Mental Health Counseling Services

Personal counseling is available to assist students in distress. Our licensed counselor provides free short-term or crisis counseling for students. If long-term help is needed, students are referred to appropriate external resources. 

Community Resources

Community Resources Guide 

Students needing information on community resources such as childcare, medical care, and assistance for military families can access our Community Resource Guide. All listed resources are free or low-cost and are available in Bexar and surrounding counties. 

For 24-hour crisis counseling or referral information, dial 2-1-1 or 210-227-HELP(4357).

Strategies of Behavioral Intervention

SOBI

The Strategies of Behavioral Intervention (SOBI) policy at the Alamo Colleges District was created to guide our College community to recognize, prevent and respond to incidents that are disruptive, threatening, or violent.


Examples include (but are not limited to):

  • signs of harassment
  • intimidation
  • extreme anxiety
  • depression
  • threatening harm
  • erratic behavior, or
  • disconnect from reality

When in doubt, please report!

More often, faculty and staff will observe and report at-risk behaviors; however, students are encouraged to review the SOBI guidelines and report concerning behaviors to the SOBI response team.

Take a Mental Health Test

It is common for college students to experience mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression. The NLC counseling office is here to support you and remind you that managing symptoms is possible.

Take a Mental Health Test/Screening, by Mental Health America, which is a quick way to assess symptoms of a mental health condition.

 

Depression test

Psychosis & Schizophrenia test

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Test

Prueba de Ansiedad

Postpartum Depression Test (New & Expecting Parents)

Bipolar Test

Parent Test: Your Child’s Mental Health

Addiction Test

Self-injury survey

Anxiety Test

Eating Disorder Test

Youth Mental Health Test

Prueba de depresion

 

How to request counseling services?

Please complete Counseling Request Form

Please note that this application is for non-urgent routine situations, if you are experiencing a crisis situation please contact the 24-hour crisis helpline at 1-800-316-9241 or 210-223-7233 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

 

Contact Information

Faye Hallford, Personal Counselor

Location: 
STCM 210 Brazos Student Union

Email: 
nlc-dsscounsel@alamo.edu

Phone: 
(210) 486-5179

 

Joseph Luedecke,LCSW - Personal Counselor

Location: 
STCM 210 Brazos Student Union

Email: 
nlc-dsscounsel@alamo.edu

Phone: 
(210) 486-5003

Crisis line 1800-316-9241

Strategies of Behavioral Intervention (SOBI) Incident Form

Frequently Asked Questions

What counseling services are available?

Brief, solution-focused mental health counseling is available during business hours.

How much does it cost and who qualifies for the service.

It is free of charge for enrolled students. 

How are services provided?

Services are available in person or by zoom according to the student’s preference.

How do I refer a student for counseling?

Counseling, along with other student services, is likely listed in your syllabus and gone over with students each semester.  You may meet with the student privately and provide them with information about counseling along with other campus resources.  Students apply through the link on our website.  https://www.alamo.edu/nlc/experience-nlc/current-students/nighthawks-nest-advocacy-center/

Complete the Mental Health Counseling Services Request Form at the site.  Our contact information is:  phone 210-486-5179 and email nlc-counseling@alamo.edu.

How do we identify students who may need counseling?

Some students will let you know that they are having problems and need some help.  Others may have behavioral signs, such as tears, anger, and being withdrawn, but may not ask for help.

Does the student have to have an appointment to meet with you?

No.  Students may drop in for counseling. 

What if a student is having a crisis and needs immediate attention?

Some faculty/staff do a warm hand as in walking the student to my office and introducing us to each other.  They leave and I begin working with the student.  The warm handoff helps the student transition to me for counseling.  Sometimes, students who are given the office information do not follow through with coming to the office.  They are stressed and may not understand.

What concerns are addressed in counseling sessions?

Areas of focus are the stressors that student identifies as hindering them in their academics and relationships.  They may include but are not limited to, academic performance, anxiety or panic attacks, relationship losses, depression, wanting self-improvement, and adjustment to college.

What should I expect during a counseling session?

You will meet with a Master-degreed counselor for approximately 60 minutes.  Towards the end of the session, you and the counselor will discuss the next steps.

What services are available for Faculty and Staff?
  • Consultation – Counselors are happy to provide consultation on a variety of emotional and behavioral issues affecting students.
  • Outreach Services – We can arrange to visit your class and present on a variety of topics:  counseling services overview, stress in college, healthy relationships, and more.