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Why seek counseling?
Counseling makes sense when you are having trouble coping with a stressful situation or solving a personal problem. It offers emotional support, new perspectives, and help considering possible solutions. So, if you are in a lot of distress, or feel overwhelmed by a problem, or feel that you keep repeating the same mistakes, then you should consider seeking counseling.
More specifically, students visit the counseling center with concerns about:
- psychological issues, such as depression, suicidal thoughts, eating disorders, substance abuse, and test anxiety.
- broader personal issues such as self-esteem, communication problems, relationship issues, sexual orientation, or family conflict.
- crisis situations such as date rape or the death of someone close to you.
This is by no means a comprehensive list, but it does give you a sense of the range of issues we address at the Counseling Center. If you are a friend, faculty, or family member of a student in distress, please see Services for friends, RAs, faculty, staff or parents concerned about a student in distress.
How much does counseling cost?
Counseling Center services are free to enrolled Austin College students.
How do I get started?
Make an appointment by calling us at 903.813.2247 or come by Adams Center. Your first session with a staff member will cover issues prompting your visit and the making of an initial plan. If that plan includes additional individual counseling, more appointments will be scheduled. If the plan involves services outside of our scope, such as a psychiatric consultation or medication evaluation, the staff member will make appropriate referrals.
For urgent problems or emergencies, come directly to the counseling center and we will see you immediately. After hours, call the Campus Police at extension 2555.
Is there a waiting list?
Every effort is made to meet with a student within 48 hours of a request for an appointment, unless otherwise requested by the student.
How long does counseling take?
The length of counseling depends on the problems and the goals. Often, a situational problem or concern about a friend may require only one or two sessions. More substantial crises or recurring problems in relationships usually take more time. We generally try to provide enough help for you to be able to make progress and move forward with the issues on your own, even if they are not fully resolved. In other words, we generally take a short-term, problem-oriented stance aimed at helping you manage the issues and move on.
How does counseling work?
There are a variety of counseling strategies tailored for different problems. In general, counseling is a collaborative process that involves joint problem-solving in a confidential context.
Almost all counseling is based on:
- the development of a trusting and open relationship between the client and the counselor.
- honest exploration of feelings, needs, and concerns.
- efforts to try new solutions to old problems.
Are there any self-help sites on the internet for students to use for personal or academic purposes?
Yes! Check out our self-help information page for links relating to mental health issues. Keep in mind, however, that Austin College does not necessarily endorse all the material contained at these sites and that any information found through a link should not be seen as a replacement for consultation with a competent mental health professional. Call 903.813.2247 or come by Adams Center to book an appointment with counseling staff.