About our Services
Who we are
The ETSU Counseling Center falls under the domain of the Division of Student Life and Enrollment, which strives to promote student success and wellness through the collaboration of various “units,” also including Disability Services, Housing and Residence Life, Multicultural Affairs, and Career Services. The Division of Student Life and Enrollment aims to support and enhance student experiences as they work to achieve their educational goals.
We provide limited, brief psychotherapy to help students learn effective coping skills for dealing with issues, stressors, and other mental health concerns impeding educational and/or personal and social development. Some of the issues commonly addressed in brief therapy at the Counseling Center are: personal issues (e.g., stress, depression), relational issues, developmental issues, and other mild to moderate distress (e.g., effects of trauma, body image and eating concerns).
As part of the informed consent process, the nature of care provided at the ETSU Counseling Center and how decisions regarding client fit for services are made should be discussed with the client at the following times in treatment: as outlined in the Needs Assessment paperwork, during the Needs Assessment appointment, in the first appointment with assigned counselor, and during Treatment Reviews at every fourth session.
The ETSU Counseling Center operates based on the Stepped Care model, which means that “one size does not fit all” when it comes to treatment. Students are referred to the service/resource that is deemed the best fit for them based on their presenting concerns and current needs. Personal Counseling services at the Counseling Center typically occur on a bi-weekly basis and are considered brief in nature (i.e., average number of sessions used is four to five). These appointments are goal-oriented, with treatment progress being regularly evaluated. Our system is one of “stabilizing” and “referring”. The Counseling Center is a training facility, which means that there is regular turnover each semester, several counselors are under some level of supervision, and many appointments are recorded. Students who do not feel this model is the best fit for them and/or those whom a counselor feels could be best served elsewhere, will be given other options for care.
Mission
The ETSU Counseling Center strives to provide high-quality services that promote personal growth, success, and engagement. In addition to its role as a mental health resource on campus, the Counseling Center serves as a training facility for students enrolled in graduate mental health programs.
The Counseling Center contributes to the University mission by:
- Making evidence-based and holistic recommendations for care, drawing from the resources available on campus and in the community.
- Supporting insight development and empowering students to make positive change.
- Being a welcoming and affirming environment for all Bucs.
- Anticipating and responding to the mental health needs of the campus community.
- Maintaining active partnerships with other units whose mission is to advance well-being practices on campus.
Vision
Become an integral part of a University structure where well-being is the foundation for success. Develop a culture of care where students can flourish and take full advantage of the college experience and where members of the ETSU community are empowered to lead and live with integrity and purpose.
Values
- Quality care: Provide services that are accessible and equitable. Adhere to our scope of practice. Offer a continuum of resources and services to effectively meet students where they are. Be trauma-informed. Honor individual experiences.
- Well-being: Use a holistic lens. Advocate for systemic change. Promote balance. Identify and support values. Encourage behavior change.
- Community: Create a sense of shared responsibility. Offer opportunities to establish a sense of belonging. Build trust and safety. Act with compassion and care. Be empathetic regarding others’ experiences.
- Autonomy: Recognize individual skills and capacity for success. Encourage independence. Develop insight. Empower others to grow and change.
- Lifelong learning: Foster continual personal development. Examine biases. Research and gain knowledge. Take on different perspectives. Be curious. Practice humility.
Diversity Statement
At the ETSU Counseling Center, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment
that respects and values the unique perspectives, identities, cultures, and experiences
of every individual. Our counseling center is dedicated to providing a safe, supportive,
and affirming space for all members of our university community. Our team is committed
to ongoing professional development and cultural humility, actively seeking to understand
and honor the unique backgrounds and needs of each individual we serve. We are dedicated
to promoting mental health and well-being while acknowledging the impact of systemic
inequalities and social injustices on mental health. Together, we strive to cultivate
a campus environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.
Accessibility & How to find us
- Once you arrive at the D.P. Culp Center, you can park in the visitor parking lot.
- Enter the building.
- Go to the 3rd floor:
* Take the elevator
* Or, use the stairs - On the 3rd floor, turn left next to the hallway near the ballroom.
- Walk down the hallway, before you get to the end of the hall, find room 326 (still on the left) and that is the counseling center.
The Counseling Center also provides telehealth services (for clients inside the boundaries of the state of Tennessee) in the event that current abilities hinder your access to services we provide. Call (423) 439-3333 to inquire more about this format of services and figuring out how to reduce any current barriers you might have in seeking out services with the Counseling Center.