Center for Counseling and Mental Health Wellness

Parent Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What kind of counseling services are available on campus for my daughter?
The Center for Counseling and Mental Health Wellness provides Personal, Crisis, and Consultation counseling services.

Q: Could I talk with a counselor regarding my son's problem?
All student visits to the Center for Counseling and Mental Health Wellness are confidential and no information can be released without the student's written consent. Although we cannot share confidential information with you, our counselors are available to consult with you if you desire further information about the Center for Counseling and Mental Health Wellness or if you want to discuss a concern.

Q: What are the staff credentials?
All of our full time clinicians are licensed in the State of TN.  We in addition to licensed clinicians, we also have graduate clinicians who see students for counseling under the direct supervision of an independently licensed clinician.  We invite you to view our Meet the Staff page for details about the qualifications of each staff member.

Q: How can my son make an appointment?
Your son can call the Center for Counseling and Mental Health Wellness to arrange an appointment. He can also log into the Eagle Wellness Portal at myhealth.tntech.edu. If he prefers, he can come to the Center for Counseling and Mental Health Wellness during our Walk-In Hours, which are held every weekday that classes are in session during the fall and spring semesters from 1:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m.

Q: How much does it cost for my son to be seen at the TN Tech Center for Counseling and Mental Health Wellness for counseling? Does he need to have insurance?
All counseling services provided by the Center for Counseling and Mental Health Wellness are free to registered and enrolled TN Tech students. He does not need to have insurance for any counseling services provided by the Center for Counseling and Mental Health Wellness. If your son requires a service that is not provided by the Center for Counseling and Mental Health Wellness, we will assist in making a referral to an appropriate community resource.

Q: My daughter is a freshman. She recently called me and sounds overwhelmed and stressed. What can she do?
Ask your daughter to talk to you about how it is to be at the university and what her days have been like. Listen to what she has to say without giving advice or solutions right away. Just let her talk to you about what's going on and how she's dealing with things. Ask her what she worries about and what she thinks might help her. Let her know that going to college is a big change and that stress is natural in this situation. Adjusting to being away from home, having to make decisions for herself, and trying to figure everything out takes time, maybe several weeks. Encourage her to have fun and to begin to develop friendships with people she can talk to. Tell her that you have faith in her and that you support her and will be there for her. Ask her to stay in touch with you on a regular basis. If she continues to have problems adjusting or feeling overwhelmed, direct her to the Center for Counseling and Mental Health Wellness where she can talk to someone about her stress.

Q: My son has stopped going to class and sounds depressed. What should I do?
Most of us have experienced brief episodes of depression in our lives. Depression that lingers is likely to require professional intervention. Depression may be precipitated by a significant loss: loss of a loved one, loss of a special role in life, loss of physical ability due to illness or injury, loss of self-esteem after failing to reach an important goal. Perfectionism, setting unrealistically high goals, or expecting to be in control of everything in our lives, can set us up for depression. Some common signs of depression include:

• Persistent sadness, excessive crying
• Social withdrawal
• Feeling helpless, hopeless, worthless
• Chronic fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating and remembering
• Anger, irritability
• Sleep/appetite problems

Your son may look to you as a role model and may view you as a major resource for guidance and help with his problem. Your willingness to be there-to listen, to support and encourage, to share your knowledge and experience, to advise-plays a significant role in your son's persistence and success. Discuss with your son the option of coming to the Center for Counseling and Mental Health Wellness and speaking with a professional who can help. Your son may be skeptical and reluctant to seek this help. It is important for you to accept his reaction, while calmly repeating your recommendation.

Q: My daughter has a learning disability. Where can she go to get help on campus?
The TN Tech Office of Disability Services office can provide your daughter with general information on services available, learning disabilities, and attention deficit disorders, including a list of Cookeville area providers who can do initial or updated testing to document the type of problem or need and recommended resources or learning accommodations. You may call them at (931) 372-6119.

Q: I think my son drinks too much. Where can I send him for help?
Sometimes parents see behaviors that cause concern about drug or alcohol use. If several of the following statements are true, your son or daughter may have a problem with drugs or alcohol:

• Has your son's personality changed noticeably and are there sudden inappropriate mood changes (irritability, unprovoked hostility or giddiness)?
• Does your son seem to be losing old friends and hanging out with a drinking or partying group?
• Are you missing money or items that could be converted to cash?
• Is your son in trouble with the law?
• Are there signs of medical or emotional problems (ulcers, gastritis, liver problems, depression, overwhelming anxiety, withdrawal from friends and family, suicide talk or gestures)?
• Do you detect physical signs such as alcohol on the breath, pupil change, redness of eyes, slurred speech or staggering?
• Is your son concerned about his or her use of alcohol, or other drugs including marijuana?

If you speak to your student about your concerns, remember to do so calmly and to be aware of your own emotions and attitudes. Feel free to call the Center for Counseling and Mental Health Wellness for further help with questions you may have. A counselor can speak with you regarding other factors to consider regarding assessment and treatment options. If your son is willing to do so, encourage him to call the Center for Counseling and Mental Health Wellness to make an appointment to discuss the situation.

Q: My daughter has lost a lot of weight. I think she might have an eating disorder. How can I be sure?
There are several steps you can take to get help:

• Acknowledge the problem.
• Begin by choosing to call either a counselor, your physician, or a nutritionist to obtain information about eating disorders.
• If your daughter is willing to do so, encourage her to call the Center for Counseling and Mental Health Wellness to arrange an appointment to discuss the situation.
• Discuss your concerns and goals honestly with her.
• Establish a reasonable treatment plan together.
• Have patience and be gentle with yourself; you have taken a big step towards peace.

At the Center for Counseling and Mental Health Wellness, we know that eating issues and related problems can be complex with both psychological and physical components. During initial meetings with a student who has eating concerns, we provide an assessment to determine the exact nature of the problem. We then offer either short-term treatment or a referral, depending upon what is best for each student. Sometimes seeking help can be difficult to do, and we understand this. We attempt to work with students to set goals that are comfortable for them.

Q: My son is a freshman and doesn't have many friends on campus. How can I encourage him to get more involved?
We find that students who are active members of student organizations tend to enjoy their college years more than those students who are not involved on campus. Joining one of the many student organizations or volunteering for a local charity can ease your child’s adjustment to Tennessee Tech. You can encourage your son to become involved in a variety of campus activities by urging him to check out some or all of the following web sites:

Center for Student Engagement

Fraternity & Sorority Life

Intramurals

Campus Recreation and Fitness Center

Q: My daughter's boyfriend is abusive. Where can she go for help?
Encourage your daughter to call the Center for Counseling and Mental Health Wellness for assistance. Your daughter might also like to contact Genesis House, which is Cookeville's domestic violence information center and shelter. Genesis House can provide shelter, confidential sexual assault examinations, court support, counseling, support groups, and helpful referrals. All services provided by Genesis House are free and confidential.