Counseling Services 

NCSSM-Morganton Campus

NCSSM Counseling Services is committed to creating an environment that celebrates the unique stories and voices of each member of our community, recognizing all dimensions of identity (e.g., ethnicity, culture, race, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, physical and mental abilities, religious beliefs and socioeconomic background). Our approach to mental health and wellness integrates physical, emotional, academic, spiritual, social, and cultural well-being. We support students’ adjustment to the NCSSM community, individual personal growth, academic endeavors, and transition to college or other life pursuits. 

NCSSM Counseling Services is also committed to being brave, bold, and intentional in our efforts to impact real and sustainable change. We will combat the acts of violence, hate, prejudice, and discrimination against Black and Brown people and other marginalized groups. We are and will continue to be active participants in the change that must occur.

Connect with us!


Jeter  Hall 

Office Hours: 

Monday-Friday

 8:00 am - 5:30 pm

phone: 828.347.9128

fax: 844.927.4458

Counseling Department Wishlists

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Welcome to Counseling Services!

How to seek support and connect with an NCSSM counselor:

Need to speak to someone after hours about an urgent mental health need?

Interested in finding a therapist?

Click here to learn about NCSSM's referral resources.

Have barriers to accessing therapy?

Click here to learn about ways NCSSM may be able to support you in paying for therapy. 

itMatters

NCSSM has adopted itMatters for NCSSM students for this academic year. itMatters: Student Well-Being is an online, evidence-based behavioral intervention designed specifically to promote well-being among students by sharing healthy behavioral strategies and tools that will empower students' in high schools and colleges to make well-informed decisions. Find the fall schedule here: itMatters Schedule.


Meet the Staff of Morganton's Residential Counseling Services

Whitt Daniel

Counselor 

Temporary Part-Time

828-347-9178

Michele Ferry

School Counselor

828-347-9179

Appointment Calendar for the following students only:

Class of 2025 Seniors: Leo - Z

Class of 2026 Juniors: Mor - Z

Terri Ingle-Krause

School Counselor

828-347-9180

Appointment Calendar for the following students only:

Class of 2025 Seniors: A - Lee

Class of 2026 Juniors: A - Moo

Lacey O'Rourke

Wellness Counselor

828-347-9177

Academic Accessibility Specialist

Suzanne Gavenus

Director of

Counseling and Wellness

828-347-9176


Darius Hampton

Counseling Intern   

AppState University 2024-25

828-347-9183

Cloe Graf

Case Manager

Counseling & Clinic

828-347-9182


Kayla Lowdermilk

Student Life Office Manager

828-347-9128

Goodwin Hall 3102

Counseling Personnel.pdf

What counseling services are available?

School Counselors - All NCSSM students are assigned to a school counselor before they begin their junior year. Families and students can locate the name of their assigned counselor in Blackbaud. Counselors host introductory, small group meetings with their students at the beginning of every academic school year to introduce themselves and Counseling Services. School Counselors provide college and career planning, academic counseling, and personal counseling through individual, small, and large group sessions.

Wellness Counselors - If a counselor, student, family member, or faculty/staff believes a student needs additional mental health support, the student’s counselor can refer them to an NCSSM Wellness Counselor. Wellness Counselors provide support for more significant chronic and acute mental health needs. They also assist in coordinating referrals to outside mental health services. Wellness Counselors also provide groups around a topic of interest to students and coordinate Wellness Events on Campus.

Peer Counseling Coordinators

PCCs help orient students to the services provided by counselors, assist students with information related to the college process, scholarships, financial aid, and enrichment opportunities, and coordinate or partner with other student groups to create initiatives related to resiliency, diversity, equity, inclusion, mental health, and wellness.