Odessa College offers free mental health counseling!
Why does OC offer free professional counseling? Individuals may decide to seek counseling for a number of reasons. It’s not unusual to feel overwhelmed while trying to work through personal problems – to feel “stuck” in a pattern of behavior. When issues arise that begin interfering with one’s life – whether inside the classroom or in other aspects of day-to-day activities – counseling offers a non-judgmental, safe environment in which to discuss those issues. Individuals may seek counseling for:
Test Anxiety
Time Management
Academic Adjustment/Concerns
Strategies for Handling Anxiety, Stress, or Depression
Relationship Troubles
Transitions in Life
Identity Exploration
Eating Concerns
Grief
Feeling Overwhelmed
About Our Services:
Counseling is strictly confidential. Absolutely no information regarding counseling sessions can be released without the written permission of the individual receiving the counseling. Counseling sessions are not discussed with anyone outside the session. The only time an exception may be made and confidential information may be released is in these specific cases: you are a danger to yourself or to others; you admit to child or elderly abuse (state law requires counselors to report instances of abuse); such release of information is court ordered.
If an individual is referred to mandatory professional counseling for a violation of OC campus rules, he or she will be asked to sign a release of information form. This allows the counselor to prepare a certificate of completion (or non-completion) to be forwarded to the Odessa College Office of Student Life.
Odessa College offers face-to-face individual counseling sessions and off-campus referrals. Depending upon the issues being addressed, sessions may be scheduled on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis. Counseling sessions typically last 50 minutes, and require an appointment. Length of services range from about 6-10 sessions, students who would like additional services will be provided with referrals within the community. Individuals seeking counseling are free to discuss issues of concern or just ask questions, depending upon their need and comfort level. Unless referred for mandatory counseling for a violation of OC campus rules, it is completely up to the individual whether or not to continue counseling.
If it is necessary for you to seek services off-campus, OC’s counselor can make referrals to other counselors or mental health services in the area. Referrals can be made at the request of the student or if the counselor feels that other services are needed, with the written permission of the individual seeking off-campus counseling.
Meet Your Counselors
Kelsie Golden, M.S.
Healing comes from an intentional choice and giving yourself permission to take that
choice. Together we find a language of perseverance and purpose. If this is a path
you are ready to take, I would love to hear from you!
Call: (432) 335-6724 | Email: kgolden@odessa.edu
Hunter Malone, LMSW
Whether you're facing stress, personal challenges, or just need someone to talk to,
my role is to be part of your healing journey—without judgment and with genuine care.
Call: (432) 335-6713 | Email: hmalone@odessa.edu