Nebraska Indian
Community College
Mental Health Resource Center

Morningstar Counseling & Consultation has worked closely with Nebraska Indian Communty College to offer this resource center to NICC students and faculty. If you are struggling and looking for answers for yourself or someone else, please reach out to Morningstar Counseling using the form directly below. If you are in an emergency please call 911.

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Quick Links

Morningstar Counseling & Consultation

Morningstar Counseling and Consultation, P.C. is a multidisciplinary team of psychologists and counselors who work collaboratively with students, faculty, and staff at Nebraska Indian Community College. The mission of Morningstar is to promote hope and healing for Native American children, adults and families by providing culturally appropriate and competent therapeutic services through a holistic approach. We help students explore their feelings and thoughts and learn helpful ways to improve their mental, psychological and emotional well-being when issues arise. Services include:

Services Available to NICC
Students & Faculty

Individual and couples counseling

This pairs any student, faculty or staff member with a counselor that can help them through their unique situation and stage of life.

Alcohol/drug screening and counseling

Identifying patterns of alcohol or drug abuse and implementing proper intervention.

Support and therapy groups

Talking circles, support groups and interpersonal process groups.

Eating disorders treatment

Identifying eating disorders and helping individuals heal.

Screenings and assessments

Be proactive and help your students have the best experience possible.

Workshops and presentations

For a variety of topics including suicide prevention and awareness, student/faculty self care and coping skills.

Integrated Care

Although we do not provide medication evaluations, we can collaborate with specialty providers for medication management.

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Recognizing Students in Distress

It’s common for college students to experience considerable personal and school-related stress. In an attempt to juggle the demands of college and their personal lives, sometimes students may act out in self-destructive ways and aggressively. Strong feelings of anger, depression and anxiety are common. Sometimes an additional issue or stressor can precipitate a crisis.

By the Numbers

The high rates of alcohol, substance use and mental health disorders, suicide, violence, and behavior-related morbidity and mortality in American Indian and Alaska Native communities continue to be disproportionately higher than the rest of the U.S. population. 

Below are key statistics defining the health disparities experienced by the American Indian and Alaska Native population.

  • Disproportionately higher rates of mental health problems
  • Report serious psychological distress, 2.5 times more than the general population
  • Highest rates of suicide of any minority group within the U.S. and rates are increasing since 2003
  • High rates of substance use disorder of both illicit drugs and alcohol use

Other common stressors specific to college students include:

  • Isolation and loneliness
  • Death of a loved one
  • Breakup of an intimate relationship
  • Serious illness
  • Feelings of rejection by family
  • Academic pressure or failure
  • Identity confusion
  • Cultural oppression/discrimination
  • Low motivation or inability to establish goals
  • Outside work pressures
  • Parenting responsibility

Referring to Morningstar Counseling Services

Use this as a guide when needing to refer a student to Morningstar Counseling.

**In an emergency, call your local emergency line or 911.

When in Doubt, Consult.

If you have specific questions about a student or are unsure about whether or how to approach an individual to make a referral, call Morningstar Counseling at 402-327-9711. Indicate that you are concerned about a student and ask to speak to an intake coordinator.

The staff member will help you:

  • Assess the seriousness of the situation
  • Learn about resources, both on and off campus, so that you can provide the student with potential options for obtaining assistance
  • Decide how best to initiate the referral process
  • Clarify your own feelings about the student and consider how you can be most effective
  • Homicidal threats

Morningstar Counseling
Referral Guide

Everyone feels stressed, depressed or anxious from time to time. However, some behaviors occurring over a period of time can suggest that the problems with which the student is dealing are beyond his or her ability to cope. The following three levels of behaviors indicate relative severity of distress.

Level 1

Although not disruptive to others, these behaviors may indicate that intervention is needed.

  • Seriously poor grades or a change from consistently good to unaccountably poor performance
  • Despite satisfactory performance, a student who appears anxious, constantly seeks you out and is concerned about grades
  • Excessive absences, especially if the student previously demonstrated consistent class and/or work attendance
  • Unusual or markedly changed pattern of interaction (e.g. totally avoiding participation, becoming excessively anxious when called upon, dominating discussion, withdrawal from social contact, etc.)
  • Depressed mood, excessive crying and/or inability to make transition to school environment
  • Other characteristics, such as lethargic behavior, excessive activity and very rapid speech; swollen, red eyes; marked change in personal dress or hygiene; anxious behavior; and falling asleep in class or at work

Suggest that the student call 402-327-9711 or email the Morningstar Intake Coordinators at contact@morningstar-counseling.com for an appointment. Appointments are available through telehealth or through our out-patient clinic in Walthill.

Level 2

These behaviors may reflect significant emotional distress, a need for intervention, as well as a reluctance or inability to acknowledge a need for personal help.

  • Repeated requests for special consideration, such as deadline extensions (especially if the student appears uncomfortable or highly emotional disclosing the circumstances prompting the request)
  • New or consistent behavior which pushes the limits and interferes with the effective management of your class, work setting or living arrangements
  • An unusual or exaggerated emotional response that is obviously inappropriate to the situation
  • Increased oversharing of personal information during class discussions
  • A student with no apparent physical illness loses a dramatic amount of weight in a short time period
  • A student seems agitated and restless in class, constantly argues with you and is shunned by classmates

 Suggest that the student use your telephone to arrange an appointment by calling 402-327-9711 while the student is still in your office. When the call is made from your office, you know that at least an appointment has been made. By making the student call her/him/themselves, the student is more likely to follow through to get help. Your willingness to let him/her/them handle this part of the process affirms their positive coping capacities. A faculty or staff member may assist the student in calling and setting up services with Morningstar Counseling, however, an appointment cannot be made without the student present and/or without the student’s consent.

Level 3

These behaviors usually suggest a student is in crisis and requires emergency intervention.

  • Highly disruptive behavior (hostile, aggressive, violent, etc.)
  • Inability to communicate clearly (garbled or slurred speech, disjointed thoughts)
  • Loss of contact with reality (seeing/hearing things that are not present, beliefs or actions greatly at odds with reality or probability that are outside of the cultural realm)
  • Overtly suicidal thoughts (referring to suicide as current option)
  • Homicidal threats

For students who exhibit violent, hostile, or aggressive behavior faculty/staff should call their local law enforcement to ensure the safety of the individual and campus. For students who demonstrate active suicidal ideation and/or behaviors faculty/staff should call their local law enforcement who should escort the student to the nearest emergency room for evaluation. For students who exhibit homicidal ideation, faculty/staff should contact their local law enforcement who should escort the student to the hospital for further evaluation or decide the next steps to ensure safety of the individual and campus. *For students who are experiencing a loss of contact with reality (seeing/hearing things, garbled or slurred speech) they should be escorted to the nearest hospital for evaluation. If the student does not have a trusted friend or family member who can take them, it may be necessary to call local law enforcement for an escort to the hospital. 

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**In an emergency, call your local police department or 911.

What To Expect When a Student Contacts and Visits
Morningstar Counseling.

First Contact

Generally, the first contact will be with the Morningstar Intake Coordinator, who can be reached at 402-327-9711 or contact@morningstar-counseling.com. The student will receive a packet of paperwork to be filled out in order to schedule an appointment. The paperwork includes the demographic information sheet, and the consent for treatment form. A student can receive this paperwork through email, a link to the Morningstar secured portal, or by stopping by the Morningstar Walthill office. Once the student completes and returns the paperwork they are then scheduled for an appointment with a counselor. This appointment can be in-person at the Morningstar Walthill office, or through telehealth.

First Visit

At the student’s first therapy appointment, the counselor will assess the student’s concerns and needs. Communication with Morningstar is confidential. A student’s situation, or even the fact that counseling is being received, may not be shared without the student’s written permission. The main exceptions to this are imminent suicide, homicide, or suspected child abuse. If the counselor and student agree that individual counseling is appropriate, the student may choose to see a counselor on a regular basis, for approximately 45 to 50 minutes each session. Other options include couple or group counseling, support and therapy groups, workshops, or referral to another campus or community resource.

It is possible that the student may leave the initial appointment feeling able to handle the problem on their own. Morningstar Counseling has no authority to require a student to accept any suggestions that are made unless professional judgment indicates that psychiatric hospitalization is mandatory due to imminent harm.

Counseling services are no charge to students, faculty, and staff.

See, Say, Do Something

If you SEE someone in emotional distress or acting in a manner that is inconsistent from your previous experience, trust your instincts to DO SOMETHING. You can SAY SOMETHING if a student leaves you feeling worried, alarmed, or threatened.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) permits communication about a student of concern in connection with health and safety issues to an appropriate campus resource. You can help by notifying the Office of Student Services so that an appropriate intervention can be made.

When in doubt, contact your local police department (emergency) or consult with Morningstar Counseling (non-emergency). 

See, Say, Do Something
Action Guide

Macy, NE

Umonhon Nation Police Department: 402-837-5906

Winnebago Police Department: 402-878-2245

Walthill Police Department: 402-846-5685

Thurston County Sheriff’s Office: 402-385-3018

 

Santee, NE

Santee Police Department: 402-857-2527

Knox County Sheriff’s Office: 402-288-4261

Niobrara Police Department: 402-857-2772

Yankton (SD) City Police Department: 605-668-5210

 

South Sioux, NE

South Sioux City (NE) Police Department: 402-494-7512

Dakota County (NE) Sheriff’s Office: 402-987-2188

Vermillion (SD) Police Department: 605-677-7070

North Sioux City (SD) Police Department: 605-232-4301

Sioux City (IA) Police Department: 712-279-6440

 

Pawnee, OK

Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office: 918-762-2565

Pawnee Tribal Nation Police Department: 918-762-3013

Pawnee City Police: 918-762-3166

Take action…

Macy, NE

Umonhon Nation Police Department: 402-837-5906

Winnebago Police Department: 402-878-2245

Walthill Police Department: 402-846-5685

Thurston County Sheriff’s Office: 402-385-3018

 

Santee, NE

Santee Police Department: 402-857-2527

Knox County Sheriff’s Office: 402-288-4261

Niobrara Police Department: 402-857-2772

Yankton (SD) City Police Department: 605-668-5210

 

South Sioux, NE

South Sioux City (NE) Police Department: 402-494-7512

Dakota County (NE) Sheriff’s Office: 402-987-2188

Vermillion (SD) Police Department: 605-677-7070

North Sioux City (SD) Police Department: 605-232-4301

Sioux City (IA) Police Department: 712-279-6440

 

Pawnee, OK

Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office: 918-762-2565

Pawnee Tribal Nation Police Department: 918-762-3013

Pawnee City Police: 918-762-3166

Refer for Services

Morningstar Counseling

Lincoln Office: 402-937-9711

  Walthill Office: 402-846-5533

Emergency or After-Hours Crisis Support

National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (Call or Text): 988

Trevor Project Hotline (LGBTQ Informed): 866-488-7386

SAMHSA's National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357

 

Macy, NE

Umonhon Nation Police Department: 402-837-5906

Winnebago Police Department: 402-878-2245

Walthill Police Department: 402-846-5685

Thurston County Sheriff’s Office: 402-385-3018

 

Santee, NE

Santee Police Department: 402-857-2527

Knox County Sheriff’s Office: 402-288-4261

Niobrara Police Department: 402-857-2772

Yankton (SD) City Police Department: 605-668-5210

 

South Sioux, NE

South Sioux City (NE) Police Department: 402-494-7512

Dakota County (NE) Sheriff’s Office: 402-987-2188

Vermillion (SD) Police Department: 605-677-7070

North Sioux City (SD) Police Department: 605-232-4301

Sioux City (IA) Police Department: 712-279-6440

 

Pawnee, OK

Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office: 918-762-2565

Pawnee Tribal Nation Police Department: 918-762-3013

Pawnee City Police: 918-762-3166

Take action…

Title IX Coordinator: Anthony Warrior 402-241-5943 

Domestic Violence Support: 1-800-799-7233 or Text “START” to 88788

National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-4673

Strong Hearts Native Helpline (Two-Spirit Informed): 1-844-762-8483

Take action…

Refer for Services

Morningstar Counseling

Lincoln Office: 402-937-9711

  Walthill Office: 402-846-5533

 

Office of Student Support Services

Dean of Student Services: Dawne Price (402-241-5908)

Student Services Advisor: Christa Carrillo (402-241-5909)

Student Services Representative: Janelle Wolfe (402-241-5909)

Student Services Staff: Crystal Ross (402-241-5905)

Take action…

Speak with the student’s faculty advisor, Educational Access Team, and/or course instructor(s)

Take action…

Go to your nearest emergency room department or hospital

SAMHSA's National Helpline (Substance Use/Mental Health Concerns): 1-800-662-4357

Take action…

Title IX Coordinator/Human Resource Director: Anthony Warrior (402-241-5943)

Academic Dean: Kristine Sudbeck (402-241-5900)

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Faculty and Staff Resources for Assisting a Student in Distress

As a Faculty or Staff Member, You Can Help!

*Students experiencing distress may turn to you for help, due to your position, status and visibility on campus. 

*You may also find yourself in a situation where a distressed student needs assistance. 

*Your response in these situations could significantly impact the student’s ability to deal constructively with her or his problems.

 

Your Role:

First, staying calm, and being willing to help, knowing whom to call is important in any of these situations. You may choose to approach the student or the student may seek your help with a problem. Below are some suggestions that might help you deal with a distressed student.

Listening and talking (at all levels):

  • Demonstrate your respect for the student by talking to the student when both of you have sufficient time and are in a private place free from disturbance by others
  • Be matter-of-fact. Controlling your emotions may help the student to do the same
  • Give the student your undivided attention
  • Express concern for the student in clear, direct, behavioral, non-judgmental terms (e.g., “I’ve noticed you’ve been absent from class lately, and I’m concerned,” rather than “Why haven’t you been in class?” or “Where have you been lately?”)
  • Listen in a respectful, non-threatening way to the student’s description of the problems. Let the student talk
  • Convey support and understanding by summarizing what you hear the student saying by including both content and feelings (“It sounds as if the experience of moving away from home was a big change and now you’re feeling lonely and isolated.”)

Working with Disruptive Individuals

What is disruptive behavior?

Behavior that interferes with the campus’s learning environment is considered disruptive.
It is important to recognize that the period of peak anger usually lasts for a brief period of time.

Here are some examples:

  • Persistent and unreasonable demands for time and attention
  • Verbally aggressive or defiant behavior
  • Words or actions that intimidate or harass
  • Words or actions that cause another to fear for their personal safety

How can I respond to a disruptive person?

  • SAFETY FIRST
  • Do not ignore disruptive behavior
  • Remember that anger usually passes quickly
  • Calmly let the student know that the behavior is inappropriate
  • Disruptive behavior should be documented

DO

  • Use silence to allow the student to tell you what is upsetting them
  • Acknowledge the feelings of the individual
  • Be firm, steady, consistent, and honest
  • Focus on what you can do to help the student problem solve
  • Make personal referrals to appropriate resources

Communicate your concerns with the Educational Access Team.

In a crisis situation, or if you feel threatened or endangered, call your local police department or 911.

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Best Practices for Working with Distressed Students

As a Faculty or Staff Member, You Can Help!

  • Speak with the individual privately
  • Let them know you are concerned and willing to help
  • Listen carefully and compassionately; then, explore options
    • Ask the student if there is a cultural practice that may be helpful to incorporate such as smudging, prayer, contacting a close friend, elder or family member for additional support.
  • Keep healthy boundaries and limits

Identify resources and make referrals to places such as:

  • Morningstar Counseling
  • Title IX
  • Student Support Services
  • Suicide and Crisis Hotline (988)
  • Trevor Project (866-488-7386).

Possible Signs of Distress

  • Marked change in performance or behavior
  • Excessive absence or tardiness
  • Decreased motivation/concentration
  • Increased irritability or anxiety
  • Exaggerated emotional response that is inappropriate to the situation
  • Increased isolation or sadness
  • Hyperactivity or very rapid speech
  • Marked change in personal hygiene, including weight loss or gain
  • Excessive confusion
  • Bizarre or erratic behavior
  • References to suicide (e.g., feelings of helplessness or hopelessness)
  • References to homicide or assault

If a Student Tells You of a Sexual Assault

Please be aware of any institutional and state requirements regarding mandated reporting.

  • Stay calm and listen. Create an environment where the student can talk and share.
  • Offer your support. Let the student know that they are not to blame for what happened.
  • Let them know that you are available to support them.
  • Empower the student by telling them they have a right to be safe and free from violence.
  • Be honest and up front about reporting the abuse or getting support.
  • Help them find resources to talk with individuals who are trained on these topics.
  • For non-emergency assistance on this topic you can contact Morningstar Counseling using any of the buttons on this page.
  • Contact any of the following for immediate assistance: 
    • Title IX Coordinator at 402-241-5943 (regular business hours, M-F)
    • Strong Hearts Helpline 1-844-7NATIVE 
    • Winnebago Domestic Violence Program 402-922-3850 
    • National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-4673 (24 hours/7 days a week)
    • National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233 (24 hours/7 days a week)

If you are off-campus and experiencing an emergency situation, you can call local police (see below) or by dialing 911. 

  • Macy, NE
      • Umonhon Nation Police Department: 402-837-5906
      • Winnebago Police Department: 402-878-2245
      • Walthill Police Department: 402-846-5685
      • Thurston County Sheriff’s Office: 402-385-3018
  • Santee, NE
      • Santee Police Department: 402-857-2527
      • Knox County Sheriff’s Office: 402-288-4261
      • Niobrara Police Department: 402-857-2772
      • Yankton (SD) City Police Department: 605-668-5210
  • South Sioux, NE
      • South Sioux City (NE) Police Department: 402-494-7512
      • Dakota County (NE) Sheriff’s Office: 402-987-2188
      • Vermillion (SD) Police Department: 605-677-7070
      • North Sioux City (SD) Police Department: 605-232-4301
      • Sioux City (IA) Police Department: 712-279-6440
  • Pawnee, OK
    • Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office: 918-762-2565
    • Pawnee Tribal Nation Police Department: 918-762-3013
    • Pawnee City Police: 918-762-3166

Link: Resource Guide for Student and Employees on Sexual Misconduct Campus Policies Procedures and Victim Services

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Tips For Working with Students Remotely

What to do when meeting with a student remotely

Many faculty and staff work with students remotely. It is important to remember that if a student wants or needs to see a counselor at Morningstar Counseling, our services are available! Morningstar provides counseling services, in addition to other clinical services (e.g. groups, workshops, talking circles) remotely.  Whether you’re working with a student in crisis or distress during an advising meeting or you need to provide a student with difficult feedback, Morningstar  is here to help.

The following are tips to help you PREPARE for unforeseen crisis:

At the beginning of (or before) your first meeting, obtain the following information:

  • Student’s telephone number – Explain to the student that you will use this number if you get disconnected or there are technology failures.
  • Student’s physical address where they will be at during the remote meeting (full address is preferable in case they are out of state).
  • Student’s emergency contact (name and phone number).

Feel free to check the phone number and location during each subsequent meeting. The crisis contact may need to be verified each meeting if this changes for the student.

If a student becomes distressed while you are meeting with them, you can contact Morningstar Counseling at (402) 327-9711 and ask to speak with an intake coordinator. The Morningstar intake coordinator will assist you and/or connect you remotely with a Morningstar counselor. If there are imminent concerns or immediate dangers to the student’s safety or that of others, call your local emergency contact below.