Welcome to Crowder’s Counseling Center!
The Counseling Center offers a wide range of supportive services for all Crowder students, at all Crowder locations. The Center’s staff is committed to helping students navigate the transitions and challenges of college life, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, alcohol and/or drug use, relationship issues, and stress management. Individual and group counseling is available. The Center also serves as a valuable resource to faculty and staff by providing workshops and prevention information on a variety of mental-health and wellness topics.
Our services are confidential and free to all students. Counseling services are also available by telehealth, utilizing phone or Zoom.
You can reach us at 417-455-5609 or stop by our office located on the second floor of Newton Hall in room N208 on the Neosho campus. We are open 8:00 am – 4:30 pm Monday through Friday.
Walk-in Hours are available 10:00am-11:00am Monday through Thursday. You do not need an appointment to be seen during this time.
You can also schedule an appointment in the following ways:
- Call the Counseling Center at 417.455.5609
- Stop by the Counseling Center, located on the second floor of Newton Hall in room N208
- Schedule online through the Scheduling Portal (link below)
By clicking this link, you are agreeing that you understand the above and are not in active crisis.
Available appointment times for the Neosho Campus can be found at the Scheduling Portal. If you need to be seen sooner than you can find on the Scheduling Portal, please visit during our Walk-In hours or call the office directly.
If you would like an appointment at a different campus or by phone/Zoom, you will need to call the office. All appointments scheduled through the portal will take place at the Neosho Campus.
For information about how Crowder College Counseling Center meets IACS Standards, see our current report.
IMPORTANT: If you or someone else is experiencing an emergency that requires immediate attention, please contact 911 or the Suicide and Crisis hotline at 988.
Counseling Services for Students
Crowder’s Counseling Center provides personal counseling services to any Crowder student. Our services are typically provided in a private office setting, meeting one-on-one with a counselor, although some small-group sessions may be available.
At Crowder, “personal counseling” which is sometimes referred to as mental-health counseling is sought by individuals trying to navigate the transitions and challenges of college life and who are having issues that interfere with their life satisfaction. The Counseling Center can work with minors (under the age of 18); however, a minor will need to obtain parent/guardian permission before any sessions take place.
Counseling is a process that requires participation from both the student and the counselor. Ultimately, though, it is the student who needs to take steps toward making healthy changes. A student’s lack of commitment to their treatment, including repeatedly missed or cancelled appointments may result in termination of services.
Counseling Groups
Joining a group of strangers may seem intimidating at first, but groups can be an excellent source of support and provide new perspectives. Along with finding that you are not alone, you can learn about how others from different backgrounds have handled similar problems. By sharing your experience, you might help others going through the same thing! The transition to college can be stressful, but support can make it easier. Groups are free for current Crowder students.
Below are groups offered by the Counseling Center. If you are interested in joining a group, please email us at counseling@crowder.edu so we can talk about whether the group will be a good fit for you.
Gaming for Wellness
This group utilizes a tabletop roleplaying game (RPG) designed to challenge the group and broaden their perspectives. Through the game, students will work on achieving personal goals like problem-solving, communication, building coping skills and conflict resolution skills. We have found that people learn and grow while they’re having fun. No previous gaming experience required. This group might be helpful for people dealing with depression, anxiety and autism.
Understanding Self and Others
This group offers students a safe place to explore how they function in relationships: friends, family, romantic partners, classmates, etc. Students who want help with social skills, forming/maintaining relationships, and expressing themselves authentically can benefit from this group.
Crisis Services
IMPORTANT: If you or someone you know is in a life threatening situation, call 911.
Crisis Hotline Information
- National Suicide Crisis Line: 988
Is answered 24 hours a day and transferred to cities all across the country to connect individuals with a trained professional in their area. - National Crisis Text Line: Text “Start” to 741-741 to begin a free, 24/7, confidential conversation.
- Veterans Crisis Line: call 988 and press 1. You can also text to 838255
- State of Missouri Crisis Hotline for Hearing Impaired: 1-888-380-3328 (TTY)
- Trevor Hotline for LGBTQ: 1-866-488-7386
- Local Crisis Hotline for Southwest MO: 1-800-247-0661
- Rape, Abuse & Incest National Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
- National Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888
Meet Ashley Cox, M.S., Director of Counseling

My name is Ashley Cox, and I am a Licensed School Counselor with 20 years of experience in education and a passion for supporting students as they navigate both academic and personal challenges. I specialize in trauma and trauma-informed practices, anxiety, depression, conflict resolution, social-emotional learning strategies, and crisis intervention.
I earned my B.A. in Elementary Education from Missouri Southern State University and my M.S. in School Counseling/Clinical Mental Health from Missouri Baptist University.
Throughout my career in education, I have been passionate about reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and advocating for students, so they feel empowered to reach their full potential—both academically and emotionally. I believe that all feelings are valid, and I value creating a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment where students can explore their thoughts and feelings without judgment.
As Director of Counseling at Crowder College, I look forward to combining my educational background and counseling experience to provide students with the support, guidance, and resources they need to navigate diverse challenges. My goal is to help students recognize their strengths, overcome barriers, and build the confidence and skills necessary for success in college and beyond.
In addition to working with students through the Crowder College Counseling Center, I serve on the Crowder Cares Team, Student Affairs Leadership Team, and the Professional Staff Association.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, and upcycling vintage items and designing handmade crafts for my small boutique. These creative activities give me an opportunity to unwind, recharge, and express my creativity.
Contact Information
Phone: 417-455-5609
Email: counseling@crowder.edu
Counseling Center Hours:
Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Location: Newton Hall, Room 208
If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911.





