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 is intended to meet the needs of individuals who are experiencing an acute behavioral health stressor that impairs the individual’s capacity to cope with his/her normal activities of daily living. The goal of the Crisis Observation Center is to offer a place for individuals to seek crisis intervention services and stabilize them quickly so they can return to the community. The length of stay is up to 23 hours. Services offered include a nursing assessment, care/service coordination, crisis intervention therapy, and access to a psychiatric prescriber if needed. Staff include registered nurses, Master’s level psychothera-pists, psychiatric technicians, and care/service. These services are offered in a safe and supportive environment.  
  Crisis Observation Center – open 24/7.
  Broadlawns Hospital, West entrance, 1801 Hickman, DM Phone: 515-282-5742

• 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 6^th 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 .