Counselor Training Clinic Frequently Asked Questions 

How much does it cost?

$20 for new clients

$5 for a group session

Package options include:

  1. $275 for individual counseling for 15 weeks – best for a full semester/beginning of the semester commitment
  2. $130 for individual counseling for 7 weeks – best for biweekly commitment for the full semester or committing to counseling at the midterm.
  3. These packages do not roll over to next semester and are good for 1 session a week.
  4. These packages are non-refundable if you do not take advantage of your access to counseling

Who is eligible to see a counselor at the CTC?

All students currently enrolled at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, who are over the age of 18 are eligible to be seen at the CTC. In addition to residential students, we welcome part time and distance education students who reside in Tennessee. 

We anticipate extending our services to the greater UT community (i.e., faculty, staff, and their families) soon.

What are your hours?

The CTC is open to clients M-R 8am-5pm.

Please note that the CTC is closed on all university holidays and during most university breaks.

I would like to begin counseling or have an urgent matter to discuss. How should I get in contact with the CTC?

If you are trying to get in contact with the clinic due to an emergency, please remember we are not a crisis center. Please see crisis options below.

While we continue to offer multiple ways to reach our team, we encourage email as the most reliable method—especially during afterhours or when clinicians are in session. Leadership rotates shifts in the office, but we often receive calls outside of business hours or during peak client times. If you are trying to reach out about starting counseling please start with our referral link. If you prefer to call us, please leave a voicemail with your name, contact number, and reason for calling. We aim to return calls within 48 business hours. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency or cannot wait for a response, please contact:

  • 911 for immediate emergency assistance
  • 988 for mental health crisis support
  • Student Counseling Center 865-974-2196
  • UT Helpline 865-974-HELP (4357)

Your safety and well-being are our top priorities.

Can an intern really help me?

Sometimes prospective clients wonder whether a student counselor or intern will have the skills to help them. We believe so! By the time they begin seeing clients at the CTC, our counselors have completed a substantial portion of their graduate program, including experiences where they demonstrate their counseling skills. Our counselors are learning the most current art and science of counseling. They are enthusiastic about serving and learning, and they see fewer clients so they can focus on quality work. In addition, they are supervised closely by seasoned professionals. Together, this creates an environment where both you and your counselor can grow.

Does the CTC prescribe medication?

The CTC does not prescribe medication. If appropriate, the CTC can make a referral to the Student Counseling Center for a medication evaluation.

Can you provide a diagnosis for medication or disability accommodation?

We will work with you to understand your mental health from a holistic perspective. Sometimes that might mean discussing a diagnostic impression with you. However, we do not provide diagnoses for medication or disability accommodation. We know sometimes a diagnosis can be integral to accessing accommodations, disability, or other resources. We are happy to connect you with other services that can provide these services.

What happens to the information I share with my counselor? Is it private?

All counselors are bound by ethical and legal responsibilities to maintain the confidentiality of information shared between counselors and clients. Counselor notes and client records are secured in compliance with HIPAA regulations. With few exceptions, the CTC will not disclose your personal information or anything discussed in counseling to anyone working outside the CTC.

There are several very important exceptions to these rules. Counselors and staff of the CTC have the legal and ethical responsibility to maintain your safety and the safety of others. We are legally obligated to disclose information to other professionals if:

  • You disclose an active intent to harm yourself or anyone else;
  • You disclose abuse or neglect (physical, sexual, or emotional) of a child or another individual who cannot care for themselves; or
  • We receive a court-ordered subpoena requiring the release of our records.

Every counselor working at the CTC practices under the supervision of the CTC Director in collaboration with the CTC leadership team and/or Counselor Education faculty. Your counselor may need to discuss their work with you in supervision to provide you the best possible service. Your counselor will make every effort to maintain your privacy. Please note that every student counselor, CTC staff member, and faculty member of the Counselor Education program is bound by the same ethical responsibilities concerning confidentiality. If you have any questions about confidentiality at the CTC, please speak with your counselor.