Frequently Asked Questions
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Please call to schedule a virtual initial consultation or come to the Driftwood Building walk-in hours Monday- Friday 9:00am-11:00am and 1:00-4:00pm. The Counselor-on-Duty will speak with you and gather information about your concerns and discuss the service(s) that are best suited to your needs. We offer a range of services that take into account the type of issue that you are dealing with as well as your personality, preferences and needs. By taking this personalized approach, our goal is to provide you with timely and flexible access to wellness and mental health resources and to empower you to find solutions, achieve your goals, and feel better.
The University Counseling Center utilizes a brief short-term therapy model. Services are available to TAMU-CC students who are currently enrolled and whose needs match our services. If a student requires more long-term services, we can provide community counseling referrals.
In order to be seen by the UCC psychiatrist, students must be evaluated and referred for an appointment by a UCC counselor and must also be engaged in on-going counseling with a UCC counselor. The UCC contract psychiatrist provides services one day per week during the fall and spring academic semester and a half day per week during the summer semester, however, there can be a waiting period for a psychiatry appointment due to the high demand for services. A referral to a psychiatrist in the community may be a good option for students who have health insurance, or who are not interested in pursuing counseling. Due to the prevalence of misuse and abuse of stimulant medication on college campuses, the UCC psychiatrist will not prescribe stimulant medication for students seeking treatment for ADHD. Students seeking evaluation and/or medication for ADHD should check with their health insurance carrier. A list of off-campus providers is available.
University Counseling Center services and programs are paid for by the student service fees so there is no cost to students for consultation and counseling appointments. There is a small fee for psychiatry services. There is a $25 charge for late cancellations and no-shows for counseling appointments and a $50 charge for late cancellations and no-shows for psychiatry appointments. The UCC utilizes a brief therapy model and is not able to serve students needing long-term or intensive therapy, however, all enrolled students are eligible for an initial consultation.
Communication between TAMU-CC students and our counselors in a counseling session or consultation is confidential. Counseling Center records are kept strictly confidential to the extent protected by law and professional ethics and are not a part of the student’s university record. Counseling records and information are not released without the student’s written permission except under certain legal conditions. No record of counseling will be made on academic transcripts. All staff members subscribe to the ethical guidelines and state licensing boards governing psychologist, LPC, LMFT, LCSW, LCDC, and MD licenses. Our staff will advise you of any legal limits to confidentiality and will answer your questions about confidentiality.
The University Counseling Center cannot provide documentation for students seeking documentation for an emotional support animal. Our staff do not have specialized training and skills in the area of therapeutic human-animal interactions and therefore lack the necessary qualifications to provide a competent and ethical assessment of the medical/psychological need for an emotional support animal. It is suggested that students consult with their primary physician or a community mental health provider with this training and experience.
We do not provide evaluations for the purpose of providing documentation related to applications for employment, military service, study abroad programs, or volunteer work. It is suggested that students consult with a community mental health provider who offers this service. Requests for documentation to support a financial aid appeal or medical withdrawal will be considered on a case-by-case basis if an established therapeutic relationship with a UCC clinician exists. Disability Services is the office which is responsible for determining eligibility and related accommodations for medical and psychological disabilities. We recommend viewing the information on the Disability Services website to understand what type of documentation is required. If you are a current Counseling Center client and are seeking documentation of a psychological disability, please discuss this request with your therapist.
In some cases, you may be able to assist a distressed student on your own by simply listening or by referring the students for further help if needed. Our clinicians can provide guidance and resources to faculty/staff, family and friends who are concerned about a distressed student. Call (361) 825-2703 to speak with a counselor. If the situation is urgent, tell the administrative assistant that you need to speak to a counselor immediately. This phone line is answered 24/7. In the event of an emergency, contact University Police (361) 825-4444.
Sometimes students avoid talking to parents about problems or concerns because they don’t want to upset or disappoint their parents. To offer support you can:
- Be a good listener and encourage your child to share their excitement, fears, and concerns.
- Reassure your student that feeling initially overwhelmed by new experiences and a new environment is normal.
- Try to always convey acceptance and understanding.
- Remind your student that making mistakes is part of the learning process and that no one is perfect.
- Try not to take it personally when your student brushes off your advice.
- Understand that it is important for young adults to learn how to make decisions for themselves and to have a sense of power and control over their lives.
- Try to encourage your child to find their own solutions to current problems and challenges rather than offering advice.
- When appropriate, encourage your son or daughter to seek out university resources to assist them.
We welcome volunteers to help with our outreach programs and awareness campaigns throughout the year. Please contact 361.825.2703 for information about current volunteer opportunities.
At times, for various reasons, students may not connect well with a particular counselor. We want you to have a positive counseling experience and are happy to schedule you with a different counselor or provide you with community referral information. Please call 361.825.2703 to make your request, or contact UCC Director theresa.sharpe@tamucc.edu for assistance.
Our staff and clinical trainees are mindful that students from marginalized communities may have varied perceptions and past experiences related to mental health and counseling. We also recognize and acknowledge the impact of stereotypes, prejudice, discrimination and oppression. We strive to provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment, that is supportive of all TAMU-CC students. The UCC utilizes a mental health framework with the goal of meeting all students where they are at, removing barriers to treatment, providing easy access to care, and increasing options for treatment.
A common misconception is that only very distressed individuals need or can benefit from counseling services/resources. The reality is that college life can be stressful, and at some point you may find that your usual methods of coping are not sufficient to manage a difficult situation or concern. Utilizing support or self-help resources sooner rather than later is a proactive approach to supporting your wellness and academic success. Hundreds of students access our counseling services/resources every semester for a variety of reasons including stress, procrastination, academic concerns, anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, grief/loss, and issues related to navigating challenges related to race, culture, sexuality, or other identities. Click here for more information about the range of flexible resources and services that we offer to meet your wellness and mental health needs.
To request a copy of your mental health records (for yourself or another mental health provider):
- Call: Counseling Center Clinical Services Office Coordinator at 361-825-2703, or
- Visit: The Counseling Center in the Driftwood Building during regular business hours
(Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – Noon and 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
You will be asked to complete a Release of Information form.
With your authorization, the Counseling Center can:
- Fax your records to another mental health provider
- Provide a printed copy to you
- Email you an encrypted PDF copy
Please allow five business days for your request to be processed.
The University Counseling Center is committed to providing high-quality mental health care. If you have a concern or an informal complaint, this can be shared in the following ways:
1. Anonymous feedback
- Complete an anonymous feedback form in the waiting room, or
- Submit the anonymous client feedback survey which is emailed to all clients at the end of each semester. (Best for general feedback that does not require a response.)
2. Non-anonymous concern or informal complaint
- Step 1: Speak with your clinician or the front desk staff.
- Step 2: If you are not able to resolve or discuss your concern with your clinician or the front desk staff, contact the Counseling Center Director Dr. Theresa Sharpe by email at theresa.sharpe@tamucc.edu and include a description of your concern and preferred contact method.
- Step 3: The Director will contact you to discuss your concern and explore resolution options when appropriate and feasible.
- Step 4: If the concern is not resolved or cannot be discussed with the Director, contact Ms. Ann Degaish, Associate Vice President for Student Well-Being, at 361.825.2612.
Additional complaint resources
- University complaint process:
- State licensing boards:
- Psychologists & Licensed Professional Counselors:
https://bhec.texas.gov/how-to-file-a-complaint/ - Psychiatrists (Texas Medical Board):
https://www.tmb.state.tx.us/resources/for-the-public/complaint-about-licensee
- Psychologists & Licensed Professional Counselors:
- Office of Attorney General’s Consumer Protection
- File a consumer complaint with the Office of Attorney General’s Consumer Protection.