Welcome to the Counseling Center
The University Counseling Center (UCC) offers to all currently enrolled Drake students a variety of counseling services at no additional cost to students. The UCC is available for workshops, training, various assessments, and for referral information. In addition, we offer consultation services to students, staff, and faculty who might have questions about student mental health issues or topics.
Crisis Text Line (Text HELLO to 741741): This year, Drake is partnering with the nationally known group, Crisis Text Line, to provide an additional service for our students. Crisis Text Line Counselors graduate from a 30-hour program that includes: video modules that cover (a) specific skills such as good contact techniques; and (b) issues such as self-harm, suicide, depression, bullying, and LGBTQ issues, as well as quizzes, role plays, and observations shifts. Their training has been vetted by representatives from national organizations like American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and RAINN (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network). This is a free and confidential service. Remember, if this is an emergency, please contact Drake Public Safety at 515-271-2222 or 9-1-1.
Most students come to University Counseling Services for assistance with some identifiable concern. Some typical concerns include self-esteem issues, relationships, stress and anxiety, loneliness, transition to college, depression, eating disorders and alcohol or drug abuse.
- We are a part of the ULifeline Resource for students!
- The University Counseling Center provides information about suicide prevention. Please click here to be redirected to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website.
To make an appointment, please contact the University Counseling Center during business hours at 515-271-3864.
Address & Hours
Drake University Counseling Center
3116 Carpenter Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa 50311
(515) 271-3864
Hours:
Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm
Mental Health Emergencies:
Counseling Services staff members are also available to clients on a walk-in basis during business hours, if needed. Students who need emergency mental health during business hours should call the Student Counseling Center at (515) 271-3864. Students who need immediate emergency assistance should call Drake Public Safety at (515) 271-2222.
IMPORTANT: Email should not be used in emergencies.
AFTER HOURS CARE:
Students who need emergency mental health care when the University Counseling Center is closed should call Drake Public Safety at 515-271-2222 or 911. All off-campus treatment is the financial responsibility of the student however the Observation Center is free of charge.
- The Crisis Observation Center provides observation and assessment to students who do not require a hospital level of care. The goals of the Crisis Observation Center are to decrease the individual’s crisis, to prevent unnecessary ER visits or hospitalizations, and to return the individual to their home or community setting. The COC is located at 1420 Mulberry Street, west entrance, and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Phone: 515-564-5742. The services are of no cost.
- Lutheran Hospital is a local center for inpatient psychiatric services. The location is 415 S. 25th Street, Des Moines, IA. To access psychiatric services call the 24-hour hotline: (515) 263-5249.
- Mercy Hospital is a local hospital with a variety of services. The location is 1111 6th Avenue, Des Moines, IA. Access to treatment for mental health illness or substance abuse is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling the Mercy Help Center at (515) 271-6111 or toll-free (800) 595-4959.
- For matters related to sexual and interpersonal misconduct, please visit Drake’s Title IX Resources and Reporting for Sexual and Interpersonal Misconduct.
