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.

Parker University Counseling Center offers both in-person and virtual sessions (via Microsoft Teams) to accommodate students’ schedules and preferences. Counseling is free and available to all Parker University students. There is no limit on the number of sessions a student may attend; however, counseling typically occurs every other week throughout the 15-week trimester to allow consistent support and equitable access for all students.

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. 

 
Meet 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.
 
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How to Schedule an Appointment: 

To schedule an appointment (New Clients): Click here for the Counseling Request Form 

To schedule an appointment (Returning Clients): Click here Therapy Notes Portal 

Counseling Center Location:
Located in the Student Affairs Department- North Building, Room 102
 
Office hours: 9am-5pm
 

Counseling Center Information

The Counseling Center’s mission is to support students in enhancing their well-being, reducing distress, resolving crises, and developing effective problem-solving and decision-making skills. Counselors work collaboratively with students to promote personal growth, helping them build on existing strengths and learn new ways to manage life’s challenges.

Counseling sessions are free for Parker University students and typically last 50 minutes. Appointment times are reserved exclusively for you. If you are unable to attend your session, please contact the office (via email, TherapyNotes Portal or by calling 972-438-6932) as soon as possible so another student may use the time. If you miss an appointment, please reach out to your counselor to reschedule.

Students who arrive more than 15 minutes late or miss an appointment without prior notice will be asked to reschedule. This policy ensures that all students have equitable access to counseling services and that sessions can begin and end on time.

If a crisis occurs during evenings or weekends, please call or text one of the crisis hotlines listed below.

Participation in counseling is entirely voluntary. If you prefer to meet with a counselor in the community, we can provide referrals to qualified professionals. You may discontinue counseling at any time without any moral or legal obligation.

All information shared in counseling is strictly confidential and will not be disclosed without your written consent, except in cases required by law. These exceptions include:

  1. When there is a threat of harm to yourself or others

  2. When there is suspected physical or sexual abuse of a minor

  3. When there is suspected abuse or neglect of an elderly person

  4. When sexual abuse or exploitation by a mental health professional is reported

Any complaints regarding counseling services may be directed to the Dean of Student Affairs or to 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

 

To access resources, links and videos from previous workshops or events click here: https://linktr.ee/parkeruniversitycounseling

Counseling Presentation Request

Presentations for faculty, staff or student groups

Parker University's Counseling Department provides various mental health services, including presentations for faculty, staff, or student groups.  Complete and submit the Counseling Presentation Request Form to inquire about potential programming for yourself or your staff/group.

Outreach Requests:

  • Assisting Students in Distress (Staff/Faculty Only)
  • Body Image
  • Building Emotional Health and Resilience
  • Burnout Prevention 
  • Conflict Management
  • Holiday Blues/Grief During the Holidays
  • Imposter Syndrome
  • Loneliness and Building Social Connections
  • Mental Health Among Various Identities
  • Mindfulness
  • Overview of Counseling and Testing Services (15 mins)
  • Positive Psychology/Gratitude/Strengths
  • Self-Care
  • Self-Compassion
  • Stress Management/Coping with Anxiety
  • Suicide Prevention 
  • Test Anxiety
  • Trauma Informed Classrooms (Staff/Faculty Only)

TIMELYCARE VIRTUAL MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Get 24/7 support now!

Parker University has partnered with TimelyCare to provide on-demand 24/7 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

Emergency and After Hours Crisis

EMERGENCY AND AFTER-HOURS CRISIS

If you are experiencing a life-threatening or mental health emergency please call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency room.

Parker University Counseling center is available to assist students experiencing a mental health crisis during our business hours (Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-5p.m.). If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and need immediate support from a mental health professional when our office is closed, please contact one of the following 24-hour providers:

Emergency and Urgent Care Centers:

24hr Crisis Hotline:

LGBTQIA Mental Health Resources:

Assault, Intimate Partner Violence, Stalking or Domestic Violence

For emergency services contact University Police: 

  • 214-902-3440

Distressed Student Protocol for Faculty: Faculty-Distressed Students Response Protocol 2024.pdf

  • Resources

    Suicide Hotlines North Texas.docx

     

    988 to talk or text

     

    Mobile Crisis Outreach Teams

    www.hhs.texas.gov/services

    call 211, ask for services (LMHA or LBHA) in your area

     

    Veteran Crisis Line:

    1-800-273-8255 press 1 or text 838255

     

    Dallas County Mental Health Resources

     

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    Parker University Grief Resources.pdf
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    Eating Disorders Information and Treatment.docx

    Referral list includes some therapists in private practice as well as centers that offer lower-cost/sliding scale fees.

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    Stress Symptom Checklist.pdf
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    The wellness wheel is a super useful tool to check in on how balanced different parts of your life feel—like physical health, mental well-being, social life, finances, academics, and even your sense of purpose. Each section on the wheel represents an area that can impact your stress, happiness, and overall ability to succeed in college.

    If you print a blank wellness wheel, you can fill it out now and then to see where things are going well and where you might want to focus a little more energy. This simple exercise can help you set personal goals, make small changes, and stay on top of your self-care. Having a snapshot of your well-being can be a great reminder of what’s going well and where there’s room for growth!

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    Fundamentals of Time Management.pdf

    This Men’s Group Is For You If…

    • You feel disconnected from others, even in a room full of people

    • You’re craving deeper relationships and honest conversation

    • You want to explore what masculinity means to you—without shame, without pretense

    • You’re tired of doing it all on your own

    • You value personal growth but don’t want to lose your edge

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    While focused on a reorder icon, press the Enter key or spacebar to "select" the icon. While a reorder icon is selected, pressing the up and down arrows will change the order of the selected item within the list. Pressing Enter key or spacebar again will drop the selected item at that location in the list.
  • 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.

     

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    guide_to_living_with_worry_and_anxiety_amidst_global_uncertainty_en-us.pdf

    Coronavirus Anxiety Workbook

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

    Required
    Coronavirus-Anxiety-Workbook (002).pdf
    While focused on a reorder icon, press the Enter key or spacebar to "select" the icon. While a reorder icon is selected, pressing the up and down arrows will change the order of the selected item within the list. Pressing Enter key or spacebar again will drop the selected item at that location in the list.
While focused on a reorder icon, press the Enter key or spacebar to "select" the icon. While a reorder icon is selected, pressing the up and down arrows will change the order of the selected item within the list. Pressing Enter key or spacebar again will drop the selected item at that location in the list.
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