Counseling offers a safe and confidential space for students to openly discuss their mental health concerns. Our team of mental health professionals offers short-term, goal-oriented individual counseling sessions. Additionally, we often develop and offer group counseling opportunities depending on the demand for services.
Individual counseling appointments are free of charge and generally last 50 minutes per session. Students are eligible for up to 16 counseling sessions per academic year
We treat students for a wide variety of issues, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, substance use/misuse, anger, bipolar disorder, and relationship issues. Due to the high service demand, our center operates from a solution-focused, brief counseling model. While this approach effectively addresses many concerns, there may be instances where issues surpass the scope of our services. In such cases, you and your counselor may explore off-campus resources better suited for intensive or longer-term, ongoing care.
Counseling Services include:
- Individual Counseling
- Group Support
- “Let’s Talk” Drop-In Consultations
- LGBTQ+ & Transgender Support Counseling
- Psychiatric Evaluation & Medication Management
- Recovery Coaching & Counseling
- Substance Abuse Assessments
- Visits Related To Gender Exploration
If you are experiencing a life-threatening or traumatic event during regular business hours, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday, call us immediately at 828.251.6520 or come to our office for crisis services.
For after-hours mental health support, contact 911 or Buncombe County Mobile Crisis Management at 888.573.1006 or Protocall (after hours) at 828.251.6520 and press #4.
How Do I See a Counselor?
Create an account on your student health portal
This is where you will fill out all necessary paperwork to be seen at the Health & Counseling Center.
Call and schedule your Needs Assessment
Call our office at 828.251.6520 to schedule a Needs Assessment.
Complete the Needs Assessment questionnaire and Consent for Treatment
Must be completed through the student health portal before conducting your appointment.
Please cancel or reschedule your appointments 24 hours in advance. A missed appointment/no-show fee will be added to your account. This no-show fee policy ensures that our campus resources are used most effectively.
What happens after my Needs Assessment?
You will be contacted within the week of your Needs Assessment with recommendations based on your needs. You and your counselor will work together to find the most effective services for your needs. Recommendations may include individual counseling, group counseling, or off-campus resources.
To ensure that all students are addressed in a timely manner, Counseling Services provides time-limited solution-focused therapy. Because of this, some student issues may be beyond the scope of what Counseling Services can offer in terms of the number of visits per semester. If we cannot provide the specialized services you need, we will assist you in connecting with a provider in the community that will be a more appropriate fit.
Counseling Services Information
We are aware that students can experience emergencies requiring immediate attention. To accommodate these needs, we offer same-day services for those dealing with crisis. The information below will help you evaluate your needs to determine whether it is appropriate to meet for a same-day or next available appointment.
To determine if you need crisis services, please read the following descriptions and identify any items that apply to you.
- I may be unable to keep myself or others safe.
- I plan to attempt suicide or to harm someone else.
- I have been physically or sexually assaulted within the last few days.
- Someone close to me has died within the last few days or I have just received some extremely difficult news.
- I am having strange experiences such as hearing voices or seeing things that others do not.
- I have knowledge of another person being abused or assaulted.
- I am experiencing life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.
- I have witnessed a traumatic event within the last few days.
If any of the above items are true for you, you are in need of Crisis Services. Please call 828.251.6520 or come directly to our office during business hours.
The following resources are available after-business hours and on weekends:
- Protocall at 828.251.6520, Press #4.
- Mobile Crisis at 888.573.1006.
- Suicide hotline at 988.
The Health & Counseling Center is committed to helping you achieve academic success by supporting your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. We offer confidential assessments and ongoing counseling where students have the opportunity to address concerns regarding the use of alcohol, marijuana, prescription drugs, other substances, and even compulsive behaviors such as gambling and online gaming. Our goal is for our students to have the knowledge they need to make well-informed decisions and minimize risk.
We have a licensed substance abuse counselor on staff who will meet with you to discuss your concerns and provide feedback. If you decide to make changes, the counselor can help you develop and implement a plan and can help you connect with resources and support in the community if needed.
Level II Substance Use Assessments
Level II assessments are a required sanction for students who receive a second citation for a code of conduct violation related to alcohol and/or other drugs and are required to meet with a substance abuse counselor for an assessment. We offer these confidential assessments at no charge and can also assist you in finding an off-campus assessment if you prefer.
The purpose of the assessment is to give the student an opportunity to evaluate their choices and actions related to receiving a citation. The student will be asked to identify behavioral changes they want to make and create a plan for change. The counselor will provide the student with information, feedback, and recommendations as appropriate.
To schedule your Level II Assessment:
1. Create an account on your student health portal. This is where you will complete all necessary paperwork to be seen at the Health & Counseling Center.
2. Call and schedule your Level II Assessment with the Health & Counseling Center.
3. Plan on arriving 30 minutes prior to your Level II Assessment appointment to complete an intake form in the waiting room.
4. Before you come to the Level II Assessment, please print off and complete the following three worksheets: a brief written exercise and two short questionnaires: Cannabis Use Questionnaire & Problematic Experiences Regarding Alcohol & Drug Use.
The Level II Assessment is completed over the course of two sessions that are scheduled two weeks apart. When both sessions are completed, the counselor will provide the student with documentation verifying attendance and completion of the assessment process. The student can then present that document to the Office of the Dean of Students. No information about the outcome of the assessment will be shared without signed permission by the student.
Online Resources for Alcohol and Other Drug Concerns
- Alcohol Treatment
- Rethinking Drinking
- College Drinking Prevention – Changing the collegiate culture around drinking
Online Resources for Behavioral Addictions
Collegiate Recovery is alive and well at UNC Asheville! We believe that students in recovery from substance use disorders, behavioral addictions, and/or mental health issues should not have to choose between an abstinence-based recovery lifestyle and having a full college experience. With commitment, determination, and the right support, both are possible.
The Collegiate Recovery Community Program (CRP) offers support services including weekly check-in meetings to increase accountability and provide structure. We can facilitate referrals for mental health counseling, psychiatric care, and medical services as needed. CRP staff help students connect with campus resources, navigate the academic system, and engage in the campus community. CRP-sponsored events are scheduled throughout the academic year to build community, celebrate success, and share resources.
The Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC) is a student-led group for students in recovery who are willing to share their experience, strength, and hope with the campus community and beyond. Students involved in the CRC support and encourage one another, plan outreach and educational programs, and do service work.
If you would like to be part of this group, please contact the Substance Abuse Counselor at the Health & Counseling Center.
Local Recovery Meetings
- Refuge Recovery is a Buddhist Path to Recovering from Addiction
- Women for Sobriety is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping women discover a happy New Life in recovery from Substance Use Disorders
- Codependents Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women whose common purpose is to develop healthy relationships. The only requirement for membership is a desire for healthy and loving relationships.
- Asheville AA
- Local Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers in NC
- Carolina Region of Narcotics Anonymous
- SMART Recovery is an abstinence-based, not-for-profit organization with a sensible self-help program for people having problems with drinking and using.
- Al-Anon Family Group is a 12-step support group that can help you learn how to cope with the challenges of someone else’s drinking.
- Children of Alcoholics The term “adult child” is used to describe adults who grew up in alcoholic or dysfunctional homes
- Overeaters Anonymous is a fellowship of individuals who through shared experience, strength, and hope, are recovering from compulsive overeating.
- Disordered Eating Information
- Celebrate Recovery – Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered, 12-step recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, pain, or addiction of any kind.
- On-Line Gamers Anonymous®, founded in 2002, is a self-help group for people with problems resulting from excessive game playing, whether it be computer, video, console, or online.
- Sex Addicts Anonymous is a fellowship for people who have a sexual addiction that is causing problems in their lives.
Group Therapy usually comprises 6-8 people who meet face-to-face with one or two trained facilitators to talk about what concerns them most. Members listen to each other and openly provide each other feedback. These interactions allow members to increase understanding, try out new ways of being with others, and learn more about the ways they interact. The content of group sessions is confidential; members agree not to identify other members or their concerns outside of the group.
It is common for people to experience some discomfort over the prospect of talking in a group. This initial anxiety is quite normal since most people have not been exposed to a group therapy environment and do not know what to expect.
UNC Asheville Health & Counseling programs are open to students across identities.
Fall 2024 Groups
Join us for the following Groups offered during the Fall 2024 semester.
Neurodiversity Affirming Support Group
Every other Thursday (September 12 & 26, October 10 & 24, November 7 & 21, December 5)
12-1 p.m. | Highsmith Student Union 238 (To Ki Ya Sdi Room)
Join this group to connect with your community, make friends, and get support. Questions? Contact Katie Green kgreen6@unca.edu.
BIPOC Empowerment Support Group
Every other Thursday (September 19, October 3, 17 & 31, November 14)
12-1 p.m. | Highsmith Student Union 238 (To Ki Ya Sdi Room)
Join a supportive community where students can connect, share, and uplift each other. This space allows you to openly discuss the impact of current events on your life and find strength in shared experiences. Questions? Contact Katie Green kgreen6@unca.edu
LGBTQIA+ Group
1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month (September 17, October 1& 15, November 5 & 19, December 3)
12-1 p.m. | Highsmith Student Union 238 (To Ki Ya Sdi Room)
Students are invited to co-create a confidential space to discuss identity, intersectionality, coming out, transitioning, current events, relationship struggles & victories. This is a space to decompress and connect with community on campus. Facilitated by a queer-identified counselor. Questions? Contact Chris Holloman cholloma@unca.edu.
Weekly Wellness Walking Group
Meet at Highsmith Student Union 239 on Thursdays at 2 p.m.
Join us for an engaging and introspective experience to connect with others, nature, and ourselves. We will spend a few minutes prior to the walk setting an intention then walk on the greenways and other areas around campus for approximately 30-45 minutes.
ADHD is a complex condition and is not the same for every individual. Usually, the providers at the Health and Counseling Center assist with multi-factor care for ADHD but do not prescribe controlled substances for treatment. Students who have questions about focus and inattention may see us for a referral for a local psychological evaluation.
Some students have been taking medication before they arrive at UNC Asheville. We ask that students bring three months of medication when they arrive in August. See FAQ below.
What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a complex diagnosis that changes as a person ages from early to late teens and into the twenties. As such the diagnosis cannot be made in a brief visit.
We want students to have resources and an accurate understanding of their learning styles and conditions. The best way to understand ADHD is to get formal testing. For college students, testing after the age of 17 is most useful. Sometimes the difficulty with focus is combined with a learning style such as processing disorders or dyslexia. Testing sorts out emotional health issues, concentration, hearing, visual, and verbal processing conditions.
What if a student suspects ADHD after they start attending UNC Asheville?
The Health & Counseling Center can assist the student with the diagnosis of this condition. We have referral sites for testing and can help figure out insurance costs and fee options. Testing usually takes 2-3 visits so the process can take several weeks and depends upon the student choosing available times.
Is medication the only way to treat ADHD?
Most students use several tools to support the condition of ADHD. Some tools include counseling for ADHD, self-help resources, classroom accommodations, medication, treatment of other conditions that affect focus, and project management tools such as executive functions. Please contact us to learn more about the resources and support offered to students.
What if a student runs out of medication during the semester?
We are happy to see a student who takes medication for ADHD. We do not prescribe medication at Health & Counseling unless we have documentation of testing after age 17 by a licensed professional.
Family doctors, therapists, social workers, and clinical psychologists can all get the training and get certified to give the testing. We would require the test results as documentation and are happy to answer questions about what documents we require. We accept any formal testing (after age 17) from any State.
We can help find alternatives to the medication and augment the non-pharmacological support, as well as evaluate for other conditions that affect focus on academic work, such as emotional health, fatigue, nutrition, or medical disorders.
Does Health & Counseling have a pharmacy?
The Health & Counseling Center has a small dispensary but no controlled substances such as medication that treat ADHD. The dispensary has some flu and allergy medication, a few antibiotics, and other non-controlled medication. There is a small fee for any medication dispensed from the Health & Counseling Center. And there are low-cost non-prescription medications, for several conditions.
What does it cost to see Health & Counseling for ADHD conditions?
Your student health fee covers your office visits at the Health and Counseling Center. Any current student can call and make an appointment. Student insurance or private insurance is for off-campus visits; Health and Counseling has no co-pay or additional visit fee.
What resources are there for ADHD?
Here are some links to several of the many resources for college students with ADHD:
Let’s Talk is a program that provides easy access to informal, confidential, consultations with counselors from UNCA’s Health & Counseling Center. Counselors hold walk-in hours at four sites around campus Monday through Friday.
Let’s Talk drop-in consultations are:
- Free to UNC Asheville students.
- First-come, first-served – No appointment necessary.
- 20-25 minutes in length (on average).
- Informal and not a substitute for counseling.
- Not intended for urgent concerns or mental health emergencies.
- Can be used by Faculty & Staff for consultation purposes to support students.
Let’s Talk is not a substitute for counseling and does not constitute mental health treatment. Let’s Talk counselors can listen to specific problems, help explore solutions, and introduce you to what it is like to speak with a member of our staff.
Who is Let’s Talk for?
- Students who are not sure about counseling and wonder what it’s like to talk with a counselor.
- Students who are not interested in ongoing counseling but would like the perspective of a counselor.
- Students who have a specific problem and would like someone with whom to talk it through.
- Students who have a concern about a friend and want some thoughts about what to do.
- Faculty and Staff who would like to consult with a counselor for the purpose of supporting the mental health and well-being of their student(s).
Fall 2024 Let’s Talk Schedule
- Mondays: 1-2 p.m. | Highsmith Student Union 239 with Jay Cutspec
- Tuesdays: 12-1 p.m. | Rhoades Robinson 204, Engineering Library with Matthew Morency
- Wednesdays: 11a.m.-12p.m. | Zoom with Katie Green
- Meeting Id: 925 3966 8951
Passcode: 961669
- Meeting Id: 925 3966 8951
- Thursdays: 2:30-3:30 p.m. | 4th-floor study lounge in Mills Hall with Chris Holloman
- Fridays: 10-11 a.m. | Owen Hall 203 with Allison Chapman
*Note that Let’s Talk is not held during University breaks.
More questions about Let’s Talk? Please contact Katie Green at kgreen6@unca.edu.
The Let’s Talk Program at the University of North Carolina Asheville is based on the Let’s Talk Program at Cornell University. With permission, some of the material from this website has been adapted or reproduced from Cornell University. For this, we are indebted to the counselors at the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at Cornell University for paving the way for us, and many others, in the utilization of such a successful model.”
Counseling Practicum/Internship
The counseling practicum and internship program at UNC Asheville is a comprehensive experience in college counseling. Students will have the opportunity to work one-on-one and in groups with clients experiencing a range of clinical issues typical of a college or community mental health setting. They will carry their own client caseload, develop and conduct groups (e.g., DBT group), provide outreach programming to the university community, conduct intake assessments, and participate in group and individual supervision weekly with our Clinical Director, Katie Green, LCSW, LCAS. They will also gain experience with electronic medical records and knowledge of higher education processes.
The counseling practicum/internship experience runs the full academic year starting in mid-August and running until the end of term in May. In order to provide continuity and consistency for our student-clients throughout the school year, we request counseling/interns commit to the full academic year experience.
We consider our interns an integral part of our treatment team, and we look forward to working with you during your tenure here. We value the strengths, energy, and knowledge that our interns bring to the table and to their work with our student-clients. Importantly, we recognize that as an intern, your time with us is a vital part of your counseling education, and we want to ensure that you get what you need out of this experience. We strive to create a culture where you can feel safe to find your way – a culture that encourages “not knowing” and the seeking that comes from being in such a place.
Eligibility
Students who are completing requirements for a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling. Applicants must submit a completed application form and provide two letters of recommendation with contact information. One reference/letter of recommendation should be from a graduate professor who can confirm the student’s readiness for an internship experience. The other may be from an employer or supervisor who has knowledge of the student’s current counseling skills.
*Please note that students in Psychology master’s programs are eligible to apply, however, we may not have an approved supervisor on staff that meets the requirements for your program or licensing board.
Qualifications
Minimum academic requirements include 1 year of training in a master’s-level counselor education program. We look for students with strong communication skills, professional demeanor, commitment to counseling in a higher education environment, and a willingness to complete all the requirements of the internship.
Candidates must be able to work within the normal operating hours (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.). Every effort will be made to accommodate interns’ outside commitments. However, some scheduling flexibility may be required. Occasional evening hours will be necessary for outreach programs.
Responsibilities
- Orientation: Interns are encouraged to attend fall Student Affairs orientation sessions, as well as review the internship manual and Center policies and procedures. They will be trained in electronic medical record keeping.
- Screenings: Initially, interns will observe staff counselors conducting Needs Assessments (NAs) with new clients and learn how NA summaries are written. After observing several screening sessions, interns will conduct screening sessions while a staff counselor observes the session. When both staff counselors and an intern are satisfied with the intern’s level of proficiency, the intern will conduct needs assessments without a staff counselor present.
- Individual Counseling: Counseling Services staff meets once a week to review clients. After the intern has received training on screenings, the office staff will assign clients based on the student’s schedule and counselor/intern availability. The intern is responsible for monitoring his/her level of comfort with cases and caseload; however, clinical supervision will be available to assist the emerging professional through this process. Every effort is made to provide interns with a variety of clients and presenting issues.
- Group Counseling: Counseling Services offers group counseling opportunities based on client interest. Interns are encouraged to develop groups based on their own interests.
- Outreach Activities: Interns are encouraged to participate in outreach activities to the University community, which may occur during evening hours. Outreach will not conflict with student coursework requirements.
- Liability Insurance: Interns are required to carry professional liability insurance, which is available at a reduced student rate. Proof of insurance must be included in the application packet.
Supervision
Weekly group supervision is provided by Counseling Services staff members. Individual supervision will be provided by Katie Green, LCSW, LCAS. Intern counseling sessions will be audiotaped for use in supervision.
Personal issues or difficulties sometimes arise for interns that exceed the limitations of supervision. The supervisor will help the intern monitor emotional reactions to clients, the work, and ways in which this may impact the counseling relationship. Whenever stressful life events emerge, interns are expected to seek the help necessary to mitigate these events’ impact on client work.
Evaluation
The intern’s work is continually monitored both formally and informally. Evaluation guidelines are determined in conjunction with the policies of each intern’s academic department and the expectations of the Center. Interns meet with their individual supervisors to discuss their evaluations.
Required for the Application Process
The application deadline for the 2024-2025 school year is February 15, 2024. Please check back for future opportunities.
- Cover letter
- Internship Application
- Curriculum Vita or resume
- Proof of liability insurance
- Transcript from graduate program
- Three letters of recommendation. One must be from a graduate professor who is familiar with your work as a graduate student. One must be a personal reference.
Please contact Katie Green at kgreen6@unca.edu for more information.
Scope of Clinical Practice
- Counseling Services provides individual, group, and couples counseling; case management; and outreach programming to students. The Counseling Center offers solution-focused short-term therapy. For those experiencing an urgent or life-threatening mental health crisis, we have a counselor available – please call 828-251-6520.
- Individual and group counseling is provided to address issues that interfere with academic effectiveness such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, family/relationship issues, career issues, assertiveness, and communication.
- Case management services may include help with campus or community referrals and connecting students to psychiatry at the Health & Counseling Center.
- Students are to give 24 hours notice for any appointment they are not able to keep. After the first missed appointment fee, a student may be required to pay a $15 fee before scheduling further appointments. Students who are no-show for any psychiatric appointments will be charged $30. This no-show fee policy is designed to ensure that our campus resources are used most effectively.
- To access psychiatric services for evaluation or medication management, it is advised that a student meet with a Health & Counseling Center staff member to identify the professional that will best meet their needs.
- Counseling Services does not provide documentation to support withdrawal from courses unless we have an ongoing relationship with you.
- Counseling Services does not provide documentation for emotional support animals.
- To ensure that the needs of all UNC Asheville students are addressed in a timely manner, Counseling Services provides time-limited, solution-focused therapy. Because of this, some student issues may be beyond the scope of what the Counseling Center can offer in terms of therapy. The following client situations may require a referral to an off-site counselor:
- Presenting issue suggests that the client will likely require weekly or long-term therapy (e.g., severe, chronic depression).
- Client is likely to require extensive emergency intervention, crisis services, or extensive case management (e.g., history of chronic, self-destructive behaviors that are life-threatening; alcohol or drug addiction that requires intensive treatment; psychosis).
- Client requires expertise/resources unavailable in the Center (e.g., alcohol/drug treatment; eating disorder treatment).
- Client does not appear to benefit from therapy received at the Center.
- Counseling Services may utilize Telehealth services in order to protect the health and safety of UNCA students, faculty, and staff.
- Counseling Services does not provide mandatory counseling or court-ordered evaluations. We can provide brief assessments to determine recommendations for clinical needs.
- Counseling Services DOES NOT provide documentation for emotional support animals.