Counseling and Consultation with New Directions Student Assistance Program

What is the Ohio State Mansfield Student Assistance Program?

This program provides a number of services including access to the New Directions website. This website provides access to information about Ask A Counselor, life skills groups, interactive screenings, financial and legal assistance, MP-3 recordings on a variety of topics, and a host of other tools. New Directions also provides students with the opportunity for an evaluation, brief counseling, and referral services for a variety of problems.

How does a student schedule an appointment?

To schedule an appointment, students should call New Directions at (419) 529-9941 or (888) 805-1561. Please let the staff know if the concern is an emergency.

How much does the service cost?

There is no cost to students for these services. It is provided in partnership by Ohio State Mansfield and New Directions to help students stay on track and achieve success.

Are the services really confidential?

All contact is personal and private. Information cannot be shared with anyone without voluntary written release. Exceptions to confidentiality, as required by law, occur when a person is a danger to themselves or others or cases involving child, persons with disability, or animal abuse or neglect.

What do I do if I recognize a friend is in crisis?

If you are concerned about your friend's immediate well-being or the safety of others, contact Donna L. Hight, Ph.D., Assistant Dean, Student Success, immediately at (419) 755-4317, or Campus Police/Security at 419-755-4346.  

Richland County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board - Help with Mental Illness and Addiction  

Resources for students needing mental health support

  • Advocacy and Resources for Trauma
  • The Ohio CareLine is a toll-free (1-800-720-9616) emotional support call service created by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and administered in community settings. Behavioral health professionals staff the CareLine 24/7. They offer confidential support in times of personal or family crisis when individuals may be struggling to cope with challenges in their lives. When callers need additional services, they will receive assistance and connection to local providers.
  • ProtoCall After Hours Care

ProtoCall is a student crisis line where Ohio State students can speak to a licensed clinician by phone 24 hours/day and 7 days/week. The information is then shared with New Directions SAP who can follow up on the next business day.

  • Students call 614-292-5766 (after 8 p.m. Monday to Thursday, Saturday and Sunday and after 5 p.m. on Friday)
  • Choose #2
  • Identify the campus
  • Student must make the call not a parent

When to make a referral: 

  • Excessive procrastination
  • Change in performance
  • Repeated requests for special consideration or accommodations
  • Excessive absence or tardiness
  • Excessively anxious when called upon in class
  • Unusual or change interaction patterns
  • Inability to stay awake in class
  • Disruptive or threatening behavior
  • Written work with reference to self-harm or content that appears bizarre
  • Change in appearance and hygiene
  • Dramatic weight gain or loss
  • Swollen or red eyes
  • Uncharacteristic changes in mood
  • Impaired speech
  • Inappropriate or exaggerated emotional reactions
  • Smell of alcohol/marijuana, or evidence of excessive alcohol/drug use
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Disrupted sleep or appetite