“I had tried a few different majors, but decided to change to psychology,” said Morgan Cristy, who earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2020 and her master’s degree in clinical psychology in December 2022.
Cristy was hired last month to work directly with students through the Bryant Student Health Center’s Counseling Center as one of four counselors.
A native of the Joplin area, Cristy enjoyed diverse activities as an undergraduate, from athletics to Honors College to a study abroad trip.
She brings to the job experience from a practicum at Spring River Mental Health & Wellness and an internship in the Counseling Center, along with the ability to relate to students and the desire to help people, she said.
“I enjoy one-on-one conversations with students and, through my college experience I bring various perspectives that I hope might help me better relate to the student sitting in front of me,” she said.
While part of her job is to serve as a therapist, she’s also focused on outreach.
“A new part of this position is an educational piece,” she said. “I’ll be able to speak with faculty and staff when they have a concern about a student and assist them in knowing what to do next in those situations. I can also provide educational presentations surrounding mental health, along with reaching out to student groups to make connections and let them know what we offer.”
Appointments:
Other counselors:
Trent Becker is licensed by the Kansas Behavioral Science Regulatory Board as a clinical psychotherapist and provides individual therapy, couples therapy, and psychological assessment services. His interests include anxiety and depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and psychopharmacology.
Sally Pullman-Rinkel is licensed by the Kansas Behavioral Science Regulatory Board as a clinical psychotherapist and provides individual and couples therapy as well as psychological assessment services. Her interests are in anxiety, depression, and trauma. Her treatment focus varies based on individual need but is rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy.
Lori Erwin is a licensed professional counselor by the Kansas Behavioral Science Regulatory Board and provides both individual and couples counseling. Her interests are in stress management, relationship conflicts, anxiety, depression, and grief and loss issues.