The main number for the Counseling Center is 817-257-7863.
There is a 24/7 Phone Counseling Helpline specifically for TCU students, 817-257-SAFE (7233).
If there is an after-hours emergency, please contact TCU Police at 817-257-7777.
Monday-Wednesday 8 am-8 pm
Thursday-Friday 8 am-5 pm
Appointments are not scheduled each day from noon-1 pm
All non-crisis appointments will be scheduled appointments. Call our main office at 817-257-7863 or visit https://counseling.tcu.edu/ to schedule an appointment.
A crisis counselor is available for students experiencing a mental health crisis from 9 am-4 pm. Students can call our main office to speak with a crisis counselor.
Parents and guardians of TCU students can contact the Center during regular business hours to discuss any relevant concerns about a student. We can provide advice on how to approach a student in need, discuss any appropriate plans of action, and give information about possible referrals.
Due to state and federal law, we may not disclose whether a student (over 18) is a client of ours without a signed release of information. If you want information about a student’s progress in therapy, we suggest you speak with that student directly or ask them to sign a release of information. In addition, we do not have the authority to mandate that students seek our services or solicit individuals to seek counseling.
If you want to speak with a counselor, please call our office at 817-257-7863. If there is an emergency after hours, please contact the Campus police at 817-257-7777 or dial 911.
For more information, please review the top questions the Counseling & Mental Health Center receives from families.
The cost of tuition covers services. Every client receiving services from our Center, including requests for couples and/or family therapy, must be a fully enrolled TCU student eligible for other tuition benefits. The only exception is our satellite site at the Medical School, where enrolled students can receive couples counseling on a limited basis.
The Counseling Center has also partnered with a local treatment center to host an Intensive Outpatient Program. Tuition does not cover the cost of this program, and most students use their insurance to cover it.
Some TCU students are full-time university employees and receive health care benefits. To utilize these benefits, these students are directed to the Employee Assistant Program.
Counseling records are confidential, and we adhere to State and Federal Laws and professional ethics in maintaining confidentiality. Counseling records are also separate from the student’s educational records.
We have a 24/7 counseling line that offers telephone counseling to all TCU students anytime, day or night, and even during semester breaks. Students can call 817-257-7233 to reach one of our phone counselors.
Campus Police can be reached at 817-257-7777 if there is a concern about imminent safety.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK(8255)
National Crisis Text Line: Text 741741
Our psychiatric providers do not provide services for students who are only seeking ADHD medication. However, the TCU pharmacy is certified to fill prescriptions for ADHD medication prescribed by out-of-state providers. Please contact the pharmacy in the Health Center for more information.
Grief is a normal reaction to loss. Grieving individuals usually undergo a process that may have some standard stages or characteristics; however, people vary in their expression of grief and its duration. While grieving, they may feel disbelief, anger, hopelessness, sadness, and/or guilt at various times. Sometimes, individuals who are grieving will experience symptoms similar to those of depression, such as sadness, crying spells, poor appetite, and difficulty sleeping.
Common Reactions to Grief
Emotional & Psychological Reactions
- Shock, numbness, and detachment
- Denial
- Apathy
- Anger, moodiness, frustration, or irritability
- Anxiety, fear, or worry
- Guilt or blame
- Sadness, helplessness, or hopelessness
- Easily discouraged
- Re-experience of the illness or events around the death
Cognitive Reactions
- Difficulty concentrating or getting work done
- Confusion, distraction, slower thoughts than usual
- Difficulty making decisions
- Dulled senses
- Forgetfulness
- Negative self-talk, overly critical
- Preoccupation with the life of the person who died
Behavioral Reactions
- Restlessness, agitation, increased activity
- Emotional outbursts or lashing out at others
- Withdrawal or social isolation
- Avoidance
- Loss of interest in activities
- Caretaking
- Nagging
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
- Strong need to talk about the loss
Physical Reactions
- Headaches or dizziness
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Fatigue, exhaustion, or feeling slowed down
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in sleep patterns, such as insomnia or nightmares
How to Help A Loved One
- Talk openly to the bereaved person about his/her loss and feelings. Don’t try to offer false cheer or minimize the loss. Allow the grieved time to talk without being judgmental.
- Be available. Call or stop by to talk or share a meal or activity. Your presence and companionship are essential.
- Listen/be patient. Listening is an often overlooked gift of yourself. Allow the bereaved person to vent feelings. Don’t judge the person’s thoughts or feelings. Don’t feel you need to offer advice. Listening itself is very powerful. You don’t need to have the answers.
- Encourage self-care. Encourage your friend to care for himself or herself physically, emotionally, and socially. Encourage your friend to seek support and/or professional help if appropriate.
- Accept your limitations. Accept that you cannot eliminate your friend’s pain. Grief is a natural, expected response to loss, and each person must work through it in his/her way and at his/her own pace. Be supportive, but care for yourself, too.
When might counseling be needed?
Counseling can help facilitate the grieving process by providing support and education and helping the student work through feelings associated with loss. It may also be helpful to the student in negotiating other life demands. The appearance of any of the following warning signs may indicate that a student is in distress.
Below are some possible warning signs indicating students may benefit from assistance.
- An expressed need for help
- Thoughts or statements of death or suicide
- Prolonged sadness or depressed mood
- Change in sleep or eating patterns (too much or too little)
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- A change in appearance (e.g., poor hygiene)
- Increased irritability or agitation
- Consistently inappropriate, illogical, or unrelated questions
- Withdrawal from social interactions with peers, family, and significant others, frequent class absences, and expressions of loneliness
If any of these signs are observed, especially on a repeated basis within a short time (two to three weeks), consider visiting the TCU Counseling Center.
24/7 Counseling Helpline – 817-257-7233
TCU Counseling Center – 817-257-7863
Available for Walk-ins, Monday-Friday, 8 am-5 pm
Students can schedule an appointment by calling 817-257-7863. Learn more about first appointments.
During business hours (8 am-5 pm), students experiencing a mental health emergency that includes possible danger to themselves or others can contact our office at 817-257-7863 to speak with a crisis counselor. Students can also call the 24/7 phone counseling helpline at 817-257-7233. If there are immediate safety concerns, please contact Campus Police at 817-257-7777 or dial 911.
If you are worried about the well-being of a fellow TCU student, please submit a Report of Student Concern to the Dean of Students Office in Campus Life.