Mental Health Resources
Understand the mental health resources available to you.
THE VALUE OF MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING WITHIN VETERAN AND MILITARY-CONNECTED COMMUNITIES
Mental health counseling offers a safe, confidential space to process stress, trauma, and life’s challenges with the support of a trained professional. For military-connected personnel and veterans, seeking help can be complicated by a culture that emphasizes toughness and self-reliance. This often leads to hesitation — or even a sense of personal shame — despite the very real emotional toll of military service, deployment, and the transition to civilian life or a new environment.
Breaking that silence is a powerful act of STRENGTH, not shame.
Counseling empowers individuals to manage stress more effectively, rebuild relationships, and regain a sense of control. It’s not about weakness—it’s about resilience, healing, and staying mission-ready in every aspect of life. Prioritizing your mental health isn’t a sign of failure. It’s a commitment to long-term well-being for yourself, your loved ones, and the community around you.
Walking into the VMS building or the Counseling Center to ask for help is not something to be ashamed of. In fact, it’s a sign of strength and leadership—especially in a community where setting the example matters.
It’s time to break the stigma surrounding mental health care and it’s time to lead by example—to make a difference for those who come after us. Change starts with a healthier you.
Embedded Counseling Services with Tina Kepner
Did you know the Veteran and Military Services (VMS) team has its own dedicated counselor? We do! Christina “Tina” Kepner has devoted her life to the well-being of others.
Starting September 9, 2025, Tina will be available on the second floor of the George Street House VMS office Monday through Friday.
To schedule an appointment with Tina, please call (662) 915-3784.
Christina Lee Kepner
Embedded Counselor
Quick FAQ
YES!!
Embedded Counseling
The University Counseling Center (UCC) offers scheduled New Client and Individual Counseling sessions at the embedded offices across campus to increase mental health support and decrease barriers to access services. All appointments at the embedded UCC offices are by appointment only. All appointments at the embedded locations require initial and follow-up paperwork be completed prior to arrival to appointment. To schedule an appointment and learn more, call (662) 915-3784. Embedded counseling services are provided in-person and via telehealth.
· Discuss your concern(s) that brought you to seek counseling services
· Create therapeutic goals together with the support of the UCC counselor
· Review recommended supports, including any follow-up therapy sessions
· Schedule follow-up therapy sessions, as interested and needed
You can call the University Counseling Center at (662) 915-3784 and request an appointment with the embedded counselor at George Street House.
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency and are unable to wait for an appointment, the UCC offers triage sessions via walk-in with counselors at Lester Hall as well as an after hours crisis helpline.
· Walk-in services are available Monday through Friday, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, on a “first come, first served” basis, no appointment necessary at Lester Hall.
· After hours, a 24/7 crisis helpline is also available by calling (662) 915-3784.
· You can also call 911, call 988 or go to your nearest Emergency Room.
Licensed counselors are ready to assist with complete confidentiality, and services are provided at no cost to students.
The University Counseling Center (UCC) offers counseling services for military-connected students at the George Street House (aka the Office of Veteran and Military Services) which is located next to the library behind the Lyceum. Counseling sessions at the George Street House are by appointment only. Call the UCC at (662) 915-3784 to schedule an appointment.
Counseling sessions scheduled at the George Street House are located on the second floor.
Contact the UCC office at (662) 915-3784 regarding any additional accommodation requests.
The University Counseling Center staff strictly follows the ethical standards set by the AMA, APA, NASW, and ACA, ensuring confidentiality at all times.
Counseling services are rendered in accordance with the legal limits of confidentiality directed by the state of Mississippi legal statutes, as well as with the direction of the codes of ethics of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), American Counseling Association (ACA), and American Psychological Association (APA).
Counseling records are not included in academic, educational, or personnel files unless authorized by the client. No written or verbal information will be shared with others without the client's written consent.
Please note: Confidentiality may be legally limited if there is an imminent risk of self-harm or harm to others.
For 24/7 assistance with your mental health concerns,
University Counseling Center
At the University Counseling Center (UCC), you will find a team of dedicated professionals who strive to offer the best care possible in an atmosphere of acceptance and respect.
Office of Veteran and Military Services
We provide comprehensive resources to veterans, military, and dependents to aid in their overall success as Ole Miss students.