Your Health Matters Here
Counseling & Mental Wellness
Immediate emergency
Mental health crisis
On Campus support
Sexual assault support
You do not have to navigate stress, anxiety, grief, relationships, academic pressure, or personal challenges alone. ECSU Counseling Services provides confidential support designed to help students thrive emotionally, mentally, and academically.
Counseling Services
How We Can Help
Services are in guidelines of professional, legal, and ethical standards that are captured by state and federal statues and by organizations that represent professions within college and university counseling services.
What to Expect
Step 1 — Reach Out
Call or schedule an appointment online.
Step 2 — Meet With a Counselor
Discuss concerns in a confidential, supportive environment.
Step 3 — Build a Plan
Develop coping tools, goals, and support strategies together.
Counseling is for anyone needing support — not only students in crisis.
Wellness Tools and Online Services
Frequently Asked Questions
Is counseling confidential?
Yes. Counseling Services protects your privacy and keeps counseling records confidential within legal and ethical guidelines. Information is not shared with professors, parents, friends, or other students without your written permission except in situations involving immediate safety concerns, abuse reporting requirements, or court orders.
Who can use counseling services?
Counseling Services is available to currently enrolled Elizabeth City State University students. Services are designed to support students experiencing emotional, academic, social, or personal challenges.
Are sessions free?
Yes. Counseling appointments and many wellness resources are available at no additional cost for eligible ECSU students through Student Health Services and campus wellness support programs.
What happens during my first visit?
Your first appointment is usually an initial consultation where you will:
- discuss what brought you in
- talk about current concerns or stressors
- review your goals for counseling
- ask questions about the process
- work with a counselor to determine next steps
The session is designed to feel supportive and judgment-free. You are never expected to have everything figured out before coming in.
Are there session limits?
Counseling Services often provides short-term counseling support focused on helping students manage concerns, build coping strategies, and improve wellness while in school. The number of sessions may vary based on student needs, counselor recommendations, and available resources.
If longer-term or specialized care is needed, counselors can help connect students with trusted community providers.
What if I need long-term therapy or specialized treatment?
If your needs extend beyond what campus counseling can provide, Counseling Services can assist with referrals to off-campus mental health professionals, psychiatric providers, or specialized treatment services. Staff can also help students understand insurance options and community resources.
What if I’m nervous about counseling?
That is completely normal. Many students feel uncertain before their first appointment, especially if they have never spoken with a counselor before. Counseling is simply a supportive conversation focused on helping you navigate challenges, reduce stress, and build healthy coping tools at your own pace.
You do not need to be in crisis to seek support.
Can faculty, staff, parents, or friends refer a student?
Yes. Faculty, staff, parents, and peers can encourage students to contact Counseling Services if they are concerned about someone’s wellbeing. In urgent situations involving safety concerns, individuals should contact campus police, emergency services, or appropriate crisis resources immediately.
Because counseling is confidential, Counseling Services may have limited ability to share information about whether a student is receiving care.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Students can contact Counseling Services directly by phone, email, or through available campus appointment procedures to schedule an initial meeting.
What concerns can counseling help with?
Students commonly seek counseling support for:
- stress and burnout
- anxiety or depression
- relationship challenges
- grief and loss
- family concerns
- trauma
- academic pressure
- loneliness or adjustment issues
- identity exploration
- substance use concerns
- self-esteem and confidence
Counseling Services supports students across a wide range of personal and emotional experiences.
Concerned About Another Student?
If someone you know may be struggling emotionally, Counseling Services can help you navigate how to support them.
Contact Counseling Services
Griffin Hall Suite 500
Monday–Friday | 8 AM – 5 PM
252-335-3275
shs@ecsu.edu
Latonia Johnson
Angela Hathaway
University Counselor
Counseling Services
Additional Resources
Helping a Student in Need
The Counseling Center consults with university students, faculty, staff, and parents who are concerned about the unusual, problematic, or potentially harmful behavior of others.
If you are concerned about someone’s mental health, please visit or call us at (252) 335-3275.
Contact Counseling Services
- Griffin Hall | Suite 500
- 1704 Weeksville Road Elizabeth City, NC 27909
- 252-335-3275
- SHS@ecsu.edu
- Mon - Fri : 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM