Mental Health Counseling Services 

Appointments can be made by emailing Brittany.Proctor@VictoriaCollege.edu or through TherapyAppointment. Students should select 'New Client' and follow the prompts. Please register with your VC student email and create your own user name and password. Appointments are scheduled for one hour. Appointments with the counseling center are offered primarily in face-to-face format.

Victoria College has also partnered with BetterMynd to provide telehealth services with an array of diverse counselors. If you are interested in these services, please contact the Counseling Center to schedule a session to set up your BetterMynd account.

Counseling visits are not recorded on transcripts and information is only released with student’s written consent or when required by law. Counseling is a collaborative effort between the client and counselor. Your first appointment will consist of a clinical interview and getting to know your therapist and determining your goals for therapy. Should you require referrals to outside agencies or supports, our therapists will assist you with that.

Walk-ins are welcome during business hours.

 

Victoria College's Counseling Center offers no cost individual counseling by a licensed counselor and counselors in training on a short-term basis for all students. Individual therapy consists of a student talking one-on-one with a licensed professional to determine short term goals to improve their mental health and well-being. Therapy can be beneficial for managing a wide array of mental health disorders and general wellness.

Common issues addressed in individual counseling can include:

• Anxiety
• Chemical Dependency
• Depression
• Family or Relationship Issues
• Grief and/or Loss
• Trauma
• Stress
• Transitions in Life
• Various Other College-Related or Personal Issues

 

Students whose issues extend beyond the scope of the VC Counseling staff will be referred to an outside agency within the community. All costs incurred by referrals are the responsibility of the student. Victoria College and the Counseling staff are dedicated to students and their success.

For many emotional and relationship issues that college students often face, group counseling is one of the best treatments of choice. It offers the student a unique opportunity, in a safe and supportive place, to receive support and use peer interaction to help them work on the challenge that they are facing, while establishing a sense of "belonging" and realizing that often others have the same common concerns as they do. Also, research supports that group therapy is just as effective for most concerns that students have today.

Victoria College’s Counseling Services offers free group therapy sessions supervised and facilitated by licensed counselors and counselors in training. Our current schedule of groups can be found below: 

Understanding Self and Others

Process group intended to help students improve personal relationships through increased self-awareness, growth, and feedback. It is designed to help students understand and clarify their needs and find healthy ways to get needs met in an interpersonal context. Group participants will learn skills aimed at facing life's challenges, increasing self-esteem, and providing feedback in a safe and confidential group.

Offered based on student demand. Please contact the Counseling Center for more information.

Nurse2Nurse LVN/ADN Support Group

Becoming a nurse is no joke. It can be even more difficult to navigate alone. This group is open to any level or field of nursing. We invite all attendees to use this space to talk with one another about your experiences and challenges, and anything else that you would to talk about with others who will understand. Our goal is to create a supportive environment where you can connect, share and be heard while learning healthy coping skills to manage stress and anxiety.

Offered based on student demand. Please contact the Counseling Center for more information.

Drop In Group: Grief & Loss Support Group

A grief support group offers a different quality of support and connection that comes from being with people who have also recently experienced a loss. Grief support groups provide emotional support, validation, and education about grief.

Format: Face to Face
Facilitator: Alexandra Chapa, M.A., LCSW 

Offered based on student demand. Please contact the Counseling Center for more information.

Drop In Group: SMART Recovery Group

SMART stands for Self-Management and Recovery Training. SMART was created for people seeking a self-empowering way to overcome addictive problems. SMART helps participants learn the skills they need to overcome their addictions and maintain sobriety long term. SMART Recovery teaches how to: 1) Enhance and maintain motivation to abstain, 2) Cope with urges, 3) Manage thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and 4) Balance momentary and enduring satisfactions.

Format: Face to Face
Facilitator: Brittany Proctor, M.A., LPC, LCDC 

Offered based on student demand. Please contact the Counseling Center for more information.

The Victoria College Counseling Center offers free student mental health screenings to all students. You will complete a short screening instrument, and a counselor will review your results with you in a brief session where appropriate referrals and guidance can be provided. These 30-minute, one-time appointments assess students' levels of stress, anxiety and depression to identify targeted interventions that meet individual needs. Mental Health Screenings provide an opportunity for students to meet with providers and discuss specific, solution-focused strategies to empower students to take charge of their own mental health journey.

You may schedule Mental Health Screenings via TherapyAppointment by selecting the ‘Mental Health Screening’ option.

Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time to complete the required assessment questionnaire.

Other Assessments

The Victoria College Counseling Center also offers formal assessment measures as referred by Disability Services.

Mental Health America Mental Health Test

UT Southwestern Medical Center Self-Screening Tools

Workshops are facilitated by a counselor and offer psychoeducation and useful tools for participants to increase their emotional awareness, reduce stress, and incorporate new coping skills into their daily routines. Workshops are offered on an on demand, rotating basis. You may register for each workshop at the link below. The Counseling Center will contact you with the next available dates.

Current Workshop Offerings:

All workshops are held one day per week for three weeks with each session being two hours long.

Fall & Spring Workshops

• Anxiety & Worry Coping Crash Course
• New Parent Workshop
• Self-Esteem & Identity
• Healthy Relationships

 

Click here to register for a live workshop.

Pre-Recorded Workshops:

VC Counseling Center Videos

'Let's Talk' is a program that provides easy access to informal confidential conversations with therapists from the Victoria College Counseling Center. Consultations are free of charge, and no appointment or paperwork is necessary. The Let’s Talk program provides a solution-focused, goal-oriented, one-time space for students to meet with a counselor. Let’s Talk sessions are available through in-person or telehealth service options.

Let's Talk consultations typically last 15 minutes while the therapist listens, supports, and may suggest additional resources. This service is beneficial for:

• Students who are not interested in counseling but would like a professional perspective on issues.
• Students who have a specific problem and would like to briefly discuss an issue.
• Students who are unsure if therapy will be helpful for them and want to learn more.
• Students who have a concern about friends and would like guidance on how to address the issue.
• Students who would like a referral for community mental health resources.
• Faculty or staff who would like to consult with a professional about an individual of concern.

Let’s Talk Hours & Locations (Fall & Spring Semesters)

Mondays from 1:00pm-3:00pm via Webex or in the Health Sciences Center Study Hall.

Wednesdays from 8:00am-10:00am via Webex ONLY.

Fridays from 1:00pm-3:00pm via Webex or in The Victoria College Counseling Center (Student Services Building Suite 102).

Let’s Talk Hours & Locations (Summer Semester)

Wednesdays from 1:00pm-3:00pm via Webex ONLY.

Let’s Talk is not appropriate for emergency or crisis concerns.

The purpose of the Relaxation Room at the Victoria College Counseling Center is to provide a space for students to develop and practice the relaxation skills that will enhance their academic productivity and their sense of well-being. In addition, it provides a space to practice the relaxation skills often discussed in the students’ counseling work. Relaxation strategies are an integral part of treatment approaches to depression, anxiety, anger management, and sleep disorders, among other issues, and students will find a space and resources to develop or strengthen these skills.

The relaxation room is a dedicated, quiet, cell phone free space. You are not required to make a reservation to utilize the relaxation room. The space is a self-serve room in the Counseling Center that you may come and go to as you please. Please respect posted rules while using the relaxation room.

Open During Fall and Spring Semesters 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Quiet inviting space for learning skills to calm mind and body. Open to students, faculty, and staff. No Cost, Unlimited Visits.

Features:

• MUSE Headband Biofeedback Training (speak with counselor to reserve)
• Calming Music
• Water & Snacks
• Fidget Items
• Sand tray
• Meditation Pillows
• Diffuser
• Self-Help Resources

Pirate Pause is about taking a break from the hectic stress and finals schedules to reduce stress and promote student well being at the end of each semester.

Next Finals De-Stress Event: Wednesday December 6, 2023 (ALL DAY)

• Extended Let’s Talk Hours all week
• Relaxation Room
• Empowerment Side Walk Chalking Meet Ups
• Student Art Therapy Lab
• Educational Seminars
• Paws for a Break Therapy Dogs
• Athletics Open Gym Time
• Wellness Stations

 

Check back for more details!

The Counseling Center provides assessment and counseling for those living with substance abuse or addiction. When needed, referrals to outside treatment providers are offered. The Victoria College Counseling Center believes in a harm reduction approach with education, guidance, and support. We also lead various outreach and prevention activities across campus.

Drug and Alcohol Assessments

The Counseling Center provides support for students who are reassessing their use of alcohol and/or drugs (AOD). AOD services include providing students individualized assessments to help them learn more about their substance use and the impact on their life. In addition, students can work with a counselor to help them build and maintain motivation to reduce their usage, set personal goals, gain strategies for leading a more balanced life, and feel supported as they explore choices that are right for them.

Based on your AOD assessment, you’ll discuss with the clinician potential services that could be a good fit based on your use. You will get personalized treatment recommendations which could include individual harm reduction counseling, group counseling, psychiatric services, and/or an off-campus referral. Should the student participate in the AOD counseling program it is the expectation that each student will have an opportunity to gain critical coping skills, achieve a more positive self-concept, and establish a healthier relationship with alcohol or drugs which will allow for them to feel more capable of reaching their academic and personal goals.

Drug and Alcohol Anonymous Screening Tools

• Office of Addiction Services and Supports Screening Tools
• CAGE-AID Substance Abuse Screening Tool
• NIDAMED Screening Tools

Resources

• Alcohol’s Effect on Health
• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Narcotics Anonymous
• Campus Drug Prevention

Off Campus Drug and Alcohol Support

• Billy T. Cattan Recovery Outreach Center - Substance Use Counseling, Assessment, Groups

Brittany is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Chemical Dependency Counselor with a Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology. She has experience treating a wide array of presenting problems and issues in both private practice and inpatient treatment. She is certified in Mindfulness and Trauma Informed Care, and has training in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD. Her areas of primary interest include: stress management, first responders, depression, anxiety, and trauma. She works in the Victoria College Counseling Center full time.

Alexandra (AJ) is a Licensed Master Social Worker with a bachelor’s degree in Human Development & Family Studies and Masters degree in Social Work. She has experience working in a variety of settings i.e., inpatient mental health, skilled nursing and rehab and Texas public school systems. Her areas of primary interest include: anxiety & stress, depression, behavioral issues and family/relationship conflict resolution. Areas of interventions include: Solution-focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Motivational Interviewing and Crisis Intervention. She works in Academic Advising and part time in Counseling/Mental Health Services.

Victoria College has proudly partnered with the University of Houston Victoria to act as a training site for counselors in training. These interns have completed most of their Master’s training and are required to complete supervised training prior to applying for licensure.

If you are a UHV student interested in completing your practicum at Victoria College, please contact Brittany Proctor at Brittany.Proctor@VictoriaCollege.edu.

Gulf Bend Center 

Crisis Phone: (877) 723-3422
http://www.gulfbend.org
Counties Served: Calhoun, DeWitt, Goliad, Jackson, Lavaca, Refugio, and Victoria

Victoria Location:
6502 Nursery Drive, Suite 100
Victoria, TX 77904-1178
(361) 575-0611

Bluebonnet Trails Community Services

Crisis Phone: (800) 841-1255
Intake Line: (844) 309-6385
http://www.bbtrails.org
Counties Served: Bastrop, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Lee and Williamson

Bastrop

(512) 321-7250
275 Jackson Street 
Bastrop, Texas 78602

Behavioral Health	(512) 321-7250	Fax: (512) 321-7130
Intellectual Developmental Disorder (IDD)	(512) 321-7650	Fax: (512) 321-7134
Early Childhood Intervention (ECI)	(512) 321-7180	Fax: (512) 321-7133
Autism	(512) 321-7620
Substance Use	(512) 863-8968
Family Health Care & Dental	(512) 321-7250	Fax: (512) 321-7130

Elgin

(512) 229-3334
902 W. 2nd Street 
Elgin, Texas, 78621

Behavioral Health	(512) 229-3334
Family Health Care	(512) 229-3334

Giddings

898 E. Richmond, Suite 101
Giddings, Texas 78942

Behavioral Health	(844) 892-2806
Intellectual Developmental Disorder (IDD)	(844) 892-2806
Early Childhood Intervention (ECI)	(512) 321-7180
Autism	(979) 542-3042
Substance Use	(512) 863-8968
Family Health Care	(844) 892-2806

Gonzales

(830) 672-7975 228
Saint George Street
Gonzales, Texas 78629

Behavioral Health	(830) 672-7975	Fax: (830) 672-3983
Intellectual Developmental Disorder (IDD)	(830) 672-2212	Fax: (830) 672-9388
Autism	(830) 672-2212
Family Health Care	(830) 672-7975	Fax: (830) 672-9388

La Grange

(979) 968-3711
275 Ellinger Road
La Grange, Texas 78945

Behavioral Health	(979) 968-3711	Fax: (979) 968-5160
Intellectual Developmental Disorder (IDD)	(979) 743-6568	Fax: (979) 743-6568
Autism	(979) 743-6568

Lockhart

2060 S. Colorado Street
Lockhart, TX 78644

Behavioral Health	(830) 875-5700	Fax: (830) 875-3908
Intellectual Developmental Disorder (IDD)	(512) 398-9610	Fax: (512) 398-5538
Autism	(512) 398-9610

Seguin

1104 Jefferson Street
Seguin, Texas 78155

Behavioral Health	(830) 386-2700
Intellectual Developmental Disorder (IDD)	(830) 386-2700
Autism	(830) 386-2700
Family Health Care	(830) 672-7975
Extended Observation Unit	(830) 386-2703

Crisis Hotlines

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

1-(800) 273-TALK (8255) or TTY: 1-(800) 799-4TTY (4889) A free, 24-hour hotline, with a person available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Confidential online chat is also available at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

Red Nacional de Prevencion del Suicidio

1-(888) 628-9454

Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline

 1-(800) 273-TALK (8255) and press 1

Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender or Questioning Youth (LGBTQ)

 Call The Trevor Hotline toll-free at 1-(866) 488-7386

Texas Local Mental Health Authority (LMHA) Crisis Hotlines

https://www.dshs.texas.gov/mhsa/lmha-list/
These centers operate or contract with a hotline provider for persons in crisis. You may view an alphabetical list of LMHAs and their crisis numbers on our LMHA Crisis Hotline page, or you may search for the crisis hotline number by county, city, or ZIP code on our mental health services search page.