Student Counseling Services (SCS) offers individual and group counseling as well as workshops to help students find better ways to cope with and resolve the problems of everyday life. Although we do not provide academic advising or admissions counseilng, we do assist students with academic skill development as well as career exploration, in addition to the psychological services we provide.
We also support the academic goals of the university through consultation with faculty, staff and campus organizations.
Take a look at our Services page to see if we have something to offer you. We are here to support your success- academic, professional, and personal. Please do not hesitate to call us with questions at 651-793-1558, to sign up for a group or workshop, or to schedule an appointment with a counselor.
All SCS information is available in alternative formats for people with disabilities, please call Disability and Special Services at 651-793-1539; TTY 651-772-7687.
Academic Year 2009-2010
Who We Are.....
Reiko Hirai, M.A. is a third year doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology program at the University of Minnesota and also received an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Columbia University. She has counseled university students for various issues such as academic stress, career concerns, interpersonal issues, depression, anxiety, and past trauma. She also counseled adults who struggled with substance use. Some of her special interests include cultural transitioning, depression, anxiety, academic stress, career concerns, and interpersonal relationships.
Hyun Kyung Lee, M.A. is a doctoral student in Counseling and Student Personnel Psychology at the University of Minnesota. Before coming to Metropolitan State, Hyun Kyung had counseling experience in various college counseling centers and community counseling settings. She also worked with minority populations and provided social service and counseling in Los Angeles, California. Hyun Kyung is interested in multicultural counseling and supervision. She is currently teaching at the University of Minnesota and working as a practicum counselor here at Metropolitan for the 2009-2010 academic year.
Stephanie Pituc, M.A., is a third-year doctoral student in the Department of Psychology's Counseling Program at the University of Minnesota. She received her Master of Education and Master of Arts from Teachers College-Columbia University in New York City. Her counseling experience includes work in academic, personal, and career counseling in both community college and university settings. She has provided service to individuals from diverse backgrounds, including ethnic minorities, international students, recent immigrants, refugees, and first-generation college students. Some of her areas of special interest include multicultural issues (including discrimination, identity development, and intergenerational family concerns), work-life balance, women's issues, relationship issues, depression, and anxiety. In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys cooking and exploring food in the Twin Cities.
Vesna Hampel-Kozar, Ph.D., LP is the Director of Counseling and Career Services. She has been working with Metropolitan State students for the past three years in this role, and has prior counseling experience with university and college centers, inpatient and outpatient mental health services, wellness centers, career counseling, and academic skills training and development. She supervises the practicum counselors, works with individual students, and facilitates therapy groups. Vesna also oversees the Career Services provided by the office.