Counseling Services

A student’s journey on the hilltop is a period of profound growth and transitions, filled with exposure to many new and different things. Navigating these changes can be challenging and students may struggle from time to time.

The Health & Counseling Center's (HCC) clinical staff guides students through difficulties by helping them to understand their situation and develop a plan of action with available resources so they can become the best version of themselves.   

Treatment Options Through the HCC

At this time, counseling services are offered remotely and in-person (where possible, following current health and safety protocols). Enrolled students are eligible for counseling services, which include:

Individual Counseling Services

• Individual Counseling
  • Single Session
  • Stabilization & Referral
  • Short Term Counseling
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Long Term Counseling*
  • Specialized Treatment / Assessment*
  • Psychiatry*

*Referral off campus via case management

To get started with an HCC clinician, please call 512-448-8538 during business hours for an initial phone Triage Appointment. This is a brief conversation with a mental health professional to assess the situation and explore the most appropriate treatment option, which may include phone/video sessions, crisis services or referrals/resources.

If a student’s concern requires counseling beyond the scope of the HCC's resources, community resources will be provided through case management services.   

Please note: If you currently reside outside Texas, and we determine that you would benefit from ongoing counseling, we will make every attempt to connect you to services in your own state. Licensing laws do not allow mental health professionals to practice outside of the state in which they are licensed.

Crisis services will continue to be offered at the HCC during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.)

Wellness Workshops

HCC is offering a variety of workshops focused on mental health and wellness for Fall 2022.  Workshops are open to all students and provide an opportunity for students to drop in, learn skills to cope and thrive, and ask a mental health counselor questions.  No registration required. 

Click here for a list of Fall 2022 workshop dates, times, and locations.

• Managing Stress:  Improve your understanding of how stress affects your mind and body and ways to manage stress.
• Regaining Focus:  Learn key steps to minimize internal and external distractions that make it difficult to focus and learn and improve your study skills.
• Getting Connected:  Learn proven methods to combat social anxiety and feel more comfortable in social situations.

Check out our partners at Recreation & Wellness Health Education for more workshops, health outreach, and education.

Student Support Groups

Many students report feeling alone in their struggles even though almost every student seen at the HCC has talked about feeling this way.  HCC support groups provide a safe and confidential environment for students with similar concerns to share and discuss their experiences, struggles, and feelings without fear of judgment or persecution while developing coping skills and gathering resources.

If you’re interested in joining a group or would like to request a specific group, please call the HCC during business hours at 512-448-8538 or e-mail Dr. Michael Hershberger, Psychologist/Group Coordinator.

Available Support Groups

• Survivor’s Circle Support Group:  A support group for survivors of sexual violence.  A safe space where survivors can learn coping skills and connect with one another on their path to healing.  Topics may include coping, deconstructing shame, self-care, creating change, emotion regulation, and interpersonal relationships.
• Student of Color Support Group:  A safe space for students of color to share their experiences and concerns, receive support, and cultivate an inclusive community.  Topics may include systemic racism, working through frustrations, and techniques for self-care and self-compassion.
• Thrive:  A support group for LGBTQ+ students, designed to be a safe and confidential space to process and decompress without fear of judgment  Topics may include identity, coming out, transitioning, and relationships.
• Student Athlete Support Group:  For student athletes to gather, share, and support each other.

Training Opportunities

The HCC offers practicum training for doctorate-level graduate students in APA or regionally accredited clinical and/or counseling psychology programs. Learn about the training opportunities.

Understanding Counseling

This helpful graphic explores the common myths about counseling. Counseling is the practice of discussing and exploring issues with a trained professional in a safe and confidential environment to find ways to appropriately address the situation.