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Student Services

Counseling Services

The Counselors at Minnesota North College are dedicated to seeing you succeed in all aspects of your life. College students lead busy, often stressful lives, and we are here to help! Our services are confidential and free to all students.

We offer the following services to our students

Personal Counseling

Personal counseling at a college can help students address a variety of challenges, including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and academic pressures. It provides a confidential space to explore personal concerns, improve emotional well-being, and develop coping strategies.

Academic Planning

Academic planning is a process that helps students map out their educational goals and create a clear pathway to achieve them. It involves selecting courses that align with a student’s major, career aspirations, and degree requirements, while also considering their personal interests and workload balance. Academic planning can help students stay on track for graduation, avoid taking unnecessary credits, and make informed decisions about transferring or pursuing further education.

Career Exploration

Career exploration is the process of discovering and evaluating potential career paths based on a student’s interests, skills, and values. It involves researching various industries, job roles, and opportunities to gain a better understanding of what might be a good fit. Through career exploration, students can engage in activities like internships, job shadowing, informational interviews, and career assessments to gain hands-on experience and insight into different fields.

Conflict Resolution

Conflict resolution is a process that helps individuals address and resolve disputes or disagreements in a constructive and peaceful manner. In a college setting, conflict resolution can assist students in navigating issues with peers, roommates, professors, or group dynamics in a way that promotes understanding and cooperation. It involves communication strategies, negotiation skills, and mediation to help all parties involved find a mutually acceptable solution.

Crisis Intervention

Crisis intervention is an immediate response to students experiencing a mental health or emotional crisis, helping them manage intense feelings and navigate difficult situations. In a college setting, crisis intervention services offer support for students dealing with overwhelming stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, or other urgent personal issues. All information shared with your counselor is confidential.

Campus or Community Referrals

When a student’s needs extend beyond what personal counseling or college services can provide, referrals may be made to specialized professionals, such as medical providers, mental health specialists, legal services, housing assistance, or career development programs. These referrals ensure that students have access to a comprehensive network of support, helping them address academic, emotional, financial, or personal challenges.

Mantra Health

Virtual mental health & wellness services for students

Mantra Health is free to any Minnesota North College student. Meet with a licensed professional online to get the support you need.

Ready to get your care journey started?
Visit Mantra Health’s Care Hub or download the app on Apple or Android. Use your school email address to set up an account. It’s free, easy, and includes care navigation support. 

If you are experiencing a crisis and need support after hours, please contact 988. If you need help meeting basic needs, please text MNHELP at 898-211 or call (800) 543.7709.

If you have questions about the services or are having troubling accessing your account, contact Mantra Health at hi@mantrahealth.com or call 800-464-2083.

We’re thrilled to partner with digital mental health provider Mantra Health to bring students diverse, high-quality mental health support via the Care Hub. This all-in-one platform gives students access to the following free virtual services:

  • Self-Care
    These short, self-guided wellness courses can be accessed anytime, anywhere. Learn to reduce your stress, regulate your emotions, build healthier relationships, and get through difficult situations. 
  • Emotional Wellness Coaching
    This short-term, goal-oriented intervention is best for students wanting self-management strategies. You’ll get matched with a dedicated and experienced coach who will teach you key skills and work with you through 8-12 weeks of sessions.
  • Peer-to-Peer Support with Togetherall
    Join a judgment-free, inclusive, and confidential community of student peers, powered by Togetherall.
  • Therapy
    Enjoy one-on-one sessions with a dedicated, highly trained, culturally-informed provider who understands your unique experience and can help you assess and manage your mental health concerns. Students have access to 12 sessions a year.
  • ConnectNow
    In-the-moment support and problem solving with a mental health professional. This service is available between 11am – 11pm CT via video for any students who are in distress or experiencing immediate mental health challenges. 
  • 24/7 Crisis Support
    Crisis support staff is available via phone to help students through challenging situations. However, if you or someone you know is having a mental health emergency and is putting themselves or others in danger, please call 911. 

Meet the Counseling Team

Counseling staff by campus.

Hibbing

Lisa Bestul
College Counselor
lisa.bestul@minnesotanorth.edu
218.403.9224
Book an Appointment

Melissa Wilson
TRIO Student Support Services Counselor
melissa.wilson@minnesotanorth.edu
218.403.9209
Book an Appointment

Itasca

Becky Niemi
College Counselor
becky.niemi@minnesotanorth.edu
218.322.2321
Book an Appointment

Amie Furlong 
TRIO SSS Counselor
amie.furlong@minnesotanorth.edu
218.322.2361
Book an Appointment

Mesabi Range – Virginia

Kelly Dailey
TRIO Student Support Services Counselor
kelly.dailey@minnesotanorth.edu
218.550.2506
Book an Appointment

Sabrina Skeens
College Counselor
sabrina.skeens@minnesotanorth.edu
218.550.2619
Book an Appointment

Mesabi Range – Eveleth

Sabrina Skeens
College Counselor
sabrina.skeens@minnesotanorth.edu
218.550.2619
Book an Appointment

Rainy River

Kristie Hills
College Counselor
kristie.hills@minnesotanorth.edu
218.598-9323
Book an Appointment

Vermilion

Kate Cowley
College Counselor
kate.cowley@minnesotanorth.edu
218.235.2121
Book an Appointment

Marja Nelson
College Counselor
marja.nelson@minnesotanorth.edu
218.235.2146