On campus

Tech Counseling Center and Mental Health

For students struggling with mental health, Tech encourages them to reach out to the Counseling Center on campus for assistance. Photo by Ayrianna Kiral-King

Tech continues to grow, with over 10,000 freshmen on campus in the fall of 2022. With this rise in numbers, students should be aware of the university’s resources. 

           The university provides health and safety tools.

           Leigh Ann Ray, director of JJ Oakley Health Services, stated, “There are lots of resources on campus to help with mental health issues. Students are always welcome to come to Health Services for any needs. The Counseling Center is one of the biggest resources on campus.”

Tech’s website states, “The TN Tech Counseling Center offers brief, short term, solution focused, therapeutic interventions for TN Tech University Students. The staff of the Counseling Center is available to assist students with their personal and social concerns in hopes of helping them achieve satisfying educational and life experiences.”

         Tech offers assistance on campus at the Counseling Center. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. However, additional service is offered after hours as needed.

Benjamin Higgins, a mental health counselor, stated, “First, it is perfectly okay to admit the need for help! This tends to be the first hurdle for many people. Students have access to free and confidential services through the Counseling Center. We have both urgent and non-urgent Rapid Access Appointments available during business hours and an after hours hotline for nights, weekends, and holidays.”

Higgins stated, “If a student is in need of assistance, they can contact the Counseling Center at 931-372-3331, the Eagle Eye After Hours Crisis Hotline at 855-206-8997, university police can be contact for emergent needs at 931-372-3234, or it students could also call 988 which is the new number for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.”

“It is increasingly common for students to ask for help as students become more interested in personal growth and stigmas to reach out for help decline. We see students steadily through the semester but some find the need to reach out during higher stress times such as adjusting to a new semester of classes and also as classes wind down and finals approach,” Higgins said.  

     For students struggling with mental health, Tech encourages them to reach out to the Counseling Center on campus for assistance. 

     The Counseling Center is determined to put students first on campus and never wants a student to go unheard.