{"id":128,"date":"2023-12-11T09:41:23","date_gmt":"2023-12-11T14:41:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/students.austincc.edu\/mental-health-counseling\/?page_id=128"},"modified":"2026-03-11T07:02:31","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T12:02:31","slug":"frequently-asked-questions","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/students.austincc.edu\/mental-health-counseling\/frequently-asked-questions\/","title":{"rendered":"Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Scope of Service<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"list\"><p class=\"trigger\"><a href=\"#\">What type of services does ACC Mental Health Counseling provide?<\/a><\/p><div class=\"toggle_container\"><div class=\"block\"><\/p>\n<p>ACC Mental Health Counselors offer short-term individual counseling (up to 12 sessions in 12 months) and group counseling. Additional services include workshops, outreach programs and referrals to community resources. We do not provide couples counseling or family counseling services.<\/p>\n<p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"list\"><p class=\"trigger\"><a href=\"#\">Do I need an appointment to receive services?<\/a><\/p><div class=\"toggle_container\"><div class=\"block\"><\/p>\n<p>Yes. ACC Mental Health Counseling services are appointment based. <\/p>\n<p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"list\"><p class=\"trigger\"><a href=\"#\">What if I am experiencing a crisis?<\/a><\/p><div class=\"toggle_container\"><div class=\"block\"><\/p>\n<p>ACC does not provide crisis counseling. If you or someone you know need urgent or immediate assistance, please contact 512-472-HELP (4357), 911, or 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline).  If you or someone you know is considering harm to self (suicide) or to others please call 911 immediately.<\/p>\n<p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"list\"><p class=\"trigger\"><a href=\"#\">What if I need long-term counseling services?<\/a><\/p><div class=\"toggle_container\"><div class=\"block\"><\/p>\n<p>ACC Mental Health Counseling offers up to 12 sessions within 12 months. Please review the <a href=\"https:\/\/students.austincc.edu\/mental-health-counseling\/mental-health-resources\/\">Community Mental Health Resources page<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/students.austincc.edu\/social-support\/find-essential-resources\/\">ACC &amp; Community Resources List<\/a> for external resources for longer term care.<\/p>\n<p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"list\"><p class=\"trigger\"><a href=\"#\">Do you provide psychological evaluations or assessments for learning disabilities?<\/a><\/p><div class=\"toggle_container\"><div class=\"block\"><\/p>\n<p>ACC Mental Health Counseling does not provide evaluations or testing. Please review this page <a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/19EMzLDOHp4Vw0yu7XBtMms4LsQCmEY827q5XWocmUH4\/edit?usp=sharing\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/19EMzLDOHp4Vw0yu7XBtMms4LsQCmEY827q5XWocmUH4\/edit?tab=t.0\">Neuropsych Evaluation: Affordable or Sliding Scale<\/a> for external resources.<\/p>\n<p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"list\"><p class=\"trigger\"><a href=\"#\">I am only interested in obtaining medication for my condition. Does ACC provide this type of service?<\/a><\/p><div class=\"toggle_container\"><div class=\"block\"><\/p>\n<p>ACC Mental Health Counseling does not provide prescriptions for medication nor medication management. Please review the <a href=\"https:\/\/students.austincc.edu\/mental-health-counseling\/mental-health-resources\/\">Community Mental Health Resources page<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/students.austincc.edu\/social-support\/find-essential-resources\/\">ACC &amp; Community Resources List<\/a> for external resources.<\/p>\n<p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Eligibility<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"list\"><p class=\"trigger\"><a href=\"#\">Who is eligible for ACC mental health counseling?<\/a><\/p><div class=\"toggle_container\"><div class=\"block\"><\/p>\n<p>Any ACC student that is actively enrolled in ACC coursework (Credit or Adult Education or Continuing Education) for the current semester, is physically located in the state of Texas, and is not already receiving therapy from an outside clinician. <\/p>\n<p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"list\"><p class=\"trigger\"><a href=\"#\">Is there a fee for services?<\/a><\/p><div class=\"toggle_container\"><div class=\"block\"><\/p>\n<p>There is no fee for services. <\/p>\n<p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"list\"><p class=\"trigger\"><a href=\"#\">What if I am under 18 years of age?<\/a><\/p><div class=\"toggle_container\"><div class=\"block\"><\/p>\n<p>Austin Community College Mental Health Counseling does not provide services for enrolled student under age 18. Our community partner,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/utexas.qualtrics.com\/jfe\/form\/SV_b7rCNcXPvlQKhjE?Q_CHL=qr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Amplify Center<\/a>, provides services to students age 16-29 regardless of enrollment status at ACC. If you are co-enrolled at a local high school, please check with your high school counselor to inquire if they have services available to you or in your area.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"list\"><p class=\"trigger\"><a href=\"#\">Do I have to be a full-time student to receive services?<\/a><\/p><div class=\"toggle_container\"><div class=\"block\"><\/p>\n<p>No. You can take as little as 1 credit hour and receive services.<\/p>\n<p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"list\"><p class=\"trigger\"><a href=\"#\"> I am enrolled in Continuing Education or Adult Education classes. Am I eligible for services?<\/a><\/p><div class=\"toggle_container\"><div class=\"block\"><\/p>\n<p>Yes, as long as you are actively enrolled in ACC coursework for the current semester and are physically located in the state of Texas.<\/p>\n<p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"list\"><p class=\"trigger\"><a href=\"#\">Who is eligible for services during Intersession?<\/a><\/p><div class=\"toggle_container\"><div class=\"block\"><\/p>\n<p>Any ACC student who is currently enrolled in the following semester and has paid tuition, is approved Financial Aid or on a payment plan.<\/p>\n<p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"list\"><p class=\"trigger\"><a href=\"#\">I am a student and an employee at ACC. Am I eligible for services?<\/a><\/p><div class=\"toggle_container\"><div class=\"block\"><\/p>\n<p>Hourly employees and work-study students at ACC who are not benefits-eligible and are taking classes at ACC are eligible for Mental Health Counseling but cannot see a mental health counselor that works at the same campus where the student worker is employed due to the potential for a dual relationship and\/or conflict of interest.<\/p>\n<p>ACC\u2019s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services are available to staffing table employees, faculty, and adjunct faculty. Please review the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.austincc.edu\/offices\/benefits\/employee-support-programs\/employee-assistance-program\">Employee Assistance Program | Human Resources | Austin Community College District<\/a> web page for more information.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Accessing Services<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"list\"><p class=\"trigger\"><a href=\"#\">How do I access services?<\/a><\/p><div class=\"toggle_container\"><div class=\"block\"><\/p>\n<p>Complete the <a href=\"https:\/\/cm.maxient.com\/reportingform.php?AustinCC&amp;layout_id=114\">ACC Mental Health Counseling form<\/a>. For emergencies or immediate services, please call 911, the ACC Police Department at 512-223-7999 or 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.<\/p>\n<p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"list\"><p class=\"trigger\"><a href=\"#\">When are services available? <\/a><\/p><div class=\"toggle_container\"><div class=\"block\"><\/p>\n<p>During ACC\u2019s Mental Health Counseling hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm. For services outside our regular business hours, please review the <a href=\"https:\/\/students.austincc.edu\/mental-health-counseling\/mental-health-resources\/\">Community Mental Health Resources page<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/students.austincc.edu\/social-support\/find-essential-resources\/\">ACC &amp; Community Resources List<\/a> for external resources. For emergencies or immediate services, please call 911, the ACC Police Department at 512-223-7999 or 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.<\/p>\n<p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"list\"><p class=\"trigger\"><a href=\"#\"> After I request service, what will happen next? <\/a><\/p><div class=\"toggle_container\"><div class=\"block\"><\/p>\n<p>The student will receive communication from the Mental Health Counseling team Coordinator, Counselor and or Regional Dean at their official ACC student email (primary method) or via phone call; therefore, please make sure to enter your current contact information on the request form. For trouble with accessing your ACC student email, visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/students.austincc.edu\/help\/accmail\/accmail-activation-login-assistance\/\">ACC mail activation assistance page<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Please note:<\/strong> <strong>Students have 3 business days to respond from the time of the initial outreach or the request will be closed, and the student will need to resubmit a new request for services.<\/strong> <strong>The deadline will be indicated in the email message.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"list\"><p class=\"trigger\"><a href=\"#\"> When will I get contacted?<\/a><\/p><div class=\"toggle_container\"><div class=\"block\"><\/p>\n<p>Students are usually contacted within 3 business days of submitting their request but this may depend on how many requests are received at any given time and if the requests are submitted with accurate student contact information. Incorrect, incomplete and duplicate requests delay the process.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Please note:<\/strong> <strong>Students have 3 business days to respond from the time of the initial outreach or the request will be closed, and the student will need to resubmit a new request for services.<\/strong> <strong>The deadline will be indicated in the email message.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"list\"><p class=\"trigger\"><a href=\"#\"> I submitted a request for counseling on behalf of a student. The student hasn't been contacted. Why not?<\/a><\/p><div class=\"toggle_container\"><div class=\"block\"><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;All counseling requests with accurate student contact information are reached out to by a Mental Health Counseling team member. Requests are processed in the order they are received. Several reasons why a student may report they have not been contacted can include, but are not limited to:&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>No student contact information or incorrect student contact information on the request form.<\/li>\n<li>The student has not checked their ACC email or phone messages (or no message can be left if no voicemail has been set up or is full) and has not responded to our communication.<\/li>\n<li>The student is not interested in services or declined services.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Rest assured that all students who submit a request are contacted, whether the student responds or not is up to them as this is a voluntary service (not mandatory). Also, due to the confidential nature of the counseling process and Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC) Rules, we cannot confirm or deny the status of a student\u2019s counseling request without written permission from the student in a signed Release of Information form.<\/p>\n<p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Session Questions<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"list\"><p class=\"trigger\"><a href=\"#\">All of my classes are online and I live outside of Texas? Am I eligible for virtual services?<\/a><\/p><div class=\"toggle_container\"><div class=\"block\"><\/p>\n<p>Due to state licensure laws, individuals who receive telemental health counseling services in Texas must be physically located in the state of Texas at the time of their session appointments.<\/p>\n<p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"list\"><p class=\"trigger\"><a href=\"#\">What if I need an interpreter for my sessions?<\/a><\/p><div class=\"toggle_container\"><div class=\"block\"><\/p>\n<p>It is the student\u2019s responsibility to submit the <a href=\"https:\/\/students.austincc.edu\/student-accessibility-services\/interpreter-request-form\/\">Interpreter Request Form<\/a> at least 72 hours in advance for a sign language interpreter for any activity at ACC.<\/p>\n<p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"list\"><p class=\"trigger\"><a href=\"#\">Can I change my in-person appointment to video?<\/a><\/p><div class=\"toggle_container\"><div class=\"block\"><\/p>\n<p>Yes. You will need to notify your mental health counselor prior to your scheduled appointment.<\/p>\n<p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"list\"><p class=\"trigger\"><a href=\"#\">I scheduled a video appointment. Can I change the video appointment to in-person?<\/a><\/p><div class=\"toggle_container\"><div class=\"block\"><\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s possible depending on the student\u2019s ability to meet with the mental health counselor at the counselor\u2019s assigned campus, based on scheduling availability and with advance notice. Refer to our <a href=\"https:\/\/students.austincc.edu\/mental-health-counseling\/meet-the-clinicians\/\">Meet the Team<\/a> page to know which counselor offers services at a particular campus location.<\/p>\n<p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"list\"><p class=\"trigger\"><a href=\"#\">Who will be my mental health counselor?<\/a><\/p><div class=\"toggle_container\"><div class=\"block\"><\/p>\n<p>Assignment is based on student and counselor availability and format requested. You can see a list of our counselors at our <a href=\"https:\/\/students.austincc.edu\/mental-health-counseling\/meet-the-clinicians\/\">Meet the Team<\/a> page to make a specific request.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"list\"><p class=\"trigger\"><a href=\"#\">How long are counseling sessions?<\/a><\/p><div class=\"toggle_container\"><div class=\"block\"><\/p>\n<p>Sessions typically last between 45 and 50 minutes for individual counseling. First time intake appointments and group sessions may last between 45 and 90 minutes.<\/p>\n<p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"list\"><p class=\"trigger\"><a href=\"#\">How often will I meet with my mental health counselor?<\/a><\/p><div class=\"toggle_container\"><div class=\"block\"><\/p>\n<p>Session frequency is determined by your mental health counselor and is based on your unique needs and goals.<\/p>\n<p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"list\"><p class=\"trigger\"><a href=\"#\">English is not my first language. Do you have bilingual counselors?<\/a><\/p><div class=\"toggle_container\"><div class=\"block\"><\/p>\n<p>Yes. Check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/students.austincc.edu\/mental-health-counseling\/meet-the-clinicians\/\">Meet the Team<\/a> page and indicate your preference on the request form.<\/p>\n<p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Scope of Service Eligibility Accessing Services Session Questions<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-128","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/students.austincc.edu\/mental-health-counseling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/128","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/students.austincc.edu\/mental-health-counseling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/students.austincc.edu\/mental-health-counseling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/students.austincc.edu\/mental-health-counseling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/students.austincc.edu\/mental-health-counseling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=128"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/students.austincc.edu\/mental-health-counseling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/128\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":986,"href":"https:\/\/students.austincc.edu\/mental-health-counseling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/128\/revisions\/986"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/students.austincc.edu\/mental-health-counseling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=128"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}