Our Services

At the UCC, we are dedicated to supporting the mental wellness of all actively enrolled TSU students through a comprehensive range of counseling services. Whether you are facing mild situational stressors, navigating complex emotional challenges, our team is here to help. Our services are designed to cater to the diverse needs of our student body, offering consultations, individual therapy, crisis support, outreach activities, and group counseling sessions. We understand that each student’s journey is unique, and therefore, provide options for brief or short-term therapy depending on individual needs. For those requiring long-term support, the UCC staff can assist in connecting students with external services, ensuring a seamless transition and continued care.

We are proactive in our approach to offer culturally responsive services, engage in ongoing professional development to better serve our diverse community. At the UCC, your mental health and well-being are our priority. We intend to continue to provide a supportive, empathetic environment where all Tigers can thrive, promoting resilience and offering the tools necessary for all students to succeed both academically and personally.

What to Expect

During your initial consultation, you and a UCC counselor will discuss whether short-term individual counseling is right for you. If it is, you will be assigned to a UCC counselor for individual services. 

You and your counselor will work together to decide how long and how often to meet to best meet your needs. Brief therapy may include receiving up to 12 sessions of individual counseling per academic year,  if needed. 

If you receive individual counseling services, you will typically meet every other week (other schedules are available based on your specific needs or you and your counselor’s availability). You and your counselor will work together to set goals for what you want to work on in counseling and evaluate your progress to ensure you get the help you need.  

Information you share with your counselor is confidential. There are a few exceptions to confidentiality that your counselor will review with you prior to beginning individual services.

Single Session or Short-Term Counseling

This service option is ideal for students who may need guidance on a particular issue or are seeking strategies to manage a sudden challenge. During these sessions, a counselor will work with you to clearly define your objectives for the session and apply targeted interventions. This approach is highly customized and flexible, focusing directly on your immediate needs.

Group Therapy

At times, the UCC may offer group therapy and support groups that are tailored to meet the diverse needs of our students. These groups address common college challenges, such as overwhelming emotions, relationship difficulties, and academic stress in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Benefits of Group Therapy

  • Community and Connection: Engage with peers who understand your struggles, reinforcing that you are not alone.
  • Shared Learning: Gain insights and strategies from others facing similar issues, adding depth to your understanding and coping mechanisms.
  • Self-awareness and Growth: Receive honest feedback in a safe setting, fostering personal growth and greater self-understanding.
  • Skill Enhancement: Develop interpersonal skills that can enhance your daily interactions and relationships.
  • Diverse Perspectives: Benefit from the varied experiences and viewpoints of group members, offering multiple lenses through which to view your challenges

You do not need to be an existing client to join our groups. If you are already receiving services, speak to your counselor about integrating group therapy into your care. New or interested students should contact the UCC to set up an initial consultation. Together, we’ll find the right group for you to foster growth, healing, and connection.

To begin your journey with group therapy, or to learn more about the options available, call the UCC at 615-963-5611 or email us at counseling@tnstate.edu. We’re here to support every step of your path to wellbeing.

Psychiatry and Medication Services

At the UCC, we are committed to addressing a wide range of mental health needs through individual and group counseling services. While these therapies can be highly effective for many concerns, we recognize that some students may benefit from psychiatric and medication services as part of their treatment plan.  It's important to note that while UCC provides counseling services, we do not directly offer psychiatric or medication services. However, we understand the crucial role these services can play in comprehensive mental health care. Therefore, our approach includes assisting students in connecting with reputable psychiatry services within the community.

Our staff is knowledgeable about the resources available and can help guide you to community providers who specialize in psychiatric care and medication management. Please be aware, we do not have specific information regarding the fees charged by these external providers, as they vary based on the services and individual provider policies.

If you believe that you would benefit from these services, or if you have been advised to explore psychiatric treatment options, please reach out to us. Our counselors will work with you to understand your needs and help facilitate a referral to a qualified community provider.

Emotional Support Animals

At the UCC, we understand the significant benefits that emotional support animals (ESAs) can provide to individuals dealing with various emotional and psychological challenges. ESAs can offer companionship, reduce anxiety, and enhance overall emotional well-being.

However, it is important to clarify that the UCC does not provide evaluations or documentation for the purpose of certifying emotional support animals. We encourage students who are interested in obtaining an ESA to seek these services outside of our center.

We recommend consulting with your personal healthcare provider or your insurance carrier, as they can provide referrals to qualified community providers who specialize in ESA evaluations and can offer the necessary documentation. These professionals are trained to assess your situation and determine whether an ESA would be an appropriate component of your treatment plan.