Counseling Services
Types of Counseling
The Office for Advocacy & Violence Prevention provides free and confidential individual counseling with a mental health professional. Students who have been impacted by power-based violence are eligible for services.
A support group for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault is conducted each long semester. The group is conducted on a drop-in basis, meaning that there is no commitment required to attend sessions; you are welcome to come as needed.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is a vital part of the work conducted at OAVP. Information shared during counseling is considered confidential and cannot be released without your written consent. Per Federal and Texas state laws, exceptions to confidentiality include:
- if you are deemed to present a danger to yourself or others
- if there are concerns about possible abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a child, elder, or a person with a disability
- if a court order is issued to obtain records
- if you disclose an incident of sexual contact or other unethical conduct with another mental health professional
Process for Starting Counseling
UTRGV students who are interested in receiving counseling services through the Office for Advocacy & Violence prevention are encouraged to contact the office to initiate services.
To begin the process, you may email OAVP@utrgv.edu or call 956-665-8287.
Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors Consumer Information
Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) are regulated by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors (the board), a state board whose members are appointed by the Texas Governor to carry out the gen-eral oversight of professional counselors in Texas. LPCs provide counseling services in accordance with state law and the board’s rules. The guidelines established by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counse-lors (the board) are aimed at promoting a positive counseling experience.
If you have a complaint or concern, speak first to your counselor. If you are not able to resolve the problem, you can file a consumer complaint with the board. You may call our toll-free complaint hotline at (800) 942-5540 or contact the board in writing or by email.
Texas State Board of Examiners of
Professional Counselors – Mail Code 1982
P.O. Box 149347
Austin, Texas 78714-9347
Phone: (512) 834-6658
Complaint Hotline: 1-800-942-5540
Fax: (512) 834-6677
Email: lpc@dshs.state.tx.us
Web site: https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/counselor/default.shtm