University Counseling Services
We are here to help
The licensed mental health professionals in the Counseling Center are available to provide a variety of counseling services for ³Ô¹ÏÍø State students, including individual therapy, couples therapy and family therapy. Due to the high demand for our services, clients are seen on a biweekly basis unless they are currently in crisis and need to be seen weekly on a short-term basis. The Counseling Center is open 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday whenever the University is open. We have a counselor on call 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Monday through Friday during the academic year to meet with walk-in clients or help with crisis situations. All services are confidential and free of charge.
We offer both in-person and remote sessions, although both parties have to be within the state of Kentucky for the remote session, as we are not allowed to practice across state lines.
Emergency Information
In emergency situations after hours or on weekends or holidays, please call the ³Ô¹ÏÍø State Police at 270.809.2222 or 911.
The following outside resources are also available for immediate assistance when the Counseling Center is closed:
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Regional Crisis Line: 800.592.3980
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National Suicide Hotline (this number is also on the back of your Racer ID): 988 or 800.273.8255
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TalkNow using the TimelyCare app or
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Lotus (formerly known as the Purchase Area Sexual Assault Center): 800.928.7273
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TrevorLifeline (hotline for LGBTQ+ individuals): 866.488.7386
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Trevor Textline: 678-678
Zen Den
We also have a Zen Den available for students to use. This is a cozy quiet space that students can reserve for 30-minute slots when they they need a private space to relax. The room includes a giant beanbag chair, a weighted blanket, noise-cancelling headphones, aromatherapy, a noise machine, a light box, coloring books, stuffed animals for hugging, and some fun books to read. If you are interested in reserving the room, you can call us at 270.809.6851 or email us at msu.counselingcenter@murraystate.edu. You can also stop by our office in C104 Oakley Applied Science and ask if the room is available. The room is intended to be used by one person at a time, and you will need to sign a release the first time you use it. The space is available for use when our office is open (8-4:30, M-F).



Getting Started
Any student who is interested in counseling can email us at msu.counselingcenter@murraystate.edu to request the link for the initial paperwork. These forms take approximately 30 minutes to complete, so don't start them until you have enough time to finish them. After we receive your completed forms, your case will be assigned to a counselor as soon as one is available, and they will contact you to schedule your first appointment.
If you cannot wait for an appointment and need to speak with someone right away, you are welcome to access our on-call counselors, who are available 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Contact Us

Angie Trzepacz, Ph.D. (she/her/hers)
Director and Licensed Psychologist
University Counseling Services
270.809.6852
C104 Oakley Applied Science Building, ³Ô¹ÏÍø, ³Ô¹ÏÍø, KY 42071

Tiffany Rife, M.S., LPCC-S (she/her/hers)
Assistant Director
University Counseling Services
270.809.6852
C104 Oakley Applied Science Building, ³Ô¹ÏÍø, ³Ô¹ÏÍø, KY 42071

Kullen Balthrop, M.S., LPA (he/him/his)
Counselor
University Counseling Services
270.809.6852
C104 Oakley Applied Science Building, ³Ô¹ÏÍø, ³Ô¹ÏÍø, KY 42071

Valerie Ernstberger, Ed.S., LPCA (she/her/hers)
Counselor
University Counseling Services
270.809.6852
C104 Oakley Applied Science Building, ³Ô¹ÏÍø, ³Ô¹ÏÍø, KY 42071

Destin Fouche', Ed.S., LPCA (he/him/his)
Counselor
University Counseling Services
270.809.6852
C104 Oakley Applied Science Building, ³Ô¹ÏÍø, ³Ô¹ÏÍø, KY 42071
Common Mental Health Concerns in College Students and Important Resources
The following links have important information about the most common mental health issues that college students face. This information includes the signs and symptoms of common mental health issues, what to do if you see these signs and symptoms in yourself or someone you know and where to go for help. For additional information about on- and off-campus resources in ³Ô¹ÏÍø, click on "Campus and Community Resources" on the left side of the page.
Mental Health Resources on Campus and in the ³Ô¹ÏÍø Community
Common Issues
- Adjusting to new situations
- Depression
- Managing stress