Counseling Services

Overview

We are so glad you’re here!

The counselors of Counseling Services provide treatment to all enrolled Central Ohio Technical College students. Services provided include individual therapy, group therapy (on an as needed basis), education/consultation, on-campus referrals, and off-campus referrals within the community. All of these services are free and confidential.

Appointments

If you are an enrolled COTC student, complete the counseling services appointment request form.

Request Appointment

If a student is interested in counseling through our office, the student will be forwarded to complete our intake paperwork. Once that paperwork is completed, the student will be scheduled with a counselor for a one-hour intake assessment. Every effort is made to try to schedule the student ASAP, but please know that our schedules tend to fill quickly, especially at certain times during the semester. After the intake assessment is completed, the student will either be referred for short-term counseling through Counseling Services, referred to on-campus resources and/or referred to off-campus resources. The counselor will assist the student with the referral process. If the student is deemed appropriate to receive counseling through Counseling Services, please know that we offer a limited amount of sessions (typically 10 per academic year) for students.

We look forward to hearing from you!

If you are in immediate danger of harming yourself or others, please call 911 or go to the closest Emergency Department. For local resources, call 211 or text your zip code to 898.211.

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Counseling Services Staff

Students experience a wide variety of concerns during their time at college. The Office of Student Life’s Counseling Services staff can be a helpful resource in identifying their mental health needs.

Charles DePriest, MA, LPCC-S

Lead Mental Health Counselor

740.755.7349
depriest.17@mail.cotc.edu
Pronouns: (he/him/his)

Photo of Charley DePriest

Charles DePriest is a licensed professional clinical counselor in the state of Ohio. He attended Ashland Theological Seminary earning his master’s degree in Clinical Pastoral Counseling, and attended Mount Union University for his undergraduate degree. Charley has 20 years of experience as a counselor working in numerous settings including residential treatment, private practice and community mental health. Most recently, he worked at Columbus State Community College serving as a counselor and then as a supervisor to the Counseling Services Department.  He uses a number of different treatment modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, a client centered focus, brief solution focused therapy and motivational interviewing.  He is also experienced in crisis intervention and in helping client’s begin treatment in drug and alcohol counseling. He enjoys working with college students, meeting them where they are at, and providing support and direction to promote their interpersonal growth and increased well-being.   

Kathleen Reed, LPCC

Mental Health Counselor

740.755.7053
reed.2217@mail.cotc.edu

Kathleen Reed headshot.Katie Reed is a licensed professional clinical counselor in the state of Ohio. She completed her bachelor’s degree in psychology at The Ohio State University in 2003, and her master’s degree in community counseling at Ohio University in 2005. Katie has worked in a community mental health setting as well as a contract counselor in schools. Prior to this position, she worked in a private practice in Lancaster for 14 years. She has worked with clients aging from children to adults, but especially enjoys working with young adults. Katie draws on several clinical approaches in her counseling. She primarily works from a cognitive-behavioral perspective but also integrates strategies from dialectical-behavioral therapy, as well as polyvagal-informed therapies. Katie enjoys supporting clients as they work toward making positive steps in their lives and believes that even small changes can make a difference.

Mackenzie Conley, LPCC

Mental Health Counselor 

740.755.7133
conley.462@osu.edu

Mackenzie Conley headshot.Mackenzie Conley is a licensed professional clinical counselor. She earned her master’s degree in clinical and mental health counseling at the University of Dayton and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from The Ohio State University. Throughout her career in private practice, Mackenzie has embraced an eclectic approach to therapy, incorporating a variety of techniques to create personalized and effective treatment plans for each client. Utilizing a trauma-informed approach, she empowers clients to build self-awareness and address problematic behaviors. Mackenzie is particularly passionate about helping individuals break free from people-pleasing tendencies and self-sabotaging patterns, guiding them toward authenticity. She is level II trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), a psychotherapy designed to help clients process and heal from traumatic experiences. Mackenzie looks forward to helping students to discover their inner strength to overcome challenges and be the very best version of themselves. 

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TimelyCare

Virtual Health and Well-Being for Students

TimelyCare

Central Ohio Technical College now has access to a new mental health app for all students called TimelyCare. This app can be downloaded onto a phone and used to access mental health services through a 24/7/365 Talk Now feature to speak with a counselor immediately. Students can also schedule with clinicians of their choice on dates and times that work for them for short-term therapy.

Students can access resources on the app through a digital self-care feature to receive additional skills, tools and techniques to manage anxiety, regulate emotions, address stress and find guidance for other unique mental health challenges.

Learn more and register

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Student Organizations

Student organizations have a significant impact in providing effective learning environments for students, preparing them to live in a multicultural society and work in a global community. If you have an interest in joining either of these two organizations sponsored by the Counseling Services office, please contact us.

Active Minds

Are you passionate about advocating for student mental health?

Are you interested in being a peer mentor for other students struggling with their mental health?

If you replied “yes,” then join the Active Minds! Active Minds is a national organization that focuses on decreasing stigma among individuals seeking mental health treatment and support, creating peer mentors, and educating others about mental health. 

Student Interest Form