Mindfulness Resources for International Students
It's okay to miss home, We are here for you!
Arriving in a new country, speaking in a new language, with limited no friends and family is already scary enough, now add the college experience to that mix!
International students are some of the bravest individuals to walk across our campus, but just like any one else they have their struggles and these struggles are hard for domestic peers to understand if they haven't been in their shoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will going to counseling affect my grades?
Short Answer: No
Long Answer: "Some students worry that going to counseling or seeking help for their mental health
might affect their grades in some way or change how university staff views them.
This is often a particular worry for international students or students from communities where there is a cultural stigma around reaching out in times of emotional stress.
Seeking advice and support from your universitys support team will not affect your
grade or academic record in any way.
Counseling services follow strict confidentiality practices to ensure that students
have a safe, private environment to share what theyre going through. Information
will only ever be shared outside the room with your explicit consent, or if you are
at risk of putting yourself or another person in danger. You do not have to tell your
academic tutors that you are going to counseling.
In fact, if a counselor is ever caught discussing patient information they can face
serious penalties such as losing their license or being sued.
Confidentiality practices will be explained to you by whoever you end up seeking support
from, and you can always ask for clarification to reassure yourself before you start
counseling."
TheTimesHigherEducation.com
What is Client Confidentiality?
Short Answer: Client confidentiality is the requirement that therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and most other mental health professionals protect their clients privacy by not revealing the contents of therapy.
Long Answer: Confidentiality includes not just the contents of therapy, but often the fact that a client is in therapy. For example, it is common that therapists will not acknowledge their clients if they run into them outside of therapy to protect client confidentiality. Other ways confidentiality is protected include:
- Not leaving revealing information on voicemail or text.
- Not acknowledging to outside parties that a client has an appointment.
- Not discussing the contents of therapy with a third party without the explicit permission of the client.
For licensed mental health professionals, confidentiality is protected by state laws and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Therapists who break confidentiality can get in trouble with state licensing boards. They can also be sued by their clients in some cases.
EXCEPTIONS TO CONFIDENTIALITY RULES
Licensed mental health professionals can break confidentiality in some circumstances. One of the most common scenarios is when a client is a threat to himself/herself or others, in which case a therapist must notify the person in danger or notify someone who can keep the client safe. In these circumstances, therapists often seek hospitalization for their clients.
It is important to note that a therapist will not automatically break confidentiality
if a client reports thoughts about suicide. Typically, a client needs to state an intent to act on those thoughts and have a
specific suicide plan before hospitalization is considered. An individual will not
be hospitalized against their will for simply seeking help.
Source: Goodthearapy.org
What is HIPPA?
Short Answer: The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) is a federal
law that requires the creation of national standards to protect sensitive patient
health information from being disclosed without the patients consent or knowledge.
Long Answer: The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued the HIPAA Privacy Rule
to implement the requirements of HIPAA. The HIPAA Security Rule protects a subset
of information covered by the Privacy Rule.
HIPAA Privacy Rule
The Privacy Rule standards address the use and disclosure of individuals health information (known as protected health information or PHI) by entities subject to the Privacy Rule. These individuals and organizations are called “covered entities.”
The Privacy Rule also contains standards for individuals rights to understand and control how their health information is used. A major goal of the Privacy Rule is to make sure that individuals health information is properly protected while allowing the flow of health information needed to provide and promote high-quality healthcare, and to protect the publics health and well-being. The Privacy Rule permits important uses of information while protecting the privacy of people who seek care and healing.
Source: CDC.govI want to speak to someone who speaks the same language as me: Online therapy
Resource:MySSP: Provides online counseling and support from
licensed mental health professionals, and is available in more than 20 languages!
24/7 real-time support
Our student support service is available night and day via phone and live chat.
Confidentiality
Your privacy is protected, and Student Support is confidential within the limits of the law.
Experienced professionals
Professionally trained counselors with experience dealing with the challenges faced by students.
No extra cost
Instant access at no additional charge for students enrolled in schools that have signed up for Student Support.
Feeling Moody? Download Shmoody!
Texas Tech cares about your well-being, which is why we've partnered with Shmoody
to bring you an app as dynamic as you with free premium access to TTU students!
To request the CODE for access please contact us or RISE
Apple Store Download
Google Play Download
Do I have to have extreme mental health concerns to talk to someone or ask for help??
Short Answer: Of course not!
Long Answer: Counselors serve as more than just a person to speak to when you are experiencing
severe mental health issues. Many students speak to counselors about everyday issues
that are not always at an "extreme" emotional level. Going to speak to a counselor
can be a great way to relieve stress. You can talk to your counselor about how to
manage schoolwork, roommate issues, cultural barriers, loneliness, and other everyday
concerns.
These are normal feelings and it is okay to speak to someone who is trained to teach
you coping mechanisms! Counselors are also educators who understand how the mind works
and why/how people think the way they do.
Wellness Offices on Campus
RISE
We help students live vital, meaningful lives through prevention education and holistic well-being strategies. We host presentations, workshops, and resource tables; coach students about their substance use using individualized, harm reduction strategies; provide mental health resources to students; and so much more.
Student Counseling Center
We recognize that many Texas Tech students are being impacted by historical and recent
events. The Student Counseling Center holds firm to the University's values and commitment
to justice and inclusion. Our staff is here to help students navigate through these
times.
Psychology Clinic
The Psychology Clinic strives to offer high-quality and cost-efficient services to
our clients. We value and respect the multiple identities and communities with whom
we work. Services are confidential and personalized to meet the particular needs of
each client.
Family Therapy Clinic
The Family Therapy Clinic upholds a strong tradition of providing affordable, high-quality
therapeutic services to individuals, couples, and families of Lubbock and surrounding
communities. Our diverse team of faculty supervisors and graduate student therapists
utilize effective, contemporary therapeutic techniques to address client needs and
promote healthy relationships.
Student Health Services
Confidential services for student health-related concerns
Title IV office
Title IX is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any
educational program or
activity. Texas Tech University does not tolerate discrimination or harassment based
on or related to
sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, disability, or
protected veteran status.
Other Student Resources
I have a Concern I need to Report
If you have a concern and are not sure where to report it, you can find help here.
The Dean of Students offers a reporting system that can also be done anonymously if needed, to report issues such as
- Title IX (including gender-based discrimination, dating violence, domestic violence, hostile environment, sexual assault, nonconsensual sexual contact, sexual exploitation, sexual harassment, stalking, retaliation, or other forms of sexual misconduct.)
- Issues, concerns, or remedies surrounding pregnancy or childbirth can be reported here
- Bullying
- Student Org Misconduct
- Suicidal Student
- A Student of Concern
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/dos/report_a_concern.php
Are there International Counselors at the Counseling Center?
Yes!
While it is difficult to cover all cultures, ethnicities, and languages, counselors
at the Counseling Center have an international background. They too have gone through
many of the same experiences you have and understand what it is like to come to a
new country and university.
When you call to make an appointment with the counseling center, simply ask if there
is anyone who speaks your language or is from your country if that is what you are
seeking. If there is not and you would truly prefer speaking to someone from your
cultural background you can try using My SSP (also known as TELUS) an online program available in over 20 languages.
International Affairs
-
Address
601 Indiana Avenue, Lubbock, TX 79409-5004 -
Phone
806.742.3667 -
Email
oia.reception@ttu.edu