MHCOC Referrals
What is MHCOC?
Mental Health Counselors on Campus (MHCOC) are dedicated master’s interns stationed at each school within local school districts, providing invaluable mental health services to students. With a commitment to fostering emotional well-being, our counselors-in-training offer a safe and supportive space for students to address a range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress management, and interpersonal issues. Through individual counseling, group sessions, and preventative initiatives, MHCOC works collaboratively with school staff, parents, and community resources to promote a culture of mental wellness and resilience. By offering accessible and confidential support directly within the school environment, we aim to empower students to thrive personally and emotionally.
More about MHCOC
The Mental Health Counselors on Campus (MHCOC) program provides free in-person and tele-mental health services to PreK-12 students in Mississippi.
MHCOC was developed through a partnership between the University of Mississippi and local school districts with an overarching goal of addressing mental health service gaps with students who are unserved or underserved due to lack of insurance and lack of access to mental health services. Services may be offered before, during, and after school hours contingent upon client and clinician availability. MHCOC receives referrals from school counselors, parents and guardians.
Under the supervision of state-licensed and national board-certified university faculty, MHCOC is staffed by doctoral and master’s level counselors-in-training who provide:
- Individual Counseling Services: In person and tele-mental health services will be offered for the purposes of in-depth services related to mental health, education, wellness, and career-goals.
- Group Counseling Sessions: In person and tele-mental health services will be offered for the purposes of in-depth services related to mental health, education, wellness, and career-goals in the therapeutic group setting.
- Student Check-ins: In person and tele-mental health services will health services will be offered for the purposes of brief consultations with students to assist with immediate educational and social needs, such as checking in on attendance, assignments, or personal goals and progress.
- Consultation Services: In person and tele-mental health services will be offered for the purposes of consultations with teachers, counselors, and parent/guardian to assist with immediate educational and social needs related to mental health, education, wellness, and career goals.
- Mental Health and Self-Care Presentation: An in person or virtual psychoeducational presentation can be arranged for larger groups (e.g., Health, PE, Character Education classes, after school care). These 40-55-minute presentations can be tailored to the age group of your grade level(s) and provide students with an overview of the Wellness Wheel, how to manage their mental health, and resources available when they need additional support.
- Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification: The University of Mississippi in partnership with Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is proud to provide FREE in person or virtual Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification for school faculty, staff, and volunteers. Individuals will learn to identify the signs and symptoms of children and adolescents in crisis and provide them with current and future supports.