • Campus Security (616) 881-2803

 

Hotlines

  • Crisis Text Line text START to 741-741
  • Suicide and Crisis Lifeline call or text 988
  • YWCA Sexual Assault Confidential Crisis Line (616) 454-9922
  • Alcoholics Anonymous 24 Hr Hotline (616) 913-9149 aa.org
  • RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
  • SAMHSA Treatment Referral Hotline (Substance Abuse) 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

 

Counseling Services

 

General Mental Health Resources

 

Online Counseling Services

 

Pregnancy Services

  • Alpha Women’s Center alphawc.org (616) 459-9955 After Hours 1-800-712-4357
  • Pregnancy Resource Center prcgr.org (616) 456-6873
  • Garden of Hope gardenofhope.com (616) 307-6646
  • Post-abortive Assistance call (616) 724-0649
  • Bethany Christian Services bethany.org (616) 240-2531

 

Addiction Services

 

General Human Services Needs

Crisis Care

In the event of an emergency, call 911, or contact Campus Security (616) 881-2803, at any time, day or night. If the situation warrants, Campus Security will communicate with a on-call Student Affairs staff who will assist you and/or consult with a Student Counseling Center counselor.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, you may stop by or call the Student Counseling Center (616) 538-2530 during office hours and indicate that you are in crisis.

For free, confidential 24/7 support, contact:

  • Crisis Text Line – text START to 741741
  • Suicide and Crisis Lifeline – call or text 988

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Seeks HeLP?

Approximately one out of five On-Campus Grace students seeks support from the Student Counseling Center each year, including students from a wide range of demographics, as well as a wide variety of majors and interests across campus.

There is no right or wrong reason to seek counseling. If you are feeling stuck in negative or distressing thinking then counseling may be helpful for you.

Here are some other reasons why students seek counseling: Anxiety, Depression, Addiction, Sleep issues, Suicidal Thinking, Self-Harming Behaviors, Lack of Motivation, Relationship Issues, PTSD, Body Image, Anger Management, Eating Related Behaviors, Stress Management, Grief & Loss, really anything that may be causing you some level of distress.

Who is eligible for Counseling services?

Grace Christian University On-Campus students who are currently enrolled in classes and reside in the state of Michigan are eligible for services through the Student Counseling Center.

If you are an Grace Online student, you may reach out to counseling@gracechristian.edu to receive information about providers and resources in your area.

What is the Cost?

Counseling Services are free to all enrolled On-Campus students.

How do I make an Appointment?

Appointments at the Student Counseling Center can be made by calling (616) 538-2530 or sending an e-mail to counseling@gracechristian.edu.

Our office is located in the Student Affairs Center, around the corner from the weight room.

During the school year, appointments are available Monday through Thursday, 8am – 3pm.

Crisis care is available for safety-related mental health emergencies.

    What will happen at my first Appointment?

    Your first appointment is referred to as an Intake Appointment.

    You will be asked to fill out paperwork prior to coming to the intake appointment which will include demographic information, reason for your visit, and mental health history. This will include an informed consent form to read and sign.

    A counselor will then review your information and meet with you for approximately 45 – 60 minutes. The goal of the intake appointment is to assess your needs and customize services to best fit your personal goals. You and the counselor will review the Student Counseling Center resources available to you, and we will decide together on the next steps for services.

      Are Student Counseling Center Services confidential?

      Yes! The Student Counseling Center takes confidentiality very seriously, and no information will be exchanged with individuals or agencies outside of our center unless you provide us with explicit consent to do so. Your Student Counseling Center record is not a part of your academic record, and information shared within counseling is not reported to Student Affairs, your parents, or anyone else without your written consent. We recognize that a safe and confidential environment is crucial in order for you to feel comfortable sharing personal information.

      In rare circumstances, the confidentiality policy requires unauthorized disclosure of information. Such circumstances would include when the counselor believes the student’s life is in danger, when the safety of others is at risk, when there is suspicion of child or elder abuse, or when requested by subpoena or court order.

      If you have any questions or concerns about the confidentiality policy, please feel free to talk them over with your counselor.

      Will my Counseling be Biblically Based?

      Yes. The Student Counseling Center recognizes the Bible as the source for understanding how to respond well to the struggles of life. Yet sometimes people feel pressured by Christians to act, think and believe the “right way.” That is not our approach. We respect every person’s spiritual journey regardless of where it may be. We honor doubt and struggle and believe God does as well.

      How can Parents, staff, Faculty & Friends help a student?

      If you have a concern for a student, please do not hesitate to reach out to us or to refer students to the Student Counseling Center.

      Due to HIPAA and state confidentiality laws, counselors cannot discuss specific information regarding a student without a consent form signed by the student. However, we would be happy to offer tools on how to approach the student of concern. Treatment and referral resources are also available.

        Contact

        Hours of Operation
        Monday – Thursday
        8am – 3pm
        (August – May)

        Location
        Room 204 – Aldrich Athletic Center
        Around the corner from the weight room

        Phone(616) 538-2530
        Fax (616) 538-0599

        Email
        counseling@gracechristian.edu

        Sarah Molenkamp

        Sarah Molenkamp, MA LPC

        Campus Counselor

        Office (616) 538-2530
        Cell (616) 690-3917
        Email smolenkamp@gracechristian.edu

          Education & Bio
          • MA Mental Health Counseling – Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
          • BA Spanish – Hope College

          Sarah is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She has experience working with college students regarding relationship skills, grief and loss, anxiety, stress management, adjustment, depression, as well as spiritual and academic concerns. Sarah provides consultation meetings, individual counseling and group counseling. She is excited about helping students identify their own goals and take responsibility for the change in their lives. Through the counseling relationship, she desires for students to feel cared for while providing a place to tell their story and to develop new skills. In her free time, Sarah enjoys reading, thrifting and spending time with friends and family.

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