Counseling Services

Take care of you. We’re here to listen.

Free, confidential counseling for Allen students. Lower Level of Arnett Hall · Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Looking for jobs, internships, or a career plan? Career Services is right across the hall.

An Allen student talking with a counselor
Need help right now?
Counseling Services

It’s OK to not be OK. Let’s talk.

College is a lot. Classes, money, family, relationships, and figuring out who you are. Our counselors are here to listen, without judgment, and help you find your footing.

What’s on your mind?

Tap what fits. No sign-in, nothing saved.

Deadlines piling up? Let’s break it down together.Talk with a counselor about stress and time management, and get study help from the Student Success Center.

You don’t need a crisis or a diagnosis to come in. If something is weighing on you, that’s reason enough.

A counselor listening

How it works

  1. Reach outCall 803-376-5738 or email Dr. Ray to set up a time.
  2. Meet a counselorShare what’s going on, at your own pace.
  3. Make a plan togetherOngoing support, tools, or a connection to other help.
Call 803-376-5738 →
Free for studentsCounseling is part of your Allen experience.
ConfidentialWhat you share stays private, except when safety is at risk.
After hours?Call or text 988 any time, day or night. In an emergency, call 911.
Calm Your Mind

Take a breath. Then take care of you.

Small habits make a big difference. Try a one-minute reset right here, then keep it going with free and student-priced apps.

1-minute reset

Box breathing

Ready when you are.

Breathe in 4 · hold 4 · out 4 · hold 4. Four rounds.

  • Student deal

    Headspace Student Plan

    Meditation, sleep sounds, and stress tools for $9.99 a year, 85% off, for verified U.S. college students 18+.

    Renews each year while you’re a student. After graduation it moves to an alumni rate, so check the terms.

    Get the student rate ↗
  • Free

    Healthy Minds Program

    A free, science-based course from a nonprofit founded by a University of Wisconsin–Madison neuroscientist. No upsells.

    Download free ↗
  • Free

    UCLA Mindful

    Free guided meditations, breathing, and body scans from UCLA Health. No ads, no subscription.

    Start free ↗
  • Free · 24/7

    The Steve Fund Crisis Text Line

    For young people of color: text STEVE to 741741 to reach a culturally trained crisis counselor, any time.

    Text STEVE to 741741

These are outside apps and services, not run by Allen University, and they don’t replace counseling. Prices and terms are set by each provider and may change. If you’re struggling, Allen’s counselors are here, and it’s free.

A student sitting on a sofa, hands folded
A counselor on a video call with a student
Your pace, your words

Counseling is just a conversation. No script needed.

Call 803-376-5738 →
Worried About a Friend?

You don’t have to be an expert. Just be there.

Friends are often the first to notice when someone is struggling. Here’s how to help, in four simple steps.

  1. Notice

    Pulling away from friends, skipping class, changes in sleep or mood, or talking about feeling hopeless.

  2. Reach out

    Pick a private moment and say what you’ve seen, kindly.

    Hey, I’ve noticed you seem down lately. I’m here if you want to talk.

  3. Listen

    Let them talk. You don’t need to fix it. Just take them seriously.

    That sounds really hard. Thanks for telling me.

  4. Connect

    Offer to help them reach support, and follow up in a few days.

    Want me to walk with you to Counseling, or sit with you while you call?

Do

  • Ask directly how they’re doing
  • Stay calm and keep listening
  • Help them connect with Counseling
  • Take care of yourself, too

Don’t

  • Promise to keep it a secret if they’re in danger
  • Judge, lecture, or argue
  • Try to handle a crisis alone

If they might be in danger

Don’t wait. Stay with them and get help now.

Emergency: call 911 Call or text 988 Campus Police (803) 223-4544

Not sure what to do? Call Counseling Services at 803-376-5738 to talk it through. Want to get involved? Active Minds ↗ is a national nonprofit that helps students start mental health conversations on campus.

For Families

Worried about your student? You can help.

Counseling is confidential. Staff can’t share whether your student has come in without your student’s permission. That privacy is what makes students feel safe asking for help.

  • Encourage, don’t push. Remind them help is free and private.
  • Share this page so they know exactly who to call.
  • In a crisis, call or text 988, or call Campus Police at (803) 223-4544.
Parents & families →Call Counseling
For Faculty & Staff

Worried about a student? Recognize, respond, refer.

You may be the first to notice. Missed classes, a big change in mood, or a worrying comment are all reasons to reach out.

  • Immediate danger? Call 911 or Campus Police at (803) 223-4544.
  • Not sure what to do? Call Counseling to talk it through.
  • Walk them over. A warm handoff makes students more likely to go.
See the full guide →Consult: 803-376-5738
Meet Your Counselor

Real people. Real experience.

Counseling Services · Lower Level of Arnett Hall · Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Dr. Joseph Ray
Director, Counseling Services

Joseph Ray, Ph.D.

Thirty-three years in human services, including rehabilitation counseling. Member of the American Counseling Association.

jray@allenuniversity.edu803-376-5738

You don’t have to carry it alone.

Free and confidential, for every Allen student.

Call 803-376-5738Career Services, across the hall