Personal Counseling FAQs

• Can I walk in and talk to someone at Counseling Services on the spot?

  We encourage any student to visit The Department of Counseling and Social Services during business hours. Please contact the Counseling Office for additional information on walk-in hours and sessions.

  More info about appointments can be found online at the Counseling Office webpage.

• Can my romantic partner and I receive couples counseling?

  There are times when it might be beneficial to have a specific person in your life attend part or all of your individual session to help you meet certain goals. We encourage you to talk with your counselor about the reasons you feel this might be necessary, so you can collaboratively create a plan that involves this person. Your counselor may also ask you to sign a consent form that gives permission for this person to give and receive information from your counselor during the session. Visit our Counseling Office webpage to learn more about the services we offer and how to get in touch with us.

• Do you have an on-call staff member available in the Counseling Office?

  Normal business hours for the Department of Counseling and Social Services are Monday thru Friday 8:00 - 5:00 with 24/7 all on-call services through our Telehealth platform To Be Honest(TBH) found by logging into MyViking. 24/7 Crisis Line is also available through our Local Mental Health Authority, Texoma Community Center by calling 877.277.2226. If you are experiencing an emergency, dial 9-1-1 immediately. If you are not experiencing an emergency and need assistance right away, but the Counseling Office is closed, visit our support resources webpage to find the after hours help that you need.

• Does the Counseling Center host events on campus?

  We do! Please follow our Student Life calendar for the most up to date events!

• Does the Counseling Center use interns?

  The staff at the Counseling Office is made up of administrators and mental health professionals who are specially trained to provide you care. You can read more about our staff online or contact for opportunities at our Counseling office website.

• I am an underage student; does my parent or legal guardian need to give their consent for me to receive counseling services?

  Students are eligible to receive personal counseling services offered by Grayson College. These services are provided to support the emotional, mental, and psychological well-being of students as they navigate both their academic and personal responsibilities. Access to counseling services will be determined through an intake assessment that evaluates the student's age and eligibility for services with or or without parental consent, in accordance with applicable laws and institutional guidelines.

• If I begin therapy, how should I try to gain the most from it?

  Whether you are seeing an individual therapist or participating in a group, here are a few ways for you to get the most benefit from your time at the Counseling Office:

  1. Attend your appointments and/or group sessions.
  2. Be honest with yourself and your counselor.
  3. Practice what you are learning about in session in your day-to-day life.
  4. Be open to trying new techniques or learning new skills.

  If you or someone you know need urgent or immediate assistance, please contact 911, 988, or GC Campus Police 903.463.8777

• Someone I know has been assaulted. What services can the Counseling Center provide?

  If you or someone you know is experiencing an emergency, dial 9-1-1 immediately. If there is no emergency present, but you or someone you know needs assistance, please consider utilizing the following resources:

  1. National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) maintains a Directory of State and Territory Coalitions as well as a Directory of Victim/Survivor Support Organizations that provide services to survivors.
  2. Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) maintains the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 as well as an online chat service to help you get in contact with your local rape crisis center.
  3. Visit our Department of Counseling & Social Services webpage to learn more about our services or come in to speak with a counselor.
  4. Visit the Sexual Assault & Misconduct page

• What are some tips for helping my anxiety symptoms?

  Learning to cope with anxiety symptoms often requires some trial and error. Here are some techniques to try that can help you start to build your own coping toolkit:

  1. Inhale for a count of four, hold that breath for four, and exhale for four. Repeat as many times as needed. Practice this when you’re calm, so when you’re feeling anxious you know how to use it.
  2. Physical exercise has been proven to release feel-good chemicals to keep you happier; it also relieves the muscle tension that anxiety can cause.
  3. Drawing, coloring, painting, and other creative mediums are a great way to let your mind relax.
  4. Talk about what you are going through with a friend, family member, teacher, or someone you trust. Sometimes others can help us find solutions or offer other ways to see the problem at hand.
  5. Limit caffeine and sugar.
  6. Practice mindfulness and meditation.
  7. Get moving, walk, exercise, and go outdoors.
  8. Establish a routine.
  9. Challenge negative thoughts.
  10. Self-care and relaxation.

• What are some tips for helping my depression symptoms?

  Learning to cope with depression symptoms often requires some trial and error. Here are some techniques to try that can help you start to build your own coping toolkit:

  1. Reach out for support. 
  2. Fight the urge to stay in bed all day and not engage in the hobbies/activities you typically do. Even if you only maintain these hobbies for a few minutes each day, they will help you to feel better.
  3. Remember to eat regular, healthy meals throughout the day and aim to keep a consistent sleep routine.
  4. Drawing, coloring, painting, and other creative mediums are a great way to let your mind relax. Negative emotions are just as normal as positive ones; let them be acknowledged and not hidden from view.
  5. Find a friend, family member, teacher or someone you trust to talk about what you’re going through. Sometimes others can help us find solutions or offer other ways to see the problem at hand. Avoid the temptation to isolate yourself from those who care about you.
  6. Set small, achievable goals. 
  7. Engage in physical activity.
  8. Practice mindfulness and relaxation.
  9. Avoid isolation.
  10. Challenge negative thoughts.

• What are the Counseling Services office hours?

  The Counseling Office is open during the following hours: Monday thru Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm. Telehealth services outside of office hours are provided by TBH, and can be accessed through your MyViking. 

  If you or someone you know need urgent or immediate assistance, please contact 911, 988, or GC Campus Police 903.463.8777

• What if I need help when the Counseling Services office is closed?

  If you are experiencing an emergency, dial 9-1-1 immediately. If you are not experiencing an emergency and need assistance right away, but the Department of Counseling & Social Services is closed, visit our support resources after hours webpage to get the help you need. Or access our Telehealth services through TBH after hours for services. TBH is found in your MyViking.

  If you or someone you know need urgent or immediate assistance, please contact 911, 988, or GC Campus Police 903.463.8777

• What is an intake?

  An intake is typically one of the first appointments students will have when beginning to receive services at the Counseling Office. Your counselor will be asking you plenty of questions to know more about your current situation and your history. It is important to be as honest as possible in this appointment. The more information your counselor knows about you, the better they can help you with your current situation! By the end of the intake process, your counselor should have a better understanding of what you are currently struggling with and work with you to create a treatment plan that will best resolve these issues.

• What is the difference between a psychiatrist, therapist, and psychologist?

  While it is not uncommon for psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists to all work together, their jobs are all different in a few ways. A "psychiatrist" is a medical doctor whose primary role is to conduct medication evaluations, prescribe medications, and provide medication management. "Psychologists" are mental health professionals with a doctorate level degree whose primary role is to perform psychotherapy, administer psychological tests, and conduct research. "Therapists" are mental health professionals with a masters level degree or state licensure whose primary role is to perform psychotherapy.

• Where do I go for counseling care during school breaks?

  Exciting news! We now have telehealth services for students to access as a resource during school calendar days or during breaks! Please visit TBH in  your MyViking for services. If you are experiencing an emergency, dial 9-1-1 immediately. If you are not experiencing an emergency and need assistance right away, but the counseling services office is closed, visit our support resources after hours webpage to get the help you need. If you're receiving counseling care from Grayson College, your provider will work with you to develop a plan for continuity of your care even during school breaks. Every student's

  needs are different, and our professional staff will help coordinate a plan that works for you.

Last updated: June 26, 2025