University Counseling Center

					Handling a Distressed Student


About Us	Our Services	Training Program	Crisis Intervention	FAQ's and Links

Welcome to the Texas Southern University Counseling Center. We understand that while the college experience can be exciting, it can also be stressful. Demands on time and deadlines for term papers and exams are all a part of being a college student, and that is just the academic side. There may also be issues in your life pertaining to family, friends, roommates, romantic relationships, and financial situations. For some students, a therapeutic relationship can provide insight and guidance concerning such issues.

The primary responsibility of the Counseling staff is to alleviate distress and promote healthy functioning by providing short-term counseling services. These services include individual, couples, group, and problem solving sessions, consultation and referral services, and public presentations for campus organizations. Confidential personal counseling services are available for all currently enrolled TSU students. As well as, referrals to the TSU staff psychiatrist when needed for additional assessment and treatment.

Some examples of the kinds of issues students may discuss with the counselor include: managing relationships, handling family problems, coping with stress, homesickness, decreasing depressive feelings, dealing with fears, handling a crisis, improving communication, learning to be assertive, study skills, time management, increasing self-esteem, understanding one's sexuality, decision-making, and dealing with alcohol and/or drug concerns.

Location

	The University Counseling Center is located in the Student Health Center Building.
Office hours

Monday thru Friday 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Call (713) 313-7804 or walk in during office hours to make an appointment. In rare cases when contact cannot be made with the on-call counselor, please call the: Crisis Helpline at (713)313-7863 or TSU Campus Police at (713) 313-7000.
The mission of the University Counseling Center (UCC) is to…

help students enhance their academic and personal well-being. The UCC seeks to provide crisis intervention, grief counseling, outreach, and referral services to TSU students. We also offer consultation, education, training, and prevention strategies to faculty, staff, and the University community. We seek to encourage an environment of inclusion and personal development. It is our vision to … be of significant value to the TSU community and to be nationally recognized as a leader among Counseling Centers. Providing resources of the highest quality to enhance students' progress toward the fulfillment of their personal development and the completion of their education is essential. We strive to expand our roles as helping professionals by being proactive and responsive to the changing needs of the growing and diversifying student population and to continue developing our services and training programs, which meet standards of excellence in our profession.
Our motto …


When should a student use our services?	Our goals are …

The college years are known to be extraordinarily stressful for many. Increasing numbers of college students report that, in this competitive setting, they have experienced excessive levels of stress that has interfered with their learning and adjustment process. When a stressful situation has become so impactful that it affects your daily activities, including interactions with others and the ability to complete to class work, it is time to talk to a mental health professional.	• To provide a safe and therapeutic environment, that is comfortable, aesthetically pleasing, and accessible. • To maintain confidentiality according to professional standards. • To be proactive in responding to needs, interests, and concerns of a diverse student community. • To provide a continuum of professional and ethical therapy services. • To provide unconditional support and advocacy for student concerns. • To offer a variety of programs to assist students in maximizing their educational and social experience at the University. • To provide services that encourages the acquisition of skills to become proactive, socially responsible, accountable individuals. • To further the development of responsibility for lifelong health and safety, personally and globally. • To act as consultants and resources in promoting the holistic development of students.
Our promise to you about confidentiality

University Counseling Center is a “safe place” for Texas Southern University students. Generally, whatever you share with us stays with us, but there are some exceptions. Counseling records are not a part of academic records. Exceptions to confidentiality rule: If it is a concern of immenent danger, violation of the TSU Student Code of Conduct, you specifically give us your written permission, we receive a court order, or we are required by law (i.e., child abuse).
Staff

The University Counseling Center staff consists of mental health professionals from diverse clinical backgrounds. In addition, we consult with psychologists, psychiatrists, and physicians. This range of disciplines allows us to provide quality counseling, integrated care, referral, consultation, and training. Most of our staff are licensed professionals, but all staff members are trained and experienced in dealing with issues facing university students, and each has areas of special interest and expertise.