The College has maintained a long-standing relationship with the Poweshiek County Mental Health Center (www.pcmentalhealth.org) to offer a variety of counseling services to students. All students may take advantage of eight free visits to the mental health center each academic year. After the initial visits, fees are prorated (based on income) or covered by insurance. The campus Health Center can provide transportation to and from appointments at the Poweshiek County Mental Health Center.

The professional counselors and psychiatrists at the mental health center have considerable experience working with Grinnell students. They are familiar with the people, policies, and environment of the college and all are experienced in multicultural counseling. The unique relationship that exists between the college and the mental health center allows the college to offer students a diverse selection of counselors.

Students can arrange an appointment at Poweshiek County Mental Health Center (PCMHC) in several ways:

• By calling the PCMHC directly at 236-6137.
• By meeting with a counselor during Walk-In hours at the campus Health Center.
• By speaking with an RLC. RLCs are familiar with the counselors and their areas of expertise, thus they are able to ease some of the tension students may feel when considering counseling. RLCs can assist students with the referral process, including walking the student to Walk-In hours or calling for an appointment at the PCMHC.
• By talking with a nurse at the campus Health Center. A nurse can help you arrange an appointment at the PCMHC to fit your schedule. The Health Center also provides transportation to appointments in town.
• By talking to someone in Student Affairs with whom a student feels comfortable. Deans, directors, multicultural and academic advising counselors, and chaplains can answer questions about counseling and help students schedule an appointment.

During a first visit to the PCMHC, a counselor, social worker, or psychologist will talk with a student to gather history. The student and the therapist will decide what follow-up steps should be taken. This may include being referred to a group; individual therapy; a medication evaluation; and/or an assessment or treatment by another mental health professional or psychiatrist. Students will not necessarily continue to work with the therapist they see for their first visit. Students are welcome to specify that they would prefer to work with a therapist of a particular gender.

An important note to remember: If for any reason a student is not comfortable with the person s/he sees at the PCMHC, the student may request another professional by discussing alternatives with any mental health professional, RLC, or student affairs staff member. We want you to have a good match.

Poweshiek County Mental Health Center
200 Fourth Avenue West
Grinnell, IA 50112
Phone: 641-236-6137
Fax: 641-236-0206
www.pcmentalhealth.org