Counseling Services

Get In Touch

Urgent or After Hours Support 

  • Counselor: 301-860-4164 
    Campus Police: 301-860-4040

Schedule an Appointment 

Email: counselingservices@bowiestate.edu  

Location: Goodloe Apartments 

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

Additional Contacts 

  • Counseling Director: 301-860-4160 

Request a Program or Event  

Meet the Counseling Team  

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available.

  1. Call ProtoCall 301-860-4164
  2. Chat: 988lifeline.org

You’ll be able to speak with a trained crisis counselor any time of day or night.

Welcome to the Counseling Center

The Office of Counseling Services offers free counseling to all Bowie State University students. We provide a confidential space to help you manage academic anxiety and stress, plan for your future, and access tools that support your growth into a socially responsible adult.

You can schedule your next appointment by clicking the “Schedule Appointment” button below, emailing us or calling our office.

If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please notify your counselor as soon as possible. For assistance after 5 p.m. or on weekends, contact Campus Police at 301-860-4040.

If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911. If you are on campus, you can also contact Public Safety at 301-860-4040.

Schedule Appointment

Why Counseling Is Important

Sometimes, we all face emotions that feel too big to handle alone. We're here to help you navigate these strong feelings and understand how they shape your reactions to the world around you. Together, we’ll explore these emotions and how they affect your body and mind. We’re here to support you as you continue to grow personally and socially.

Confidentiality Notice

Counseling often deals with very personal and highly private issues. A successful outcome depends on a feeling of freedom on the client's part to express feelings, attitudes and thoughts with people who respect them and their right to privacy. Interviews conducted are confidential, and information is not released except with the client's written permission or as may be required by issues of safety or law. Confidentiality is an important component of the Code of Ethics of the American Counseling Association. 

Getting Started with Counseling

Before getting started, take a moment to review your eligibility, explore the support we offer and learn how to get the most out of your sessions.

If you are wondering what to expect during your first counseling session, here are some strategies to make the most of your first session.

  • Reach out in advance: When it comes to counseling, book your appointment as early as you can. We do our best to accommodate busy schedules, so be sure to reach out early!
  • Get comfortable: Your first session will likely follow a question-and-answer format known as an intake, which helps our counselors get to know you. You don’t have to share more information than you’re comfortable with, but we’re here to listen and support you.
  • Keep an open mind: Sometimes we challenge your thinking or introduce new perspectives in counseling. All of our suggestions are made with your counseling goals in mind. 

Things You Can Try Right Now

Looking for support? We’ve collected a variety of internet assessments, webinars, guides and local resources for you to explore. You can use the insights from these exercises to better understand what motivates you and how your environment may be affecting your mental well-being.

Four Year Counseling Program

The Four-Year Experience at Bowie State University is designed to support you throughout your college journey. Each year, you’ll have a brief, one-on-one interview with your class-level counselor, whether you’re a freshman, sophomore, junior or senior. These conversations give you the chance to talk about your academic progress, personal goals and any challenges you may be facing. Your counselor can also connect you with campus resources and help you plan your next steps. While one interview per year is required, you’re welcome to schedule additional check-ins; they’ve been proven helpful for many students. 

 

  •  

    As part of the freshman seminar course, you’ll participate in a freshman interview during either the fall or spring semester of your first year at Bowie State University. The interview is designed to help you get acclimated to campus life. You’ll meet with a freshman counselor or a peer counselor and have the opportunity to discuss any concerns or challenges you may be facing as you adjust to Bowie State. 

    Contact your Freshmen Counselor at 301-860-4550 

  •  

    Sophomore interviews are conducted by a sophomore counselor. They provide an opportunity for the counselor to ensure you’re on track with your major and prepared to transition to your junior year. 

    Contact your Sophomore Counselor at 301-860-4162 

  •  

    Junior interviews are conducted by the junior counselor. They’re designed to help you address personal or career-related concerns and give you an opportunity to prepare for your senior year. 

    Contact your Junior Counselor at 301-860-4166 

  •  

    As you prepare for graduation, this interview gives you a chance to reflect on your time at Bowie State University and plan your next big step — whether that’s graduate school or a career opportunity. 

    Contact your Senior Counselor at 301-860-4167 

Develop Your Counseling Skills on Campus 

Training and Support for Peer Counselors 

As a student at Bowie State, you may also connect with a peer counselor. Peer counselors serve as academic and general advisors, as well as program assistants. They’re trained to support you, offer guidance and serve as an additional resource as you navigate your academic journey. 

If you are interested, contact Assistant Director Selena Cooks at 301-860-4162 or scooks@bowiestate.edu .