Services

The mental health services and resources provided at the UT Dallas Student Counseling Center (SCC) can be a useful tool in creating and maintaining your sense of health and overall well-being. We provide a safe, affirming and non-judgmental environment in which you can openly explore your concerns. The UTD SCC utilizes a short-term model, and our services are goal-focused and brief. Our services focus on resources, solutions and strategies to deal with your concerns.

Initial appointments must be made by contacting counselingcenter@utdallas.edu or by scheduling via our appointments page. Our services are confidential and not part of scholastic records. There is no charge for currently enrolled UT Dallas students.

Common Concerns

Nearly every student experiences something that impacts their sense of well-being while in college and experiences of marginalization and oppression often exacerbate these concerns. Reasons why students may seek help include:

• Anxiety and Stress (test anxiety, college stress, job stress, family stress, etc.)
• Depression
• Relationship concerns (romantic, friendships, work and academic)
• Family conflict
• Sexual assault and interpersonal violence
• Compulsive behaviors (pornography, substance use, over/under eating, etc.)
• Feelings of low self-esteem/self-worth
• Uncertainty about future plans
• Gender identity exploration
• Questions related to sexuality and sexual orientation
• Racial identity development
• Experiences of marginalization and oppression (racism, transphobia, ableism, etc.)
• Stress and trauma related to sociopolitical environment
• Acculturation and culture shock
• Academic concerns
• Overwhelming feelings of stress
• Grief and loss
• Loneliness
• Thoughts of suicide and self harm

First Appointment

Your initial visit is called an initial consultation. During this brief session, you will discuss your concerns and goals for treatment. The counselor will also ask questions about your life, including your medical and family history. This session will assist both you and your counselor in deciding how you can best be helped. The following are a list of the possible services that may be included in your prescribed treatment plan:

• Brief individual counseling
• Couple or relationship counseling
• Group counseling
• Workshops
• Referral to another on-campus resource/office

Confidentiality and Records

Laws and ethical guidelines require that all interactions with the UTD SCC, including content of your sessions, your records, scheduling of or attendance at appointments, and progress in counseling are confidential. No record of counseling is contained in any academic, educational or job placement file. While information will not be released to anyone outside the SCC without your written permission, in order to provide you with the best possible treatment, we may confer with clinical professionals within the UTD SCC. Counseling records are maintained for seven years, after which time they are destroyed.

Exceptions to Confidentiality

There are some exceptions to confidentiality. Specifically, we are legally required to disclose information to:

• Protect you or someone else from imminent danger.
• Report suspected abuse of minors, the elderly, or persons with disabilities.
• Respond to a court subpoena.
• Report a known or suspected sexual exploitation of a client by a past therapist.

In any of these situations, your counselor would reveal only the information needed to resolve the immediate crisis or risk of danger. If your counselor believes you are in danger of hurting yourself or others, your counselor may contact appropriate medical and/or legal authorities.

SCC Staff

Our staff of licensed/supervised psychologists and other mental health professionals are available by appointment or in times of emergency.