Mental Health Resources at Concordia University, Nebraska

Published by Hope Nelson 8 months ago on Thu, Aug 31, 2023 9:41 AM

College is an exciting time to make new friends and live in a brand-new place, and it’s a fantastic opportunity to find your niche. It can, however, be an extremely stressful period in in one’s life.  

Juggling classes, homework, meeting new people, and finding time for self-care can lead a new college student to feel overwhelmed and can even take a toll on one’s mental health. Fortunately, Concordia offers a variety of mental health resources that are available to its students from the beginning of their Concordia journey to its close.  

On Thursday afternoons from 2-4 p.m. in Thom 202A-1, the Let’s Talk program offers students the opportunity to speak to Kathy L’Heureux, Concordia’s director of counseling services, during a brief one-time counseling session. These sessions are free, confidential, and designed to address immediate issues in a student’s life – think a recent breakup, relationship tension with family or friends, or academic stress. Students can reach L’Heureux with any questions at kathyrine.lheureux@cune.edu.  

Let’s Talk offers students the opportunity to experience the reassurance of discussing a pertinent life issue with a licensed mental health professional who is caring and ready to provide advice. Students can stop by anytime from 2-4 p.m., even without an appointment.  

The counseling department also hopes to set up group sessions during the 2023-24 school year that address common issues like school stress, anxiety, academic issues, and grief.  

In addition, campus chaplain Ryan Matthias is available to help students who wish for guidance regarding their spiritual lives. Pastor Matthias’ office is in Janzow 208, and he can be reached by email at ryan.matthias@cune.edu or by phone at (402) 643-7216.  

 For students who have longer-term mental health concerns such as anxiety or depression, or who for any reason desire professional support that goes beyond a one-time session, Concordia also provides short-term counseling services free of charge to all enrolled students.  

However, if students need more intensive therapy past the short-term services that Concordia offers, Kathy L’Heureux will assist them in connecting with counselors either in Seward or Lincoln. In Seward, Heart to Heart Counseling and Blue Valley Behavioral Health offer these services; in Lincoln, Bryan Psychiatry, Psychotherapy Associates, and many other clinics and private practice counselors offer options for college students in need.  

Confidential, caring, and Christian counseling is only a few clicks away, as students can complete an appointment request form by emailing the counseling office at counselingoffice@cune.edu or calling (402) 643-7398. The center provides flexible appointment options that fit students’ schedules.  

Concordia’s mental health and counseling department is committed to providing its students with support that is confidential, caring, and Christian. The counseling department has resources to serve students who seek support in any form, whether they are hurting from a recent event or dealing with a long-term pattern of distress. Concordia's counseling office, located in Jesse Hall 101, is a non-judgmental space for all students – so no one must be afraid to reach out.  

Concordia’s counseling center is not open 24/7. As always, in case of an emergency, students should call 911 or campus security (402) 643-3033.  

For mental health crises, contact the national suicide prevention line by dialing 988 or the Blue Valley Behavioral Health Crisis Line at (877) 409-6600.