The Counseling Process

If You Are In Crisis

If you are in immediate crisis, call 911 or the Counseling Center at 956.326.2230 and press 3 to speak with a crisis counselor now.

If Someone You Know Is In Crisis

If a student is experiencing a crisis, displaying odd behavior, or engaging in other behaviors that may be harmful, please complete the Behavioral Assessment and Intervention (BAIT) Form

View Additional Crisis Information

Explore The Counseling Process

Below you will find information regarding the counseling process and answers to frequently asked questions.

What Is Counseling?

Why is my mental health important?

Mental health is an important part of overall health and well-being. Poor mental health increases the risk for long-lasting (chronic) physical conditions like heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

What Causes Mental Illness?

Mental illness is caused by a number of factors including biological factors, stressful or traumatic life events, and long-lasting health conditions. It is estimated that more than one in five adults in the United States live with a mental health condition.

Do I need services?

People who use our services are interested in their personal growth and adjustment to the world around them. Its normal to feel confused and question if you do or don't need help. Complete the self-evaluation(s) to see what your symptoms may indicate and learn more about what you may be experiencing.

Am I struggling with substance use?

You can use this tool to check in on your substance use and explore the impact it may be having on you. To find additional support explore our Resources for Substance Use Concerns

To request services, you must be a registered TAMIU student and complete the service request form in our office, located in STC (Student Center) 126, or submit a phone call to 956.326.2230

What can I expect from services?

Once you request services you will be scheduled for an initial triage consultation with one of the licensed counselors.

After you arrive for every appointment, you will check in at the front desk and you will be asked to log in to the client portal and fill out your required appointment forms.

During the initial triage consultation, your counselor will ask you about the concerns that led you to seek counseling, and you will be informed about how our services work.

In the first counseling session, your counselor will ask questions to get to know you better and about your concerns and the goal(s) you would like to focus on. In your second session,together, you and your counselor will set up a plan to work on your goals. Throughout your remaining counseling sessions, you will be focused on working towards your goal(s).

Will anyone know I'm receiving services?

Confidentiality:

All tests and records at our office are strictly confidential and protected by law and professional ethics. They are set apart from all other records at the university and are not released to any other person or agency within or outside the university without the client's written consent, except as described by law. In the rare event you or others are in real danger, police or medical staff may be contacted to keep you, your friends, and your family safe. All staff members subscribed to the ethical guidelines established by the Texas Board of Examiners of Psychologists and the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors. As a client, you will be informed of the legal limits of confidentiality.

How much do services cost?

Cost of services:

There is no charge for counseling and consultation to registered students, as these costs are covered by student fees. However, if you are interested in receiving services in the summer and are not taking summer session classes, but are registered for the fall semester and were registered for the spring semester, you may qualify to pay the summer bridge fee. The amount of this fee will vary from year to year/ For more information on this, visit our office at STC 126 or call 956.326.2230

Registered students can receive a maximum of 8 traditional counseling sessions every fall and spring semester. During the summer semesters, registered students can receive 4 sessions per semester (Summer I and Summer II). Sessions occur once a week and typically last 45 minutes.

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is one specific type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. It is a 12-session psychotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Not everyone qualifies for CPT. Interested registered students must complete a screening with a counselor to determine eligibility.

Learn More

Consistency and attendance is a crucial aspect of counseling. Additionally, to ensure that all students have a chance to seek and receive services. Clients are able to miss one counseling session; if a second session is missed, their services will be closed. Clients whose services are closed due to attendance can sign up for services again to receive the remainder of their 8 sessions, but may experience a wait time if there is a current waitlist. Additionally, they may be placed with a different counselor based on availability.

Care for yourself while waiting for Mental Health Care

Umatter _{powered by TELUS}

How do I request my health records?

Clients may review their records in the presence of a counselor. The request and the fact that a review occurred will be entered in the client's record.

Step One: Complete a written request

Required Information:

Full name, date of birth
TAMIU Student ID
Dates of service
Type of records requested

Step Two: Submit your documentation

You may submit your completed document utilizing the following methods.

Email: counseling@tamiu.edu
Mail: Student Counseling Services, 5201 University Boulevard Student Center 128, Laredo, Texas 78041
In Person: 5201 University Boulevard Student Center 128