Frequently Asked Questions

Who can and does use the Psychological Counseling services?
Any student enrolled at the University of Memphis, undergraduate or graduate level, who is currently taking 6 credit hours or more Fall or Spring semester, or 1 credit during a Summer session. Students who are directed to Psychological Counseling by the Office of Student Conduct. Students who just need to talk to someone, or are in crisis. Students who are seeking testing for Learning Disorders, or LD testing.

How do I go about getting an appointment for psychological counseling?
Come in to 214 Wilder Tower, any day between 10 am and 2 pm. Walk-ins are seen during these times and a counselor is selected to meet during times that work for the student's schedule according to counselor availability. After a client is assigned a counselor, appointments can be made or canceled on the phone, but the initial visit to apply for services must be in person

Do I need my student ID to make an appointment?
The student may be asked to show a valid student ID at the time of making the first INTAKE appointment.If no ID is available, the information can be accessed via computer. The student's UID: is needed for our files.

Is there a fee for counseling?
There are no counseling fees for U of M students. Counseling is free for anyone taking at least 6 credits during the fall and spring semesters, or at least 1 credit during any summer semester.

How do I arrange career testing?
Call 901-678-5305 or come in to 211 Wilder Tower to arrange an intake with a career counselor. Counseling is free, but additional help can be obtained by taking the tests available through our office (The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator or MBTI and the Strong Interest Inventory). These tests cost $20 each. After completing the test(s), a follow-up appointment is necessary for review of test results, and a printout of test results is provided for the client.

I'm not a student. Can I seek career counseling/testing?
Career counseling for NON-students is available for a one-time fee of $75.00. This fee is to be paid before the first session and covers all career services provided by the Center for non-students, including counseling, career assessments and printouts, as well as access to the Career Library and MY PLAN search program..

How do I get tested for Learning Disorders?
To make an appointment to be put on the Testing Wait List, come in to 214 Wilder Tower. Due to heavy demand, there is a Wait List and it usually takes 6 weeks to 2 months after the initial Intake visit before a counselor will be available to schedule your testing. The tests can take at least two 2-hour sessions, with a follow-up visit to obtain the results.

Is there a fee for LD testing?
There is a $200 fee payable before testing begins.Only enrolled U of M students are eligible for psycho-educational testing through our Center.

How do I sign up for the Alcohol/Drug Education Program if I've been mandated by the Judicial and Ethical Programs Office?
Come in to 214 Wilder Tower to meet with a Triage Counselor and you will be scheduled for the first session with a psychologist. Subsequent appointments are made according to the requirements of the Student Conduct mandate, and are usually made in the counselor's office. The sessions are usually individual, with the number of sessions up to the counselor. On completion, a letter of notification of completion is sent to the Student Conduct Office.

What is group counseling? Do I have to talk if I don't want to? Is it confidential?
Group counseling is a way to relate to a greater number of people who are your peers, to get a wider cross section of perspectives, and is always conducted in a confidential manner. Members are encouraged to participate, but no one is forced to say more than they are comfortable with. Group leaders are professional and experienced in creating a safe environment.

What kind of groups are available?
It varies, semester by semester. Previous groups have included Shyness Group, Women's Support Group, Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Support Group, and African-American Women's Support Group, as well as a Bi-Polar Disorder Support Group. Time-limited groups (10 sessions or less) have also been available and have included Assertiveness, Career Development, and Substance Abuse Education groups.

How do I apply for a counseling practicum at the Center?
Applications are available in 214 Wilder Tower or on request from the Practicum Coordinator.