Student Counseling Services

Current students enrolled in at least one course at Texas Tech Health El Paso are eligible to access Student Counseling Services during that semester. We are committed to supporting your well-being while you pursue your studies here.

Students currently on a Leave of Absence with a planned return within one year may be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on staff availability and clinical appropriateness. Please contact us to discuss your situation—we’re here to help determine the best path forward.

For ongoing counseling, we recommend scheduling an appointment rather than dropping in. Research shows that the most effective counseling outcomes stem from a consistent therapeutic relationship built over time between you and your counselor, and scheduling helps us connect you with the ongoing, personalized care that's the best fit for your needs.

That said, walk-in support is available Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at MSB II, Suite 2C201, and we strive to offer same-day or next-day consultations for students experiencing urgent concerns.

Our services are provided at no cost to students, which removes financial barriers and allows broad access—especially during high-demand periods like midterms, finals, and holidays when many students seek support.

Our dedicated team works diligently to balance high demand with high-quality care. We make every effort to schedule you promptly and provide immediate assistance for urgent matters.

If your concern feels pressing, please let our staff know during scheduling—we can discuss options to accommodate you sooner (if possible) or offer interim support options.

Your participation in counseling is fully confidential. Student Counseling Services adheres strictly to professional ethical standards and legal requirements: we do not disclose any information about your involvement or sessions without your explicit written permission, and your counseling records remain separate from your academic record.

Exceptions to confidentiality are limited and occur only when required by law, such as:

• Imminent risk of serious harm to yourself or others
• Suspected abuse or neglect of a minor, elderly person, or individual with a disability
• A valid court order

These limits exist to ensure safety and are handled with care and transparency. If you have any questions or would like to discuss confidentiality further, your therapist is available to talk through it openly and supportively.

Currently, we do not impose a fixed session limit for individual counseling. Session frequency and duration are determined collaboratively with your therapist based on your clinical needs, staff availability, the unique demands of our academic programs, and other relevant factors.

We regularly review progress with you and explore the most effective treatment plan. This flexible approach supports your goals while ensuring equitable access for all students. Note that policies may evolve as demand and resources change. Your therapist will partner with you to discuss options and recommendations that best meet your needs.

Referrals to community providers occur when your needs would be best served by specialized, longer-term, or more intensive care beyond what we can provide within our scope and resources.

We maintain strong connections with trusted local providers to facilitate smooth transitions. Our goal is always your well-being: a referral reflects our commitment to connecting you with the most appropriate, effective support available. Your therapist will discuss this thoughtfully with you and offer guidance throughout the process.

Our team consists of licensed counseling professionals with diverse expertise and experiences. We function primarily as generalists, allowing us to address a wide range of concerns effectively.

Assignments are made based on current availability and clinical fit to best match your needs and concerns. If you have specific preferences or questions about your assignment, please share them with our staff—we welcome the opportunity to discuss and adjust where clinically appropriate.

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or are in immediate danger, call 911 right away.

Student Counseling Services does not provide 24/7 crisis response. See the Experiencing a Crisis? section above for local and national crisis lines, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and Emergence Health Network's 24-hour line, plus the option to walk in during business hours.

You can also reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by texting 988, or reach the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.

At this time, Student Counseling Services does not offer after-hours appointments. We understand that students may need support outside of regular business hours.

If you are seeking evening or late appointments, you may consider contacting one of our community partners, who offer extended hours. Texas Tech Health El Paso students are eligible for up to eight (8) counseling sessions per academic year (September through August) at no cost when referred to an approved community provider.

We carefully consider letter requests within the context of an established, ongoing therapeutic relationship. Letters for certain purposes—such as emotional support animals or purely administrative needs unrelated to treatment—are generally outside our scope.

Support letters may be provided on a case-by-case basis for ongoing clients, depending on factors including the nature of the request, timeframe, your active participation in counseling, and the therapist’s professional judgment. We do not issue letters based solely on an intake or initial visit.

Please discuss any letter needs directly with your therapist early on. They can explain what is feasible and help explore alternatives if needed. We’re here to support you in the ways most aligned with ethical, therapeutic best practices.

During your intake consultation, a counselor will talk with you about your concerns, gather background information, and help determine the type of support that best fits your needs. Together, you will discuss recommendations, which may include short-term counseling, skill-building strategies, workshops, or referral to community resources if appropriate.