STLCC is Here to Help
College can bring stress, change and personal challenges. STLCC counseling gives currently enrolled students a confidential place to talk with a trained counselor, explore concerns and find support.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 for 24/7 support.
Counseling is available at no cost to currently enrolled STLCC students. Appointments are available in person, by phone or by video.
Counseling Email
counseling@stlcc.edu
Counseling Phone Number
314-539-5151
Counseling Locations
Florissant Valley: Student Center 257
Forest Park: Student Center 218 and 219
Meramec: Student Center 223
Wildwood: Technology and Science 153G
Counseling Hours
Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Friday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
When Counseling Can Help
Counseling can help with many personal, emotional and life concerns. You can meet with a counselor if you are dealing with stress, anxiety, sadness, grief, relationship concerns, family challenges, school pressure or other issues.
You can also reach out if you are not sure what kind of help you need. Your first conversation can help you sort through what is going on and decide what support may be useful.
Counseling may help you:
- Talk through stress, anxiety or feeling overwhelmed.
- Cope with grief, loss or major life changes.
- Work through relationship or family concerns.
- Build healthier coping skills.
- Find support during a difficult semester.
- Connect with campus or community resources.
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
Your first appointment is a chance to talk with a counselor about what brought you in, ask questions and learn what support may be available.
You do not have to know exactly what to say before you arrive. A counselor can help you talk through what is happening, identify short-term goals and decide on possible next steps.
Depending on your needs, counseling may include short-term support, coping strategies, referrals or connections to other campus and community resources.
Counseling is Confidential
In most cases, what you share with a counselor stays between you and the counseling team. There are some safety-related limits to confidentiality. A counselor can explain these limits during your appointment and answer any questions you have.
If You Need to Change an Appointment
If you need to cancel or reschedule, contact us as soon as possible by emailing counseling@stlcc.edu or calling 314-539-5151.
Meet STLCC's Counseling Team
Melony Crayton, MEd, LPC
Counselor
Pronouns: she/her
Melony Crayton is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) who provides trauma-informed
care to a diverse student population and has collaborated with departments and clubs
across STLCC campuses to provide mental health workshops and mindfulness events.
Melony believes in taking a collaborative, holistic and individualized approach to
personal development and healing. She is dedicated to challenging the myths and biases
within the mental health field and promotes community care through group work or therapy.
She works closely with clients to support them in navigating life transitions, identity
and sexuality concerns, relationship and family issues, grief/loss, and emotional
concerns.
Mona Sawhney, MA, PLPC
Counselor
Pronouns: she/her
Mona Sawhney is a provisional licensed professional counselor (PLPC) with her master's degree in clinical mental health counseling, and degrees in cognitive and behavioral neuroscience and psychology as well as a master's degree in biomedical sciences.
Mona has worked with student populations as they navigate the challenges of adulthood, anxiety, depression, perfectionism, life transition, relationship challenges, family dynamics and the complexities of balancing collectivist and individualist cultural identities. She has developed a strong skill set in emotionally focused individual therapy, which emphasizes creating a safe space to explore emotions, build resilience and strengthen connections to oneself and others. Mona integrates approaches to help clients reconnect with their bodies, while supporting nervous system regulation, emotional processing and deeper healing; and is committed to supporting students by fostering emotional awareness and empowering them with the skills needed to manage life’s challenges, build meaningful connections and achieve their goals.
Lucas Fischer, MEd, LPC
Counselor
Lucas is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in the state of Missouri and previously worked at Truman State University. He is excited to be back home in his native St. Louis area. Lucas has more than five years of experience working exclusively with college students in a college counseling setting. His approach to therapy pulls from acceptance and commitment therapy, solution focused brief therapy, narrative therapy and mindfulness-based approaches. In his free time, Lucas loves to check out new restaurants and spend time with his family and pets.
Desirae Martinez, MA, LPC, NCC, CCTP, CTP, CGP
Counselor
Pronouns: she/her
Desirae Martinez, LPC, NCC, CCTP, CTP, CGP is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) with a master’s degree in clinical and mental health counseling and a doctorate in community care and counseling with a specialization in traumatology. As a first-generation college graduate from an underrepresented background, she brings a comprehensive understanding of the systemic and individual challenges students often face in higher education.
Her professional specializations include trauma, substance use and addiction, crisis intervention, suicide prevention, college and career counseling, multicultural counseling, relational counseling and Christian counseling. Desirae is committed to providing evidence-based, student-centered support that fosters resilience, enhances mental and emotional well-being and advances long-term academic and personal development.
Holly Basom, MEd, LPC
Counselor
Pronouns: she/her
Holly Basom is a licensed professional counselor (LPC). She earned a master’s degree in community counseling in 2012. Prior to that, she served as a clinician in community mental health settings for eight years. She has helped people of diverse backgrounds and identities address a variety of concerns.
For her, tailoring therapy to the individual includes drawing on several counseling modalities, which she is happy to share with you during a consultation appointment. Holly sees therapy as a deeply collaborative process where you are the expert on yourself, and she is a partner focused on your personal growth and self-discovery. She strives to provide individualized care that fosters insight, skill development and personal empowerment.
Amanda Emmons, LPC
Counselor
Amanda Emmons is a licensed professional counselor (LPC). She earned a master’s degree in counseling and a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and has more than 20 years of counseling experience. Amanda is person-centered in her counseling approach and uses strategies from cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, emotion focused counseling and others to tailor counseling services to each individual student.
She has worked with clients with a wide range of topics, including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, behavior issues, lack of motivation, parenting issues, and ADHD. Amanda works to build a strong therapeutic relationship with students so that they feel safe and can work to reach their goals in a nonjudgmental, supportive environment.
Troy R. Hansen, MA, LPC, NCC
Professor/Counselor
Pronouns: he/him
Troy is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in Missouri and a National Board Certified Counselor. He has been at STLCC for more than 20 years, and has nearly 30 years of experience in counseling, teaching and counselor supervision. He has worked with all types of students and nearly any type of mental health challenge, but has specific expertise with anxiety, stress, communication/conflict issues and grief. Troy has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in counseling psychology. He has also done graduate work in criminology, positive psychology and conflict resolution.
Thérèse M. Jacques, MA, LPC
Director of Counseling
Pronouns: she/her
Thérèse Jacques is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) who earned a master’s degree in counseling and bachelor’s degrees in psychology and industrial and organizational psychology. She has more than 18 years of experience in mental health and higher education. Thérèse provides culturally sensitive care to a diverse student population and is Safe Zone trained.
Thérèse serves as the districtwide director of counseling, providing both administrative and clinical leadership. She possesses clinical expertise in treating trauma and a strong background in generalist skills. Some issues include depression, anxiety, suicide/crisis intervention, physical, sexual and emotional abuse and relationship issues. Thérèse approaches treatment from a humanistic perspective and believes in supporting students with a wraparound philosophy to reach their full potential. She is a first-generation college student and a native New Yorker.
Suicide Prevention and Crisis Support
Your emotional health is just as important as your physical health and academic success. STLCC counseling provides suicide prevention and awareness resources to help students, faculty and staff recognize warning signs, respond with care and connect people with support.
For urgent or immediate safety concerns, please call 911. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need support right away, call or text 988 for free, confidential help 24/7.
Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Hotlines
These crisis resources are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
National suicide and crisis support available 24/7.
Call or text: 988
Behavioral Health Response
Behavioral Health Response provides local crisis support, including confidential telephone
counseling for people experiencing a mental health crisis. Mobile outreach services
may also be available.
Call: 314-819-8811
BHR Youth Support Helpline
BHR Youth Support offers crisis support for children, youth and families.
Call: 844-985-8282
Text: BHEARD to 31658
Crisis Text Line
Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 text-based crisis support.
Text: HOME to 741741
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for
LGBTQ+ young people under 25.
Call: 866-488-7386
Text: START to 678678
Chat: Available through The Trevor Project website
Veterans Crisis Line
The Veterans Crisis Line provides crisis support for veterans, service members and
their loved ones.
Call: 988, then press 1
Text: 838255
Warning Signs
Someone may be at risk for suicide if they talk about wanting to die, feeling hopeless, feeling trapped, being in unbearable pain or being a burden to others.
Other warning signs may include:
- Looking for ways to attempt suicide.
- Giving away possessions or saying goodbye.
- Withdrawing from others.
- Losing interest in activities they used to enjoy.
- Using alcohol or drugs more often.
- Acting anxious, agitated, impulsive or reckless.
- Sleeping too little or too much.
- Showing extreme mood changes, rage or major personality changes.
- Experiencing a recent trauma or significant loss.
Risk may be higher if someone has attempted suicide before, has a specific plan, lacks social support or is dealing with mental illness, chronic pain or a major loss.
If you notice these signs, take them seriously. Stay with the person if you can, listen without judgment and help them contact support. For immediate danger, call 911. For crisis support, call or text 988.
Online Suicide Prevention Training
The STLCC Ask, Listen, Refer online suicide prevention training program helps faculty, staff and students learn how to recognize and respond to suicide risk.
The training covers how to:
- Identify people who may be at risk for suicide.
- Recognize risk factors, protective factors and warning signs.
- Respond to people who may be at risk.
- Connect people with support.
The training takes about 20 minutes to complete. It is educational, not therapeutic and must be completed in one sitting. Logging out before finishing may cancel your progress and prevent you from receiving a certificate of completion.
Suicide Loss and Survivor Resources
Support is available for people who have lost someone to suicide or have been affected by a suicide attempt. These organizations offer crisis support, grief support, peer groups and resources for families, youth and survivors.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Provides suicide prevention education, support resources and help finding survivor
support groups.
Call: 888-333-2377
Text: TALK to 741741
KUTO: Kids Under Twenty One
Provides youth-focused crisis support and programs that help young people manage stress,
solve problems and cope with emotional challenges. KUTO also offers peer-based support
for young people affected by attempted or completed suicide.
Youth Crisis Helpline: 888-644-5886
Text: MOSAFE to 741741
Office: 314-963-7571
Address: 2718 South Brentwood Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63144
Survivors of Suicide Support Groups
Provident Behavioral Health offers support groups and services for people grieving
the loss of a loved one to suicide. These groups help survivors connect with others
and receive support from professional staff.
Crisis Support: Call or text 988
More Information: 314-446-2830 or jwilson@providentstl.org
Office: Provident Behavioral Health, 2650 Olive Street, St. Louis, MO 63103
If you are grieving or unsure what kind of support you need, STLCC counseling can
help you talk through next steps and connect with additional resources.
Additional Mental Health Resources
In addition to STLCC counseling, these resources may help students connect with mental health support, crisis services, substance use resources and other community services.
Local and Regional Support Services
Students may also find support through St. Louis-area organizations and resource directories. These services can help with mental health care, food, housing, employment, transportation, substance use concerns and other basic needs.
Student Advocacy & Resource Center (SARC)
SARC connects STLCC students with resources and support to help them overcome challenges
and stay on track academically.
Mercy Neighborhood Ministry Resource Lists
Find St. Louis-area resource lists for health care, housing, food, transportation,
mental health, substance use and other support services.
Start Here St. Louis Area Resource Directory
Search for St. Louis-area agencies, shelters, employment resources, food pantries
and other community organizations.
United Way 211
Connect with local resources for food, housing, utilities, health care, transportation
and other needs.
Finding Off-Campus Mental Health Services
STLCC counseling is free for enrolled students, but some students may need ongoing, specialized or more intensive support. STLCC counselors can help you think through your needs and connect with local providers.
Off-campus providers are separate from STLCC. Students are responsible for reviewing services, transportation, insurance and payment before choosing a provider.
When looking for a therapist, you can:
- Ask STLCC counseling for referral help.
- Contact your insurance company for covered providers.
- Ask your doctor or another health professional for a referral.
- Use online provider search tools, such as Psychology Today or the American Psychological Association’s Psychologist Locator.
- Call a provider before scheduling to ask about experience, fees, insurance and availability.
Before your first appointment, check whether your insurance covers mental health services, how many visits are included, what your deductible is and whether you need to use an in-network provider. Bring your insurance card to your first visit.
If you do not have insurance, ask about no-cost public services or sliding-scale fees based on income.
Self-Help Resources
Self-help resources can support your mental health between counseling appointments or during stressful times. These resources are not a replacement for emergency care or counseling, but they can help you learn more about stress, coping and self-care.
Managing Stress
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers information on coping with stress, supporting emotional well-being and building
healthy habits.
Taking Good Care of Yourself
Mental Health America shares practical self-care ideas for emotional, physical and social well-being.
Mental Health Information by Topic
The National Institute of Mental Health offers brochures and fact sheets on mental health disorders and related topics. Many
materials can be downloaded or ordered for free.
Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault and Title IX Support
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence or stalking, STLCC’s Title IX page includes reporting options, support resources and information about your rights.
Counseling can provide confidential mental health support for students. The Title IX page explains additional reporting options and campus resources.
Substance Use Resources
Support is available for students who are concerned about alcohol, drug use or substance use patterns. These resources can help students find treatment, support groups, recovery services and local help.
SAMHSA National Helpline
Free, confidential treatment referral and information service for people and families
facing mental health or substance use concerns. Support is available 24/7 in English
and Spanish.
Call: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
TTY: 1-800-487-4889
FindTreatment.gov
A confidential and anonymous search tool from SAMHSA for finding mental health and
substance use treatment providers in the United States.
Missouri Department of Mental Health Treatment Services
The Missouri Division of Behavioral Health offers programs across the state for children,
teens and adults with substance use disorders and mental health concerns.
St. Louis City Substance Use and Opioid Use Help
A City of St. Louis resource page for people struggling with substance use or opioid
use. The page also lists local crisis support, including Center for Life Solutions.
St. Louis County Substance Use Treatment Resources
A St. Louis County resource page that points people to treatment information and substance
use support.
Alcoholics Anonymous St. Louis
Local information and meeting resources for people seeking support with alcohol use.
St. Louis Area Narcotics Anonymous
Local meeting information for people seeking support with drug addiction and recovery.
United Way 211: Substance Use
Connects people with local substance use treatment programs and support resources.
Time to Change?
Helps students explore quitting tobacco, nicotine or cannabis and connect with free
support resources.
Counseling FAQs
Who can use STLCC counseling?
Counseling is available to currently enrolled STLCC students.
Is counseling free?
Yes. Counseling is available at no cost to currently enrolled students.
Can I meet with a counselor virtually?
Appointments may be available in person, by phone or by video.
What if I am not sure counseling is right for me?
You can still reach out. A counselor can help you talk through what is going on and decide what type of support may help.
Can a counselor talk to my instructor for me?
Counselors can help you think through how to talk with an instructor, but students are usually responsible for communicating directly with their instructors.
What should I do in a crisis?
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 for 24/7 support.