Counseling and Mental Health
Counseling Services
a safe, confidential environment
At Oakland City University, we believe it is a sign of strength and courage when a member of the university community decides to seek help. With an open mind and a will to better your life, counseling can result in healthier choices and personal growth for those who go through the process. Many individuals come to us during times of crisis, high stress or emotional confusion. We can assist in developing and strengthening coping mechanisms and healthier lifestyle choices.
Personal counselors provide individual counseling for students right here on campus in Cockrum Hall. You will find a safe, confidential environment where individuals can address personal issues and conflicts by seeking professional assistance. Our staff have experience in handling a broad range of clients and issues.
Personal counselors can provide crisis intervention, short-term psychotherapy, and referral services to off-campus resources. Our appointments are free of charge and confidential.
Possible reasons to seek professional assistance:
-
Grief
-
Homesickness/family issues
-
Relationship issues
-
Addictions
-
Self-destructive behavior
-
Eating problems
-
Alcohol/drug concerns
-
Depression/isolation
-
Academic issues
-
High stress/anxiety
-
Sexual Assault
-
Suicidal thoughts
Meet Our Counselors
Melinda Sams
Counselor
Melinda Sams is a graduate of Oakland City University (B.S.,B.A., 03) and University of Southern Indiana-School of Social Work (M.S., 06). She is married and has two teenage sons.
She has years of work experience in the hospital setting, emergency services, and providing Intensive Outpatient Group and Individual therapy. Melinda utilizes a combination of approaches from many therapeutic styles, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Adlerian, and Rogerian. In layman’s terms, Melinda focuses on what can be changed in your thinking to change how you are feeling, on where you want to get to or what you want to accomplish, on encouraging you to find your own strengths and solutions, and on respecting and supporting you without judgment.
Email: msams@oak.edu (quickest response)
Phone: 812.749.1396
Office: Cockrum Hall, First Floor
Hours: Monday evenings, from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (by appointment only) Wednesday evenings, from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (by appointment only)
FahKara Malone
Counselor
FahKara Malone received her Masters of Social Work degree from the University of Indianapolis.
She believes that everyone has the capacity to grow and heal when provided with adequate support and connection. FahKara will draw from a variety of therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Theory, Family Systems Theory, Mindfulness, and Motivational Interviewing. FahKara will seek to deliver supportive, client-centered, solution-focused therapy with integrity and professionalism.
Email: fmalone@oak.edu
Phone: 812.749.1278
Office: Cockrum Hall, First Floor
Hours: Monday mornings, from 8:00 a.m. – Noon (by appointment only) Tuesday morning, from 8:00 a.m. – Noon (by appointment only)