Counseling Services On Campus

Counseling Services are free and available to all students.  

Parker University Counseling Center strives to meet a range of unique needs presented by college students. Committed to delivering quality care, the Parker University Counseling Center professionals provide a range of short-term mental health services to students. All students are welcome to request an appointment for an initial assessment to discuss their concerns. Clients in serious mental or emotional distress may be referred to providers trained in crisis management for stabilization.

When a student’s needs require a more intensive level of care, we partner with the student to find resources within the community. Situations that may require off-campus care include: a need, or request, to be seen at a higher frequency for individual therapy (sessions are typically every-other week); alcohol and drug addiction, eating disorders, chronic thoughts and/or attempts of self-injury and/or suicide, and treatment for aggressive or violent behavior. Parker University Counseling Center does not provide psychological testing for disability services, documentation for courses, or documentation for an emotional support animal. The DFW area has many specialized mental health resources available for students who need different services and levels of care and the counseling staff can assist students in finding appropriate services. It is the responsibility of the student to follow through with treatment. 

 
About your Counselor:
 
Natica Blake MS, LPC, NCC
 
Natica holds a master's degree in Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Texas and Connecticut. Natica loves to travel, going to concerts, scrolling on Pinterest and cheering for the Celtics.

Natica is very passionate about advocating for mental health awareness, working within LGBTQ+ spaces, cultural sensitivity, and social justice issues.

    
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To schedule an appointment (New Clients): Click here for the Counseling Request Form
and fill out the required fields to request an appointment. Students who submit a request will be contacted to schedule an initial consultation and discuss scheduling. 
To schedule an appointment (Returning Clients): Click here https://www.therapyportal.com/p/parkeruniversity/ to log into your Therapy Notes portal to schedule a session.
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Center Information

  • The objective of counseling is to help clients improve their well-being, alleviate their distress, resolve their crisis and increase their ability to solve problems and make decisions. Counselors enable and facilitate psychological growth and development by helping clients better use existing resources and skills or by guiding them in developing new ways to help themselves.
  • A counseling appointment typically lasts 50 minutes, and is free to Parker University students.
  • Your appointment times are reserved exclusively for you. If you cannot keep your appointment, please contact the office as soon as possible so that others may utilize the time. If you miss an appointment please contact the counselor to reschedule. 
  • If a crisis arises during the evening or weekend, call or text the crisis hotlines above. 
  • You have the right to decide if you desire counseling services. If you prefer a professional from the community, we shall provide you with the names of other qualified therapists. You have the right to terminate counseling at any time without any moral or legal obligation.
  • All information revealed by you to the counselor will be kept strictly confidential and will not be revealed to any other person or agency without your written permission except those situations which by law a counselor is required to report. These include: (1) if you threaten bodily harm or death to yourself or another person; (2) if you report the physical or sexual abuse of a minor child; (3) if you report the physical or sexual abuse of an elderly person (4) if you report sexual abuse or exploitation by a mental health provider. 
  • Any complaints against a counselor may be reported to the Dean of Student Affairs or though the counselor's professional licensing board.

 

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Suicide Prevention Video

This brief, engaging suicide prevention video was created for all Texas institutions of higher education to raise awareness and promote strategies to address suicidality among students of all ages and backgrounds. The video includes warning signs and emphasizes that help and resources are available on campus and in the community. 

The 6-minute, professionally filmed video features actors and animation portraying aspects of real student stories. It was designed using a research-based process that included a review of other campaigns as well as ongoing research/consultation with staff and students from institutions across Texas.

 

 

If you are in crisis:
 
*If life threatening--call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room
*Contact 211 to find resources in your area (mobile crisis outreach team)
*Callor text crisis lines:
text CONNECT to 741741 
Suicide & Crisis Center of North Texas--214-828-1000 or sccenter.org
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 988  text, talk or chat 
confidential chat at suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Trevor Project (LGBTQI): 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678
Veteran Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 press 1 or text 838255

Resources

Click on Websites to obtain additional resources.

 

Substance Abuse Treatment & Recovery Resources Dallas

Domestic Violence Resources

Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network

Learn specific skills and techniques in our Student Success Workshops

  • Stress Management and Using Temperament for Success 
  • Study Skills and Time Management 
  • Test Taking Skills 
  • Sleep Smarter—Be Smarter 
  • Overcome Test Anxiety
  • COVID Fatigue
  • National Boards Game Plan
  • Overcome Imposter Syndrome
  • Procrastination

Previous workshops are always available by Vodcast at this link: Student Success Workshop

TIMELYCARE VIRTUAL MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Parker University has partnered with TimelyCare to provide on-demand virtual mental health services to enrolled students at no additional cost to students.

Parker University students have 24/7 access to virtual care services with TimelyCare — the virtual health and well-being platform designed for college students.  This service is provided at no additional cost to students. Students do not need insurance to access TimelyCare services. As part of Parker's partnership with TimelyCare, students have access to services in TimelyCare, including:

  • TalkNow: 24/7, on-demand emotional support to talk about anything, including anxiety, relationships, depression, and school-related stressors.
  • Scheduled Counseling: Choose the day, time, and mental health provider that best works for you. (12 visits per year)
  • Health Coaching: Develop healthy lifestyle behaviors, including nutrition, sleep habits, time management, and mindfulness.
  • Psychiatry: Appointments are available through referrals only.
  • Digital Self-Care Content: Visit the Self-Care tab for 24/7 access to tools and resources, such as meditation and yoga sessions, helpful videos, and short articles from experts.
  • Basic Needs Support: Access to low or reduced-cost community resources, including food and housing assistance, transit support, childcare, and finances.
  • Student Success Coaching: A success coach provides support on topics including goal setting, study skills, resume review, and more.
  • Peer support community

Students have access to TimelyCare services 365 days a year. That means you have access during breaks, after-hours, and any time you need support!

 Visit timelycare.com/parker or download the TimelyCare app to get started!

Counselor Recommended Apps for Stress Management

  • Rootd - Panic Attack Relief
  • Calm - Sleep & Meditation
  • Medito: Meditation & Wellness
  • Headspace: Mindful Meditation
  • Calm Harm: Self Injury Reduction
  • Calm Fear: Anxiety Reduction

Resources

Living with Worry and Anxiety

Most college students deal with worry and anxiety. These practical and easy-to-read guides include specific and empirically validated activities and approaches to help with worry and anxiety that come with any situation. These graphic representations make these self-help treatment even more accessible and relatable. COVID-19 and our reactions to it are also discussed.

Guide to living with worry and anxiety Workbook

Many techniques are detailed for cognitive and physical symptoms of anxiety.

 

(.pdf, 1238K)

Coronavirus Anxiety Workbook

many techniques which help with any kind of anxiety and worry. Not just about COVID. Excellent resource! 

(.pdf, 550K)