Counseling Services

Location
W.J. Walls Center
Third Floor
800 W. Thomas St.
Salisbury, NC 28144
704-216-6990

Hours Of Operation:
Monday - Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM


Dr. Rhonda Flowers-Corpening, LCSW
Director of Counseling
704-216-6990

Welcome to the Livingstone College Counseling Center! As a proud, faith-based HBCU, our close-knit community is rooted in care, connection, and holistic support. We recognize that student success extends beyond the classroom, which is why we take a comprehensive approach to well-being—addressing emotional, mental, and spiritual health. Our team is here to provide a safe, supportive space where students can navigate challenges, build resilience, and thrive. At Livingstone, we are more than a campus—we are a family, and your well-being is our priority.

 

To book an appointment, please contact us. We also accept walk-ins. All services are free for enrolled students.

Information

Counseling services are provided at no charge to all students. Appointments can be made in person at the Center or by phoning: 704-216-6100.

Services are provided on the basis of self-referrals or in collaboration with faculty, staff, or other professionals. Whenever possible, please use the official referral form when making a referral for services.

Services

Individual Counseling
Individual counseling the primary service offered to students. Concerns that are frequently addressed include: personal goal attainment, interpersonal relationships, anger management, and family and social problems.

Group Counseling
Group experiences are designed to provide opportunities for skill development in areas such as decision-making, assertiveness, communication, and interpersonal processes.

Referral
Sometimes students present problems that are beyond the scope of the Center and can be better handled by another department or agency. In such cases, the student will be referred to the appropriate source. If students need services that are not available on campus, the staff will refer students to local resources for additional help; off-campus counseling costs are the responsibility of the students and/or their families.

Crisis Intervention
Students in crisis are assisted by Counselors, Nurses, Residence Life staff and others to help students through difficult times.

Educational Programs
Upon request, counselors can offer programs to organizations, classes, or residence hall groups on issues of mental health and healthy living.

Training
Training in mental health and wellness skills are available to faculty members, staff, and student groups on topics such as communication skills, emergency procedures, recognizing students in distress, stress management, etc.

 

Confidentiality Statement: Counseling is a confidential process. All records, including test data, are confidential and separate from other college records. Information about students will not be revealed to any person or agency, within or outside of the college, without the student's knowledge and written consent. In all cases, the Counseling Center adheres to strict professional standards of ethics and confidentiality. We treat all of our contacts with students confidential and in accordance with the state mental health code. We cannot tell anyone, inside or outside of the College, that the student is receiving services unless the student signs a specific release of information authorizing us to do so.

Making Your Referral For Counseling

When making a referral for counseling services, you should go through these considerations:

Signs to Recognizing Students in Distress: People dealing with personal concerns or problems tend to show signs that they are struggling in some way. The following indicators may be useful in assessing whether or not a referral should be made:

Some students do not directly tell you that there is a problem, but their appearance and behavior can be telling indicators. Deterioration of hygiene or appearance and dress may be visible cues of a problem. A distinct decline in academic performance, poor attendance, an uncharacteristic need for additional attention or repeated requests for extensions are examples of behavioral changes you might observe. Outbursts or anger, crying, extreme levels of activity or conversations that do not make sense could indicate psychological difficulties. Threats to classmates and angry, harassing behaviors may require intervention on several levels. These behaviors should not be tolerated and action needs to be taken to stop them. In addition, underlying psychological problems may need to be addressed as well.
Students are often stressed when they experience a traumatic change in their personal lives. The death of a family member or close friend, difficulties in important relationships, a divorce or break-up or changes in family responsibilities might increase and overwhelm the individual’s usual capacity to cope. If you are aware of such a problem, you might wish to initiate a conversation.
Coming to class or a meeting while intoxicated or high is a sign of serious abuse of drugs or alcohol. Individuals often use drugs and alcohol to cope with life stresses and psychological difficulties. Unfortunately, the substance abuse itself frequently causes a further decline in social, academic and work functions. If you see signs of intoxication, do not underestimate their significance. Be aware that abuse of and addiction to alcohol, marijuana, opiates (such as heroin), crack cocaine, and hallucinogenics are problems in this student population.
Students whose academic performance declines to a noticeable degree may be feeling overwhelmed in other areas of their lives. Some students might exhibit difficulties with concentration in class or performance on exams. Some students experience learning problems, as they find the demands of college-level academic work to be greater than they anticipated.
While it is expected that students will go through an adjustment period, those who demonstrate a consistent discrepancy between their ability and performance may need further assistance. Poor study habits, test anxiety or an undiagnosed learning disability may be affecting performance.
If a student talks or writes about suicide, this should be taken seriously. Thoughts of suicide are not necessarily dangerous, but they may indicate that the student is feeling overwhelmed or depressed. To assume that talk of suicide is intended solely to get attention is risky and can be a regrettable mistake. If you become aware of a student who is thinking of suicide, please consider a referral to Counseling Services. You can call us for a consultation if you are unsure of how to intervene or if the student is reluctant to take your referral.
When a student indicates that he or she is considering leaving school or transferring, a referral to Counseling may be appropriate. Often a complex number or issues are at play when a student decides to leave an institution. A change of place may not be all that is at issue.