Dr. Kristina Johnson recently joined Southern Utah University’s center for Counseling and Psychological Services as a new dedicated psychologist and sexual violence prevention coordinator. Johnson started at SUU in August and helps students transition smoothly throughout the different developmental stages they experience in college and says she strives to make SUU a place where sexual assault is not tolerated.
Johnson earned her PhD in counseling psychology from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. Johnson started her college counseling career while in graduate school at Andrews University counseling center. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at SUU CAPS and her post-doctoral internship at University of Wisconsin at Lacrosse.
“I love working with college students while they are figuring out who they are and what they want to do with their lives,” said Johnson.
Johnson’s No. 1 goal is to create a safe space for students at SUU.
“I want to help build a culture that doesn’t tolerate sexual assault and that cares for its students in every way possible,” she said.
Research shows that sexual assault is a significant and troubling issue on university and college campuses across the nation. In an effort to decrease the risk of sexual assault, SUU has established several key initiatives and trainings for both students and faculty. These include Title IX online training sessions, consent training, bystander intervention, trauma recovery, and empowerment groups.
One of Johnson’s roles is to work closely with Ann Marie Allen, special counsel and director of ethics and compliance, to provide Care and Support Team training to faculty and staff.
“The goal of this collaboration is to teach SUU employees how to support students who have experienced sexual assault and familiarize them with the Title IX process so that they will be more comfortable and empowered to make referrals to Title IX,” explained Johnson.
The Care and Support Team is staffed with experienced licensed mental health professionals including psychologists, social workers, and mental health counselors. The Care and Support Team offers individual counseling, couples counseling, group counseling, biofeedback, and workshops. Students who have questions or would like to initiate counseling services are welcome to come by the Care and Support Team office or call (435) 865-8621.
