The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Counseling Center plays a vital role in the well-being of students, offering support that extends far beyond academic success. The center provides comprehensive mental health services that enhance both the personal and educational experiences of students, and your support on Mocs Give Day on October 1 can make these services even more impactful.
At the heart of the Counseling Center is a commitment to supporting students in every aspect of their mental health, academic success, and personal growth. With services like individual counseling, group therapy, case management, psychiatric support, and crisis intervention, the center aims to meet students wherever they are on their journey.
Corinne Walsingham, a graduate student intern at the Counseling Center, has witnessed firsthand the center’s life-changing impact during her internship. “The most rewarding aspect of my work has been seeing the change that students can make in their own lives with the help of therapy,” she reflects. As a Clinical Mental Health Counseling major, she has worked with various mental health issues, learning invaluable lessons that have shaped her practice.
Corinne at the Counseling Center
Reflecting on her most impactful moments, Corinne shares, “There have been many times when students have come to me in their first or final session and communicated how life-changing therapy has been for them. Seeing the relief on their faces when they can express their emotions freely means the world to me and the entire counseling center!”
Sharing one of the most significant challenges UTC students face, Corinne highlighted how difficult it is for students to balance their academic responsibilities alongside their personal well-being. “Being a student is a full-time job, and many also manage other commitments, making life hectic. Finding balance can be difficult, but the Counseling Center provides a crucial space where students can process their emotions and thoughts, helping them to regain that balance,” she explains.
Carisha Doty (’20,’ 23), a counselor at the center and a UTC double alum, echoes this sentiment. “It’s amazing that our students get free counseling every semester,” she proudly shares. In addition to traditional counseling services, Carisha highlights the importance of the center’s psychiatric services, including support groups. “We even have a graduate student support group offered both via Zoom and in-person, and a support group for students with chronic illnesses,” Carisha adds, showcasing the center’s commitment to accessibility and diverse needs.
Carisha at the 2024 Stress Less Fest
According to Carisha, one of the center’s most impactful services is its psychiatric support. “We have an amazing Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in our center, and we run a program for students in need that provides medication management appointments for a low cost or no cost,” she explains. Your donation could be directly helping a student who needs medication management but doesn’t have the funds for it.”
Philanthropic support directly impacts the quality and availability of services offered by the UTC Counseling Center. “Community support like Mocs Give Day is incredibly important because it provides students with the services they need, including medication management,” Carisha adds. Every donation helps ensure that more students have access to these critical mental health services, whether it’s for therapy, crisis support, or medication management.
The Counseling Center remains deeply committed to serving each student’s unique needs. This fall, the center is offering a variety of workshops and groups, such as sessions on anxiety, adjusting to college, and wellness support. These programs are designed to help students cope with their current challenges and build resilience for the future. “My goal for the counseling center is to continue to be a safe space and support students in any way we can,” Carisha shares.
Support the Counseling Center
Philanthropic support during events like Mocs Give Day directly impacts the quality and availability of services offered by the UTC Counseling Center. This year, every dollar donated will be matched up to $25,000, doubling your impact and allowing us to support even more students. A gift of $20 becomes $40 instantly, helping ensure access to critical mental health services, whether it’s for therapy, crisis support, or medication management.
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