Services

The initial consultation is the first step in meeting with your counselor. We recognize that schedules can get busy and sometimes waiting for your first appointment can be difficult. Offered as a walk-in service or an appointment Monday through Friday, an initial consultation is 30 minutes.

Walk-in appointments are are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.

During this time, your counselor will review with you the limits of confidentiality, share which services are offered through our office, and learn why you are seeking counseling. Together, you'll come up with a plan!

If our services can't realistically meet the psychological need, we'll discuss options for both on- and off-campus referrals.

We offer brief individual counseling with a focus on helping you improve your daily functioning and achieve academic success. Counseling is a collaborative process that involves a nonjudgmental, supportive counselor who works with you to set goals and establish strategies to meet those goals.

All our counselors are considered "generalist counselors," which means we're able to address a large range of concerns. We do receive specific training on a variety of topics, including:

• addiction issues
• adjustment issues, including adjusting to college life
• anxiety and depression
• eating disorders
• gender identity and sexual orientation
• grief
• relationship difficulties
• sexual assault
• stress management
• and racial discrimination and/or trauma.

Sometimes, it's hard to get along. We're here to help you navigate the difficulties you might be having with your partner or roommate. In couples counseling, we can help give you the tools to better communicate and resolve conflict as we strive to create an environment where you feel safe to express yourselves to one another.

Open to all SFA students and free to attend, groups meet weekly. 

Counseling Services Book Club: Love to read? Join us in this safe and supportive atmosphere where we engage in discussion about personal experiences as they relate to the book topics.

Connections: A place to feel welcomed, included and connected to your peers in a supportive and therapeutic environment.

Grief: This is a group for students grieving over and coping with the profoundly impactful death of a close family member, friend or partner.  

Neurodivergent support: This group provides peer support and validation for students on the autism spectrum.

Growth beyond family estrangement: A supportive space for those affected by family estrangement to share experiences, explore emotions and foster personal growth.

Embrace "you": Gain confidence and discover skills that will help you overcome challenges as you begin to love yourself and your body.

Axe your limits: A skills-based group to cultivate a growth mindset, self-compassion and mindfulness.

Empowerment group: This women's support group is a safe and empowering space where women can come together to share experiences, offer encouragement and build meaningful connections.

This engaging and interactive suicide crisis intervention training is designed to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge to support individuals experiencing a suicide crisis. Through a combination of expert-led presentations, real-life scenarios, role-playing exercises and reflective discussions, participants will learn how to recognize the signs of a suicidal crisis, effectively communicate with those in distress and provide the appropriate interventions. The goal of the training is to empower participants to take immediate, informed action when faced with a suicide crisis.

Time: Two hours
Not available virtually.

Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate of completion recognizing their competence in suicide crisis intervention and their ability to refer individuals for further support.

Question, persuade and refer, or QPR, is a suicide prevention training that teaches individuals how to recognize warning signs of suicide, ask the right questions and refer those in crisis to the appropriate resources. Through interactive learning, participants gain the skills to intervene effectively and offer support in a life-threatening situation.

Time: One hour
Available virtually.

Upon completion, participants receive a QPR gatekeeper certificate.

This series uses the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association model. Guided by a licensed mental health professional and equine specialist, participants engage in a unique, hands-on approach to personal growth and well-being.

Ground-based activities with horses (no riding involved) allow you the opportunity to engage in experiential learning guided by a licensed mental health professional and an equine specialist. The horses' intuitive responses help you develop self-awareness, explore challenges and strengthen problem-solving abilities.

Sign up for one or more workshops by emailing jenny.baker@sfasu.edu or calling the Health and Wellness Hub at 936.468.4482 (HELP). Include your name, email and phone number to ensure you receive event details in a timely manner.

Workshops will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. on the following dates:

• Wednesday, Feb. 5
• Thursday, Feb. 27
• Wednesday, April 23

This workshop is part of the Experiential Series. Guided by a licensed mental health professional, participants engage in experiential learning in an interactive and therapeutic environment.

Join our indoor rock-climbing experience that fosters confidence, trust and personal growth. Challenge yourself to try something new and connect with others in a supportive environment.

• 9 to 11 a.m. Feb. 28
• Student Recreation Center

Register for the Healing Heights workshop

This workshop is part of the Experiential Series. Guided by a licensed mental health professional, participants engage in experiential learning in an interactive and therapeutic environment.

Using art as a medium for self-expression, participants will craft their own unique trees that reflect their origins and foundations, their goals and dreams, and the people and influences that shape their lives.

• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 3
  • Lunch will be provided.
• Health and Wellness Hub

Register for the Expressive Arts workshop
 

This workshop is part of the Experiential Series. Guided by a licensed mental health professional, participants engage in experiential learning in an interactive and therapeutic environment.

Experience the beauty of nature with our mindfulness hike, designed to help you slow down, connect with the present moment and find inner peace. This workshop is offered through a partnership with Campus Recreation’s Outdoor Pursuits program.

• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 12
  • Lunch will be provided.
• Stephen F. Austin Experimental Forest

Register for the Tranquil Trails workshop
 

This workshop is part of the Experiential Series. Guided by a licensed mental health professional, participants engage in experiential learning in an interactive and therapeutic environment.

Let the drum lead you on a journey to receive guidance from your intuition, find motivating energy for a big project or connect more deeply with your body.

• 2 to 4 p.m. March 26
• SFA Gardens - location TBD

Register for the Drumming Meditation workshop