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University Counseling Center

Services Overview

The University Counseling Center is implementing a new goal-directed model of care that allows clinicians, psychiatric providers, and case managers to deliver therapeutic support to more students. While making this important transition, students who have utilized UCC services in the past may notice some changes in how services are delivered, and we kindly ask for your understanding. This updated approach is designed to streamline and enhance access to clinical care across all areas of the UCC. By emphasizing coordination, efficiency, and responsiveness, this new model supports more effective and equitable support for all students.

Confidentiality

The UCC provides confidential services in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and does not disclose clinical information without the client’s written consent. However, confidentiality may be limited in the following situations:

  • Imminent risk of serious harm to the client or others
  • Suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elder, or an individual with an intellectual or developmental disability
  • When records are required by law, such as in response to a valid subpoena, a threat assessment team, a court order, or when needing to seek legal advice from Vanderbilt University’s Office of The General Counsel

To support care coordination and referral procedures, please note that the UCC may share minimally necessary information with other Student Care Network offices, including Student Care Coordination, the Center for Student Wellbeing, and the Student Health Center.

The UCC’s Clinical Scope of Care

The Vanderbilt University Counseling Center (UCC) is committed to providing responsive and accessible mental health care to all Vanderbilt students and student-athletes by connecting them with the right level of care at the right time. At the UCC, clinical services include:

  • Goal-directed individual and group therapy for mild-to-moderate concerns like stress, anxiety, mood changes, loneliness, and relationship concerns.
  • Same-day urgent care for crises and emergency situations when things feel overwhelming.
  • Psychiatric services for diagnostic evaluation, medication management, and multi-disciplinary treatment planning when needed.
  • Skill-building workshops, drop-in consultations, and outreach programming to help develop coping skills, strengthen connections with others, and cultivate resilience.
  • Comprehensive performance psychology and mental wellness interventions and services are provided to varsity student-athletes and teams by embedded staff sport psychologists.
  • Psychological evaluations may be provided for students who are experiencing academic or mental health challenges that significantly impair their ability to engage in the university’s academic environment. Collaboration with Student Affairs and Student Care Network partners to connect students with time management, study skills, and adjustment-related needs with recommended support and services.
  • When there is a need for more intensive or specialized treatment, the UCC provides referrals to case management services. In such cases, facilitating a connection with the appropriate level of care is an important clinical and ethical next step that will ensure students receive the support necessary to address their mental health needs safely and effectively.
  • The UCC also serves as a clinical training site for counseling trainees, who offer services while being closely supervised by licensed, experienced professionals. All UCC staff and trainees support the UCC’s mission to provide responsive, collaborative, and preventative services to help students navigate the challenges of university life.

UCC Services

ELIGIBILITY FOR SERVICES AT THE UCC

Introduction

The Student Care Network is the holistic network of services pertaining to health and wellness available to Vanderbilt University students. The Student Care Network is inclusive of on-campus Vanderbilt offices and providers, off-campus community providers, and online resources. Primary offices include Student Care Coordination, University Counseling Center, Student Health Center, and Center for Student Wellbeing.

Purpose

This document explains who is eligible for Student Care Network services, including Student Care Coordination, University Counseling Center, Student Health Center, and Center for Student Wellbeing.

Eligibility for Services

Student Care Network services, including UCC services, are provided to currently enrolled Vanderbilt University students, who are charged the Student Health Fee and are located in the state of Tennessee.

Students become ineligible for services through graduation, permanent withdrawal from the university, or temporary leave (leave of absence or withdrawal from a semester whether personal or medical).

SERVICES OUTSIDE THE UCC’S CLINICAL SCOPE OF CARE

The UCC does not provide evaluations solely for the purpose of:

  • Employment clearance or disability benefits
  • Adoption processes or court mandated legal proceedings
  • Graduate school exam or professional licensing exam accommodations
  • Emotional support or service animals (ESA) or housing

This page was last updated September 2025