How You Can Receive Mental Health Services at NMC

College can be a challenging time. Navigating newfound independence, managing coursework, balancing work and personal struggles can feel overwhelming.

Nebraska Methodist College (NMC) understands the unique needs of healthcare students. Your career will require you to care for others, which means taking care of yourself is important.

Student Engagement and Support Services at NMC provides mental health services for college students that can facilitate success in the classroom and personally, and give you the tools to prioritize self-care in your career.

Mental Health and College Students

College students’ mental health issues include anxiety, depression, eating disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and substance abuse.

“The most frequent topics that we address in counseling with our students are stress, anxiety (including panic), depression, relationship issues, safety planning and trauma,” said Kathy Dworak, director of student counseling services. “In 2022, 79% of our students reported experiencing mental health concerns. We are guided by the desire to help shape our students in the areas of heart set, mindset and skill set because we value the holistic care of our students. We provide this care now so that our students can keep these tenets close as they move forward to care for others.”

Situations or risk factors that could trigger depression or anxiety include changes in relationship status, sexual assault, friendship difficulties, sexual or gender identity adjustment difficulties, family history, academic pressure, body image struggles or stressful life events.

NMC students reported that the degree stress impacted their academic life, from moderate to a great deal, was 62% and the degree stress impacted their personal life, from moderate to a great deal, was 69%, according to the 2022 Nebraska Assessment of College Health Behaviors. 

Not seeking help can increase the likelihood of poor academic performance, dropping out of college, substance abuse and suicide, according to the Mayo Clinic Health System.

Early identification and treatment by mental health professionals can help students have a more positive college experience and increase the likelihood of academic success, according to the National Institutes of Health.

On-Campus Counseling Services

The NMC Counseling Department offers a variety of on-campus student mental health services.

All enrolled students can receive free, confidential counseling. The licensed independent mental health practitioner is trained to address issues such as:

• Test anxiety.
• Relationships/codependency.
• Stress management.
• Time management.
• Anxiety.
• Coping strategies.
• Substance abuse.
• Depression.
• Grief and loss.
• Family/parenting issues.

In addition to NMC’s licensed therapist, a master's level counseling intern and a spiritual development coordinator provide services to students.

“Through a partnership with UNO, we have master’s level interns in their final stages of their program. I would encourage everyone to take some time to reflect and check in with themselves by visiting with an intern,” said Dworak.

Students are encouraged to initiate contact with the counseling office, although referrals can be made by faculty, staff, parents or concerned friends. 

Counseling services at NMC are voluntary and free. All information is kept in the strictest confidence under the law.

24/7 Mental Health Support and Coaching for Students

NMC students have access to the Virtual Care Group (VCG), a nationwide service that provides counselors and coaches with availability 24 hours a day and seven days a week. 

The platform has licensed mental health practitioners in all 50 states, speaking over 200 languages. Counselors specialize in stress, grief, loss and LGBTQIA+ support. 

Students receive unlimited 50-minute behavioral health visits, life coaching and on-demand crisis counseling.

“We’re excited about our partnership with VCG because we can offer our students multiple options for counseling services. VCG is specific to higher education and the needs of college students,” Dworak said. “VCG offers the ability to choose a counselor based on factors like language, gender identity, race and religious beliefs. VCG also offers coaching for finances, work, family and overall adjustments to life in general.”

Registration is required to activate your account. Virtual Care Group services can be accessed via mobile app, web portal or call center.

For any questions or concerns about the platform, please email their Care Team at care@thevirtualcaregroup.com.

How to Schedule an Appointment with NMC Counseling Services

For mental health counseling services, contact Kathy Dworak, director of student counseling services, at (402) 354-7080 or schedule an appointment on her calendar.

For spiritual support, contact Kim Haizlip at kimberly.haizlip@methodistcollege.edu.