May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a national initiative aimed at breaking the stigma around mental illness, encouraging open conversations, and promoting access to mental health support. At Dickinson State University (DSU), the message is clear: mental health matters, and help is always available.
DSU is actively committed to nurturing not only the academic success of its students but also their emotional and psychological well-being. With a variety of resources in place, the university strives to create a campus culture where students feel supported, heard, and empowered to seek care when they need it.
Laurie Karie, DSU’s counselor and director of health services, encourages students to utilize the full range of services available.
“Counseling services are free to all students enrolled at DSU,” Karie said. “We also have Midwest Psychiatric Care on campus once a month for medication evaluation and management. While those services do have an associated cost, the accessibility makes a big difference.”
The mental health support system at DSU includes confidential counseling, crisis intervention, consultation, case management, referrals to external providers, and educational programming designed to reduce stigma and promote resilience.
Common issues students face include stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, adjusting to college life, career uncertainties, and feelings of loneliness or isolation. Karie emphasizes that counseling isn’t just for moments of crisis—it’s a proactive tool for personal growth.
“These resources can be used as often as needed—whether that’s weekly, monthly, or even just once a year,” she noted. “Mental health care isn’t one-size-fits-all. We meet students where they are.”
The Mental Health Office is located in Stickney Hall, Room 119, and operates from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. MT, Monday through Friday. While walk-ins are welcome, appointments are encouraged and can be made through Starfish, by calling 701-502-4413, or emailing laurie.karie@dickinsonstate.edu. Telehealth appointments are also available for students who prefer remote access to care.
In case of a mental health emergency, students are urged to call First Link at 211 for 24/7 support or to visit the CHI St. Alexius Health emergency room.
As Mental Health Awareness Month concludes, DSU encourages students to carry its message forward: you are not alone, and support is always within reach. The end of May doesn’t mean the end of mental health awareness—these conversations and resources matter all year long.
Students are reminded that DSU’s mental health services remain available throughout the year, offering a safe, supportive space to manage stress, build resilience, and prioritize personal well-being. Whether you're facing immediate challenges or simply seeking guidance, the university’s counseling and health services are here to help you thrive—academically and personally.
“Mental health care isn’t just for crisis moments,” said Karie. “It’s about learning to take care of yourself and knowing it’s okay to ask for help.”
To learn more about mental health services at Dickinson State University, visit Health Wellness and Counseling, call 701-502-4413, email laurie.karie@dickinsonstate.edu, or stop by Stickney Hall, Room 119.