A student’s journey on the hilltop is a period of profound growth and transitions, filled with exposure to many new and different things. Navigating these changes can be challenging and students may struggle from time to time.

The Health & Counseling Center's (HCC) clinical staff guides students through difficulties by helping them to understand their situation and develop a plan of action with available resources so they can become the best version of themselves.   

Meet the Counseling Team!

Left to right: Molly Wang, LPC-S (Director of Counseling Services), Isabel Evans (Administrative Assistant), Dr. Michael Hershberger (Staff Psychologist/Group Coordinator), Andrea Cervantes, LCSW-S (Clinical Case Manager), Dr. Susie Martinez, PsyD (Staff Psychologist/CAMP Counselor)
Left to right: Molly Wang, LPC-S (Director of Counseling Services), Isabel Evans (Administrative Assistant), Dr. Michael Hershberger (Staff Psychologist/Group Coordinator), Andrea Cervantes, LCSW-S (Clinical Case Manager), Dr. Susie Martinez, PsyD (Staff Psychologist/CAMP Counselor)

Hilltopper Helpline

Licensed counselors will be available 24/7/365 to provide immediate support for student concerns and refer any student who needs regular counseling to the HCC. Call 833-434-1217 to access the helpline.

Eligibility for Services

Students who are currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate courses are generally eligible for counseling services. Incoming students who are registered but have never attended classes become eligible for services when they move onto campus and/or on the first day of classes.

Treatment Options Through the HCC

At this time, counseling services are offered remotely and in-person. Enrolled students are eligible for counseling services, which include:

Individual Counseling Services

  • Short Term Counseling
  • Single Session
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Stabilization & Referral
  • Case Management

To get started with an HCC clinician, please call 512-448-8538 during business hours for an initial phone Triage Appointment. This is a brief phone conversation with one of our mental health professionals to assess the situation and explore the most appropriate treatment option, which may include any of the counseling services listed above.

We provide short term counseling (typically 6 biweekly sessions) for a variety of common life problems, such as (but not limited to) anxiety, depression, difficult life transitions, grief and loss, and social anxiety. The short term counseling focus is to develop a plan to achieve agreed upon goals by utilizing various resources and learning proven coping skills.

Community resources will be provided through case management for students whose needs fall outside of the scope of the HCC's short term counseling model, or students who need psychiatry, medication management, and specialized treatment/assessment.

Please note: If you currently reside outside Texas, and we determine that you would benefit from ongoing counseling, we will make every attempt to connect you to services in your own state. Licensing laws do not allow mental health professionals to practice outside of the state in which they are licensed.

Crisis services will continue to be offered at the HCC during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.)

Wellness Workshops

HCC is offering a variety of workshops focused on mental health and wellness for Fall 2023.  Workshops are open to all students and provide an opportunity for students to drop in, learn skills to cope and thrive, and ask a mental health counselor questions.  No registration required. 

 

Check out our partners at Recreation & Wellness Health Education for more workshops, health outreach, and education.

Student Support Groups

Many students report feeling alone in their struggles even though almost every student seen at the HCC has talked about feeling this way.  HCC support groups provide a safe and confidential environment for students with similar concerns to share and discuss their experiences, struggles, and feelings without fear of judgment or persecution while developing coping skills and gathering resources.

If you’re interested in joining a group or would like to request a specific group, please call the HCC during business hours at 512-448-8538 or e-mail Dr. Michael Hershberger, Psychologist/Group Coordinator.

Training Opportunities

The HCC offers practicum training for doctorate-level graduate students in APA or regionally accredited clinical and/or counseling psychology programs. Learn about the training opportunities.

Understanding Counseling

This helpful graphic explores the common myths about counseling. Counseling is the practice of discussing and exploring issues with a trained professional in a safe and confidential environment to find ways to appropriately address the situation.