UTMB Student Health and Counseling (SHC) provides enrolled students evidence-based mental health services to treat adjustment, personal, and psychological concerns that may interfere with their ability to function and succeed academically. Services include
short-term individual, couples, and group counseling, crisis intervention, skills-based workshops, prevention-focused outreach programs and self-help resources, consultation and training, and referral assistance to university or community resources. The
appropriate service level will be discussed with the patient at the initial assessment.
Crisis intervention services may be scheduled during business hours for students experiencing thoughts of harm to self or others, a mental health crisis (e.g., psychosis or mania) or who have recently experienced a traumatic event (e.g., sexual or physical
assault). The purpose of crisis intervention services is to assess safety concerns and establish any needed treatment or referral. The student crisis line is also available 24/7/365 at 409-747-HELP (4357).
UTMB SHC may not be able to provide ongoing services for certain issues and circumstances listed below. Decisions regarding these limitations may be made at the time of the initial assessment or later.
- If counseling is mandated by the court system.
- If counseling is mandated by the UTMB administrative/disciolinary system AND the client has no internal motivation or willingness to engage in counseling.
- Substance abuse or dependence that compromises the therapeutic process.
- Probability that the termination of a short-term counseling relationship with be detrimental to the client.
- A clear and chronic repetition of ineffective relational patterns accompanied by lack of insight.
- Issues that extend beyond the scope of staff professional competence or expertise.
- Need for the equivalent of day or inpatient treatment.
- Issues more appropriate for referral for specialized care(e.g., smoking cessation).
- Inability of the patient to identify a presenting concern or goal for counseling.
- Treatment non-compliance.
- Unmanaged psychosis.
- Inappropriate use of emergency services.
- When provided services are not proving efficacious.
- More than 3 no shows.
- Behavior towards a staff member that violates UTMB policies and/or procedures or violates the law.
- Situations in which the Center and/or its staff could be in a conflict of interest or other dual-role concern by providing treatment.
- Evaluations for emotional support animals
- Neuropsychological evaluations (e.g., assessments for educational accommodations).
Possible Exceptions (evaluated case-by-case):
- Underserved or at-risk population.
- Those who need immediate crisis intervention and stabilization prior to referral.
- Those who need several sessions to obtain a more thorough assessment.
- Students who have personal, learning, or other counseling needs that could be addressed with short term work in coordination with a referral.
- Short term deadlines (e.g., upcoming graduation, need to make a time limited decision).
- Clearly defined/realistic agreed upon goal.