Resources for Parents: Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can my child set up an appointment to see a counselor?
In order to see a counselor, students can come by the Counseling Center, 900 Volunteer Blvd, during our Walk-In hours (M-F 10:00 – 11:30 and 1:00 – 3:30) and see a counselor on a first-come, first-served basis.
During the Walk-In session itself, which normally lasts 20-30 minutes, a counselor will work with your child to determine how and where your child’s needs can be best met. He or she may be referred to an individual counselor, to a group, or referred to another agency on campus or in the community, if appropriate.
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2. Is my child eligible for services at the Counseling Center?
All UT students who have paid their student activities fee for the current semester are eligible for services. Services are free of charge except for a select group of assessment services. UT faculty and staff are eligible for limited consultation.
Client concerns that are beyond the scope of care provide by the Counseling Center and/or that involve more long-term, intensive, specialized care, or hospitalization may be referred to other mental health providers in the community.
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3. How can I find out if my child made an appointment yet?
Despite the fact that many university students are financially dependent on their parents, we cannot, for ethical and legal reasons, discuss the specifics of a student's status with parents, unless the student has given us written permission to do so. This includes information about whether a student has sought services or not, has kept appointments in a timely manner, the information and issues shared and discussed in therapy sessions, and similar matters.
Such confidentiality is not absolute, however, and there are extraordinary circumstances when information can be shared without the student's consent. These include situations where a student is in danger of harming him/herself or another and/or in situations such as suspected child abuse of minors, where mental health professionals are required by law to make reports.
We also recognize that there are situations, which fall short of such emergencies, in which parental or familial involvement may, be helpful or clinically important. If you believe that this describes your student's situation, please speak with him or her about your reasons and ask that s/he consider giving permission for an exchange of information between you and his/her counselor.
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4) My child has been in therapy before college. How does this affect participation in Center services?
A history of prior therapy does not affect a student's eligibility in any way. However, if your student is currently seeing a therapist, or has recently terminated, we strongly recommend that the student (and parents, if possible) discuss his/her therapy needs while at college with the therapist and any other professionals involved in his/her care. With appropriate permission, we would be happy to consult with his/her clinicians at home in order to explain the nature and scope of our services and to acquaint them with local service availability and referral information. This step facilitates the often challenging task of coordinating and continuing intervention for students who alternate time at home and time at the University.
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5) My child is taking psychotropic medication. Can the Center prescribe meds?
We do not provide medication at the Center; however, we regularly provide referrals for medication. If your child is already on psychotropic medication and/or your child’s counselor thinks medications might prove helpful in alleviating distressing symptoms he or she is experiencing, the counselor will recommend an evaluation by the University psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner at the Student Health Center.
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