The mission of the Lakeland University Counseling Center is to provide holistic support to students as they develop emotionally, socially, academically, and spiritually, in accordance with Lakeland University’s mission and values. We strive to create an environment in which everyone can feel welcome and affirmed, no matter their unique backgrounds and beliefs. Our counselors are licensed to provide professional counseling services and they adhere to professional ethics and standards including full confidentiality. Students are encouraged to reach out to the counselors with any concern, no matter how small or large it may seem. We look forward to meeting you!
We are unable to provide traditional counseling to Center/Online students, but they can utilize the new LUSI peer program (Lakeland University Support Initiative: scroll down for details)
Campus counselors are available by appointment during the following hours (hours during breaks may vary):
Alex Liosatos LPC, Center Director: Monday through Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. If you have any questions about the Counseling Center, please email liosatosa@lakeland.edu or call 920-565-1034 ext. 2388.
Christine Jenkins LPC, Campus Counselor: Monday through Thursday 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. If you have any questions, please email JenkinsCA@lakeland.edu or call 920-565-1034 ext. 2387.
To make an appointment with a counselor please contact the counselors directly, OR email counselingcenter@lakeland.edu.
Alex Liosatos, LPC - Director for Counseling Services
I have worked at Lakeland University since 2012: as an adjunct instructor, a campus counselor and intern supervisor, and since 2018, as the Director for Counseling Services. I graduated from the Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC) program at Lakeland University in 2010. I also have an undergraduate degree (BScEcon) from the University of Wales (UK) and a Master's in International Affairs (MAIA) from Ohio University.
My counseling approach is holistic, whereby mind, body, and spirit are considered essential to the healing process. I often include techniques and strategies from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and incorporate mindfulness practices to promote self-awareness and self-knowledge. I specialize in anxiety disorders, stress management, depression, spiritual issues (religious and secular), and adjustment disorders. I'm also a yoga teacher (RYT-200) and have a certification in Life Force Yoga which integrates yoga/breathing techniques and mood management.
You can email me to schedule an appointment, liosatosa@lakeland.edu, 920-565-1034 ext. 2388
I'm available from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Mondays through Fridays.
Christine Jenkins - Campus Counselor
I have worked at Lakeland since 2013 as an adjunct instructor and campus counselor. I received my Bachelor’s degree in 1990 and my Master’s degree in 1992 from Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. My career began in 1992 working within the community mental health system as a counselor, supervisor and administrator. In 2005 I transitioned to outpatient counseling which has allowed me extensive experience working with youth, adolescence and adults.
For over 30 years I have worked with individuals, couples, families and groups of all ages with a variety of issues. I specialize in therapy for those experiencing depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, adjustment to life challenges, and relationship problems. My therapeutic approach is integrative counseling with a solution focused cognitive-behavioral foundation. I believe that counseling is a collaborative effort between me, the counselor and you the client. The purpose and direction of treatment is realized through prompt intervention with specific and limited goals. We will work together utilizing our combined resources to identify and amplify change.
You can email me to schedule an appointment, jenkinsca@lakeland.edu, 920-565-1034 ext. 2387
I'm available Monday through Thursday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
View the PDF: Lakeland University counseling center policies and procedures
The link below will take you to a menu of screenings that you can do by yourself, created by Mental Health America. The options include depression, anxiety, eating disorders, addictions, and ADHD. Note that the screenings are not monitored and are completely anonymous. Screenings are just a snapshot of your current symptoms and are not a diagnostic tool. If you wish to discuss or explore the results you can contact the counseling center to make an appointment or to get help with a referral.
In addition to counseling, the Center offers the following services:
The counseling center provides peer support during the fall and spring semesters, in-person and online. Our graduate assistant (GA) is trained to provide non-judgmental, validating support from a place of her own lived experience of being a former Lakeland undergraduate and current graduate student.
Meet the Peer Supporter
Sydney Walker
Hello Muskies! My name is Sydney Walker and I am pleased to be offering peer support to undergraduate students. I am a recent (2023) graduate from Lakeland University with a bachelor's in psychology. I am currently in the MAC (master of arts in counseling) program at Lakeland on the Clinical Mental Health track. As an undergraduate, I played on the women's basketball team and I also served as a resident assistant (RA). I am currently the graduate assistant (GA) for the Sheboygan campus counseling center. I have completed the NASPA peer support training, and my mission is to provide confidential, non-judgmental support to my peers. I would like to be a listening ear and where appropriate, share my experiences to help guide others through their academic and emotional journey to graduation.
I am located in lower Brotz Hall. You can schedule an in-person or online meeting with me by emailing:
LUSI is our new peer support program, in collaboration with the Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC) graduate program. A LUSI peer support provider (PSP) can offer virtual peer support sessions to center/online students confidentially, and at no cost. You can talk over your personal concerns, and obtain referrals as needed. The PSPs can provide up to four video/phone calls (up to 45 minutes) per student concern. Please note that this is not a clinical counseling service but an extra level of real-person connection where you can talk about your stressors and needs and get help with next steps should you need them. Whether you feel like you are struggling with studying at home or online, struggling with managing your courses, or you feel stressed, lonely and/or isolated, a LUSI support provider would be happy to connect with you. We use a secure clinical video platform called doxy.me, or we can connect by phone. For more information about LUSI, or to get connect with a PSP, please contact Alex: 920-565-1034 ext. 2388 or email Liosatosa@lakeland.edu
National Resources
24/7 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
The lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
NAMI Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
Peer counseling services 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
NAMI education, advocacy and support for individual and families affected by mental illness.
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
24-hour staffed text line. Free crisis counseling.
National
Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233)
Trained
expert advocates are available 24/7 to provide confidential support
to anyone experiencing domestic violence or seeking resources and
information. Help is available in Spanish and other
languages.
National
Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE (4673)
Connect
with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in
your area that offers access to a range of free services. Crisis chat
support is available at Online
Hotline. Free help, 24/7.
Substance
Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
(800)
662-HELP (4357)
www.samhsa.gov
The Trevor Project :1-866-488-7386
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help-now/
Provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention to LGBTQ people under the age of 25, via phone, chat, or text, and with online resources.
Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
Peer support services and resources for trans people in crisis, or needing support.
Mental Health America: mhanational.org
A non-profit organization addressing the needs of people living with mental illness and promoting mental health for all Americans. Many state and local chapters.
PFLAG: www.pflag.org
An organization for LGBTQ+ people and their families with over 400 chapters and 200,000 members and supporters.
Psych Central: https://psychcentral.com/
This site offers free resources including support groups, in-house therapists you can direct questions to, information on how to find an online therapist, and articles on mental health conditions.
Recommended apps with free content:
Calm: can help users sleep better, boost confidence and reduce stress and anxiety, with the help of guided meditations, soothing music, and bedtime stories.
Insight Timer: a meditation app that features guided meditations, music and talks posted by contributing experts.
Motivation: you can choose a set time to receive a daily notification with an inspiring quote.
Mood Path: described as a “mental health companion.” Whether you are facing a rough patch or have concerns about your mental health, the app can support you through the difficult times and guide you out the other side.
Headspace: makes meditation accessible, with fun "guided meditations" consisting of audio sessions where one of the company's co-creators leads listeners on a journey of contemplation.
Mindfulness Coach: teaches mindfulness skills for self-awareness, self-regulation (VA app, but suitable for all.) provides a gradual, self-guided training program designed to help you understand and adopt a simple mindfulness practice.
Forest: Helps reduce phone/social media activity during study periods. It is a popular productivity app that helps people beat their phone addiction and manage their time in an interesting and pleasant way. Users can earn credits by not using their cell phones and plant real trees around the world with the credits.
Dailyo: Helps to track moods daily, weekly, and monthly.
Local Resources
| Service | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| Mental Health America of Sheboygan | 920-458-3951 |
| Department of Health and Human Services | 920-459-6400 |
| Catholic Charities | 920-458-5726 |
| Lutheran Social Services | 920-458-4161 |
| Aurora Behavioral Health Services (Sheboygan Clinic) | 920-457-4461 |
| Prevea Behavioral Care Health | 920-458-5557 |
| Safe Harbor Domestic Abuse Crisis Line | 920-452-7640 or 1-800-499-7640 |
| Mobile Crisis (free) | 920-459-3151 |
