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Division of Student Affairs Welcome to the Counseling Center
Texas State Division of Student Affairs Welcome to the Counseling Center Services Making an Initial Appointment

Making an Initial Appointment

Make an Initial Appointment

If you are interested in using Counseling Center services,
call 512-245-2208. Services are by appointment only.

For the health of all Bobcats, services are by appointment only.  If you need urgent/crisis support, want to schedule or change an appointment, or want to consult with a clinician, please call 512-245-2208 (Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm).

During the COVID-19 period, telemental health (phone of HIPAA-compliant Zoom video) will be the most frequently used method for counseling.  Clinicians will work with students to determine whether their individual counseling needs are best supported using telemental health or limited in-person services following CDC distancing guidelines. 

If you feel you are in immediate danger or crisis, call 911 or seek medical assistance.  If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, interpersonal/ domestic violence, or a recent sexual assault you can call the Counseling Center during normal business hours at 512-245-2208. 

After-hours you can call the suicide prevention hotlines (please identify self as Texas State student) : Hill Country MHDD 1-877-466-0660 (San Marcos Campus) or Bluebonnet Trails 1-800-841-1255 (Round Rock Campus).

Please see our Crisis Information for an expansive list of crisis hotlines and chatlines for suicide prevention, interpersonal/domestic violence, and sexual assault survivors.   

The Counseling Center has also compiled a list of mental health related COVID-19 resources and support materials.  Therapy Assistance Online (TAO) self-help is available to provide support for anxiety, depression, and other common concerns. You can also find information about connecting with a Community Referral.

For the most updated information regarding COVID-19, please see the Texas State Coronavirus (COVID-19) page. All official university-wide communication about COVID-19 will come via email. 

The health of our clients and our staff is our priority. Each of us must act responsibly for the benefit of our entire community. If you are sick or become sick, you should stay home and avoid close contact with others. If you have any concerns that you have been exposed to the virus, you should call the Student Health Center or your medical provider immediately.

You can initiate a Counseling Center appointment through a NON-URGENT or CRISIS APPOINTMENT. 

At your first appointment, a clinician will recommend appropriate sources of support.  The recommendation may include scheduling brief individual (every 2-3 weeks) or group therapy at the Counseling Center. It may also be using our on-line services or a referral to more appropriate campus or community resources.  This includes referrals for frequent, longer-term, or specialized therapy or a medication evaluation.

We understand your situation is unique and cannot be fully described.  In our effort to best serve each student, we request that you read the common concerns listed below so that you can appropriately identify which appointment type you need. 

*If you are seeking Group Counseling or Couples Counseling, please tell the front desk staff.

NON-URGENT APPOINTMENTS

Calling earlier in the day provides you with more appointment times.  If no appointments remain available, you will be asked to call a second time, on a day when your schedule is flexible.  You will need at least 60 minutes for this appointment.  You may want to use resources on the 'While you Wait for an Initial Appointment' page in the meantime.

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  • Common concerns include, but are not limited to:

    • I am having relationship(s) problems or recently experienced a break-up.
    • I am having panic attacks.
    • I am experiencing anxiety and/or stress.
    • I feel depressed and/or have low mood/energy.
    • I am concerned about my alcohol and/or drug use.
    • I am having difficulty adjusting to a recent change.
    • I am unsure about something significant in my future.

    Please note that you will be rescheduled if you arrive more than 10 minutes late for your scheduled check-in time due to the heavy demand for this service.

    Upon arrival, you will provide basic information and meet with a clinician for approximately 15 minutes to decide what is the best type of support.  Various services may be recommended and scheduled including brief individual or group therapy, or on-line resources. You may also be referred to a more appropriate campus or community resource.

  • If you are NOT interested in starting on-going counseling at the Counseling Center but want assistance, please indicate the reason for the appointment when you call:

    • I have a specific concern or question that can be resolved in a single appointment.
    • I need to make a major decision in the next 2-3 days.
    • I am concerned about someone else (a friend, roommate, etc.).
    • I am seeking a referral for counseling in the community or medication elsewhere (not at the Student Health Center).

CRISIS OR URGENT APPOINTMENTS

Crisis or urgent appointments are for students experiencing a safety concern or have had a recent traumatic event (e.g., suicidal thoughts, thoughts of harming others, recent death of someone close, sexual or physical assault). Our dedicated team is available to provide safety support and planning. These appointments are available Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and students are seen as soon as a clinician is available.

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Be On Time for Appt

Initial appointments are rescheduled if more than 10 minutes late. Counseling appointments will be rescheduled or reduced if 20 minutes late.

No Backpack/Bag Policy

Lockers will be provided for Backpack/Bags during your session in order to provide our clients and staff with a safe and secure environment.

INITIAL APPOINTMENT

At your appointment you will be provided with information about confidentiality and service policies.

Therapist Assistance Online

TAO

Therapist Assistance Online, an interactive, dynamic, and easy-to-access online program is available to the Texas State community and provides skill building exercises in support of anxiety, depression, and other common concerns.