Home / Division of Student Affairs / Counseling, Advising & Testing

Personal Counseling

The counseling center offers a variety of services ranging from testing to academic advising. Confusion and conflict can be normal consequences of college life. Counselors are here to help students resolve personal issues.

The objectives of personal counseling cover three areas:

  1. to help students understand themselves and learn new ways of solving problems;
  2. to offer support to students;
  3. to show students ways of coping with personal challenges.

Suicide

Suicide is often a cry for help, and the thought of harming oneself is related to many personal issues: family problems, depression, substance abuse/use, and physical illness are just a few causes. Unfortunately, for people between the ages of 10-24, suicide is the third leading cause of death.

If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, or you know of a friend or acquaintance you think might be considering suicide, get help quickly. Don’t ignore the threat! Contact a family member, health professional, another friend, or teacher and discuss your thoughts, feelings, and concerns with that person.

There are numerous public resources to help:

  • Bluefield State University
    Counseling Center
    Conley Hall, Room 305
    Phone: (304) 327-4444
    Monday – Friday:  8am – 4pm
    Contact your local hospital’s ER for assistance after 4pm or on the weekends.
  • Southern Highlands Mental Health Center
    Princeton, WV
    Available 24/7
    Call (304) 425-9541
  • The Behavioral Health Pavilion of the Virginias
    1333 Southview Drive
    Bluefield, WV
    24 Hour Crisis and Referral
    304-325-4681

Anyone struggling with substance abuse issues, depression, or suicide call 1-844-HELP4WV for treatment assistance.

  • National Suicide Prevention Hotline
    1-800-273-TALK (273-8255)
    24/7 services

For additional suicide and referral information, visit ULifeLine.

Collegiate Recovery Program

Recovery is a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.

Are you in recovery, curious about recovery or just looking for someone non-judgmental to talk to then you are in the right place. A trained Recovery Coach with the BSU Collegiate Recovery Program is here for you. A Recovery Coach can help you navigate barriers both on campus and in life to your own vision of recovery while continuing your education

“Students should not have to choose between their recovery and their education.”

The Collegiate Recovery Program supports students inside and outside the classroom and provides space and support for recovery meetings.

Collegiate Recovery Programs (CRP) are structured to support students who are in recovery from substance use disorders while they are pursuing a higher education degree.

Holiday Hours: 8:00am-4pm, Mon thru Fri.

Academic Advising

The Counseling Center staff serves as academic advisors to first-year students and students with undeclared majors. Individual advising is provided to help students assess educational and vocational skills, program choices, and to facilitate development that will enhance the overall educational experience.

Study Skills

Study skills are an important part of the Counseling Center program. Excellent study skills are necessary for good academic performance. Students can request assistance in developing study skills from the Counseling Center staff.

Testing Services

Bluefield State is an approved testing center for the ACCUPLACER, the American College Testing Program (ACT), the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES), and the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). Information concerning registration and administration of these examinations can be obtained from the Counseling Center.

Registration information for the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), and the PRAXIS is also available.

The Counseling Center offers free proctoring for currently enrolled and former students who must take correspondence, licensure, and certification exams.

Contact Us

Counselors are available on the Bluefield and Beckley campuses. We offer a caring and confidential environment for career counseling, for developing good study skills, and for helping students with their personal issues. The services and programs of the counseling center are designed to enable students to find new ways of problem solving.

College students are growing individuals engaged in a series of academic, social, and personal learning experiences. Change is an important part of the campus environment for students. Such an environment can quite naturally lead to confusion and conflict. It is not unusual for a student to experience uncertainty about career choices, academic performance, and personal issues.

Counselors are available from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for students who wish to drop by and discuss personal issues. Appointments can be made by calling the Counseling Center.

Office Hours & Location

305 Conley Hall
219 Rock St.
Bluefield, WV 24701

O: (304)-327-4444
F: (304)-327-4551

Hours: Mon. thru Fri: 8 AM to 4 PM