Counselor Training Clinic Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost?
The CTC is not supported by student fees. Beginning in January 2025, we will need to charge a nominal fee for services to help defray operating costs. We will be sure to communicate these changes clearly with current and prospective clients.
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 typically operates Monday-Friday 8am-5pm, although our hours may vary based on counselor and client availability. You can request appointments via the website 24 hours a day or via phone call Monday-Friday 8am-5pm. The CTC has limited after hours appointments available to meet the needs of clients who are unavailable during typical operating hours. We aim to return calls within 24 business hours. Please note that the CTC is closed on all university holidays and during most university breaks.
What if the phone isn’t answered?
Please leave a message. State the nature of your call and clearly indicate whether we may leave a return message on your voicemail. Although we aim to return all calls within 24 hours, there may be a time when this is not possible.
If you cannot wait for a callback, please call the Student Counseling Center at 865-974-2196, UT’s 24-hour helpline at 974-HELP, or the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Call 911 if you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency.
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.