The mission of the Lakeland University (LU) 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 Kellett School 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, 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 or call 920-565-1034.
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 of the Health and Counseling Center. 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 25 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 four screenings that you can do by yourself: for depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and substance abuse. Note that we do not monitor this data, though there's an option to send data to the counseling center anonymously. 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 get help with a referral.
In addition to counseling, the Center offers the following services:
LUSI is our new peer support program in collaboration with the Master of Arts in Counseling graduate program. A LUSI peer support provider (PSP) can offer virtual peer support sessions to Kellett School students confidentially, and at no cost. You can talk over your worries, and obtain referrals as needed. The PSPs can provide up to three 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
Marina Awes
Peer Support Provider
"Hello! My name is Marina Awes and I have been in the MAC Program since Fall of 2020. I am nearly approaching my internship, how time flies! While in the MAC program, I also work full-time at Rogers Behavioral Health as a Behavioral Specialist. The cool thing about simultaneously working where I work and being in the MAC program is that I am making real life correlations to the material I am learning, which has been super beneficial for absorbing the bountiful information we receive from the MAC program.
In my spare time, I love to spend time being outdoors and physically active in ways that feel good for my body, engaging in creativity such as listening or creating music, reading, writing, and nurturing those relationships in my life that feel like emotional vitamins. I’m looking forward to building a connection and supporting you on your fruitful journey through the MAC program!"
Yer Thao
Peer Support Provider
"Hi! My name is Yer Thao and I am a second year student in the MAC program on the Clinical Mental Health track with plans to graduate in May 2024.
Over the summer, I completed my practicum at Peaceful Solutions Counseling, a non-profit organization, in Wausau, where I gained a wealth of knowledge about what professional counseling entails. I had the opportunity to shadow both individual sessions and psychoeducation focused groups related to substance use and domestic violence.
This semester, I am completing my internship at The Caring Tree - Child & Family Counseling in Wausau. As part of this experience, I've successfully conducted intake assessments with clients and their parent/guardian, created treatment plans with appropriate goals and objectives, and learned how to implement evidence-based practices in a supported and supervised environment. I'm very excited to continue working with my adolescent-aged clients with the help of play and art assisted therapy!
In my spare time, I enjoy reading, watching true crime documentaries, and spending time with loved ones. I also love to travel and try out different foods, and I can't wait to check off more places on my bucket list soon.
While I'm most certainly not an expert, I am so glad to have the opportunity to be here as a support and to help out in any way I can. I look forward to embarking on this journey together!"
| 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 |
| Domestic Violence Crisis Center | 920-452-7640 or 1-800-499-7640 |
National Resources
24/7 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-877-273-TALK (8255)
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.
Optum Free Help Line: 866-342-6892
Optum, a health and behavioral health services
company, is offering a free emotional support help line, 24/7, “for
as long as necessary” throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Specially-trained Optum mental health specialists help people manage
their stress and anxiety so they can continue to address their
everyday needs. Callers may also receive referrals to community
resources to help them with specific concerns, including financial
and legal matters.
Along
with the toll-free help line, emotional-support resources and
information are available online at www.liveandworkwell.com.
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.
Regional Resources
Ozaukee and Greater Milwaukee
COPE Hotline: 262-377-COPE (2673)
The mission of COPE Services is to provide emotional support and crisis intervention to Ozaukee County and the Greater Milwaukee Area. This mission will be accomplished by the maintenance of a 24-hour telephone helpline, a website, and development of education materials and programs.
North-Eastern Wisconsin
Family Services
A non-profit that provides various programs including crisis and mobile crisis services. You can easily search your specific county using this link:
https://www.familyservicesnew.org/service-offerings/
Prevea Behavioral Health - clinics and services:
https://www.prevea.com/medical-services/Behavioral-Care
Advocate Aurora Behavioral Health – clinics and services:
https://www.aurorahealthcare.org/services/behavioral-health-addiction
Ascension, Columbia St. Mary’s – behavioral health clinics and services:
