MIP counseling available through Community Counseling Associates
Underage students who get into legal problems with alcohol have somewhere to turn.
Community Counseling Associates, 500 S. Main St., offers services for students who have received a minor in possession citation.
"We're a private practice," said spokeswoman Lisa Carpenter. "We focus on college age, college life - a realistic twist on MIPs. We have quite a few Central Michigan (University) students that call here for MIP counseling information."
Services include MIP assessments, individual counseling and group meetings for college students.
The first step in counseling is assessment, Carpenter said.
"The purpose of the assessment is to take a look at a person's issues and history to determine what would be appropriate. If we find problem issues, we would recommend individual counseling," she said.
After assessment, Community Counseling Associates decides what would better fit the individual, either one-on-one counseling or group sessions.
Assessment fees vary based on individuals insurance rates and income. Rates start at $72 for students, who receive a 10 percent discount.
Cost for the MIP group is $65. Individual counseling is billed to a student's medical insurance. If insurance will not cover the cost of counseling, fees are charged on an income-based sliding scale.
MIP groups on average run once a month; dates depend on when clients are able to attend. Community Counseling Associates specialize in emotional counseling, but can refer clientele to lawyers for legal advice in some cases.
Flint junior Jonathan Pavelich said he does not have a problem with MIPs and would not use the program.
"It's a little much to ask for something like that," he said. "You could talk to your parents, join a church group, use different alternatives. I don't have a problem with MIP's anyway."
Ypsilanti sophomore James Latini said he would only use the service if it was required, because he wouldn't want to spend the extra money.
"You're already paying all that money with the MIP," he said. "Why pay more?"
Latini thinks the services offered by Community Counseling Services do have a lot to offer to Mount Pleasant's community members who may be in trouble with MIPs.
"If I did drink and there was an MIP service, I would take advantage of it. I think it would be beneficial," said Lake Isabella freshman Kelsey Fogal.
Staff Reporter Sarah Johnson contributed to this report.
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