Frequently Asked Questions

Counseling is a means of facilitating personal growth and development through a cooperative effort between a student and a clinician. It helps individuals cope more effectively with phase of life transitions, inner conflict, negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Counseling can provide encouragement and comfort to those who are struggling with mental health issues and guidance to those whose behaviors are self-defeating.

Intervention or direct care includes individual, couples, and group counseling. These services are available 8 am–5 pm Monday through Friday. Our counselors specialize in a variety of disorders and utilize different treatment modalities to assist students struggling with, but not exclusive to, stress, anxiety, depression, disordered eating, grief, trauma, identity, and cultural struggles.

Crisis Intervention is available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. Same day, walk-in appointments are available each day and determined by need. After hours, we have a clinician on call to provide suicide and risk assessments and determine safety plans for students.

Prevention includes ways to increase mental health awareness and opportunities to engage in healthy coping skills strategies. As we provide more preventative programs to students, we hope to promote good mental health practices, decrease crises, and engage students who might be reluctant to seek counseling. This includes mental health workshops on a variety of topics including transition and anxiety, mental wellness practices, stress and time management, healthy relationships and boundaries, and communication. Prevention care also includes opportunities to learn and engage in de-stress techniques that include body movement, mindfulness, and breathing techniques.

Several therapy dogs visit campus on a regular basis throughout the week. Please watch for announcements and posts on Instagram (@tucounseling) for details. We have a Grounding Room located in the Academic Enrichment Center in the Zondervan Library that is a quiet space that students can use to decompress and regulate their thoughts and emotions.

Where are counseling services provided?

We are located in Boren 250 (Campus Ministries and Counseling Center office) on the 2nd floor of the Student Center, right above Chick-fil-A.

How do you make an appointment for counseling?

The counseling center encourages making appointments by sending an email to counselingcenter@taylor.edu or by calling 765-998-5222. If this is not possible or in the case of a crisis, please come to the counseling center.

What is my responsibility as a client?

Prior to first appointment, you will be asked to setup up a client portal to complete some initial documents. This will allow your counselor to gain a more holistic view of your life. You will also be asked to sign a consent for treatment form. The counseling center is in demand; therefore, it is important that you honor your mental health and your counselor’s time by keeping your appointment. In the event that you need to cancel your appointment, please provide 24 hours of advance notice to allow us to schedule another student for that appointment time.

What if I am sick and can’t come to my appointment?

If you are a feeling sick and unable to physically attend, we encourage you to utilize our teletherapy option in order to keep your appointment. Please email your therapist directly if you need to switch from an in-office session to a virtual appointment so they may send you a link. If you need to CANCEL your appointment due illness, please email the counseling center at counselingcenter@taylor.edu instead of your counselor.

What preventative services and programming are offered?

Mental health workshops on a variety of topics
Grounding room—located in the Zondervan Library
Self-regulation opportunities (ex. yoga, guided imagery, mindfulness, breathing exercises)
Several therapy dogs visit campus on a regular basis throughout the week.
Ongoing de-stress activities. This information will come out via student announcements and posters around campus.
Check our Instagram @tucounseling for information and updates.

Are walk-in services provided?

Yes! We offer walk-in hours Monday–Friday at 3 pm that are given on a first come-first serve basis, based on need. Please contact us via phone or email if you need the walk-in hour.

How do you access mental health services after hours or in an emergency?

A counselor is on call 24/7. After hours, in an emergency, please contact your PA/Hall Director, campus police (765-998-5555) or call 911. They have the phone number for the counselor on call and can get in contact with us if needed.

What if I’m feeling unsafe, thinking about harming myself, or having suicidal thoughts?

Immediately walk over to the Counseling Center (if it is between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm Monday–Friday), contact your PA/Hall Director, campus police (765-998-5555) or call 988. Your Hall Director can get ahold of the counselor on call at any time. The Suicide Hotline number is 988 or 1-800-273-8255.

I’m concerned about the safety of one of my friends. What should I do?

Don’t promise that you’ll keep a secret for that person. You can promise to keep it private (only the essential people will know), but when someone’s safety is involved, you need to immediately contact the counseling center (if it’s between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm) or your hall director.

What mental health intervention services are available?

Individual, group, and couples counseling (in-person or virtually)
Consultation hours (either for something you yourself are going through, or to discuss questions you have about someone else)
Walk-in hours
Crisis evaluation and support

Are there any fees for counseling or other mental health services?

No, counseling is free at this time.

Are there limits on the type or amount of services available?

At this time, we do not have session limits.

Our default is to meet with students every two or three weeks; however, this is subject to change based on your individual circumstances.

We are also continuing our telehealth services for students who do not wish or are not capable to do face-to-face counseling.

How can I get information on other counselors or psychiatrists in the area?

If you need more intense counseling than the counseling center is able to provide, we highly recommend that you contact a therapist in the area. We are able to offer referrals for local counselors and psychiatrists.

Is counseling confidential at Taylor?

We abide by the HIPAA privacy rule which means that counseling is confidential for all students ages 18 and older.

If you are over the age of 18, we cannot share information with anyone, including parents or hall directors, unless a release of information has been signed.
Exceptions exist in the cases of abuse, neglect or safety issues ( if a student is in imminent danger of hurting themselves or others).
We have a separate waiting room specific to the counseling center, with an entrance across from the drinking fountains on the 2^nd floor of the Boren Center. This will allow you to sit in a room to wait without having people walking past you in an office.

We also have sound machines outside of offices that create ambient noise in the hallway. These muffle sound so that someone walking past the door will not hear specific words you are saying.