Louisiana Tech Counseling Services is committed to promoting the emotional, mental,
and psychological wellness of our student body through the delivery of clinically
excellent, evidence-based, and culturally and developmentally attuned care. Our staff
are highly trained to address a broad spectrum of mental health concerns within the
student community. Through counseling, crisis intervention, proactive programming,
and the training of future counseling professionals, we endeavor to maximize human
potential. Guided by the Louisiana Tech University strategic framework, we strive
to cultivate a campus environment where students are empowered to achieve personal
growth, resilience, and holistic well-being.
Code of Ethics
The Office of Counseling Services functions as a department within the Division of
Student Affairs, and, as such, operates within the framework of all federal and state
laws and all policies of the Division. Further, it adheres to strict standards set
forth in the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, American Counseling Association,
the Code of Conduct, Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners,
and is guided by the Accreditation Standards for University and College Counseling
Centers, International Association of Counseling Services, Inc. With these as a foundation,
the personnel in Counseling Services strive to fulfill the departmental mission in
providing quality services both sensitively and professionally. Counseling Services
adheres to the equal opportunity provisions of federal and civil rights laws, and
does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, gender, or
disability.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
The Louisiana Tech University Counseling Center is committed to the diversity and
inclusion of all students. We strive to provide a welcoming space for students irrespective
of their gender, ethnicity, race, language, culture, religious beliefs, or sexual
orientation. We promote and implement strategic approaches to culturally sensitive
services through individual counseling, group counseling, education programming, counselor
trainings, and guiding students toward the fulfillment of their highest potential
intellectually, socially, physically, and spiritually.
This Declaration of Practices and Procedures is designed to answer frequently asked
questions and to allay any anxiety you may feel. Your decision to seek counseling
indicates that you want to make changes for coping with concerns. We hope this document
helps make the process easier for you.
Counseling Services offers counseling services at no additional cost to all currently
enrolled Louisiana Tech students. Counselors provide group and individual counseling
for crisis, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, interpersonal issues, study
skills development issues, etc.
Mental-health practitioners are defined as any individual who provides mental health
care or social services, including diagnosis, assessment, counseling, or treatment,
such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, marriage or family counselor, social worker,
member of the clergy, elder, or other individual who provides counseling services
to a child or their family. Depending on your initial consultation and your counselor's
needs, you may be placed in a small group with individuals who have similar presenting
concerns. Counselor needs may change during your treatment. The counseling staff comprises
licensed and pre-licensed counselors, licensed and pre-licensed psychologists, and
doctoral and master 's-level practicum students. Our training is comprehensive and
encompasses a wide range of counseling approaches. Each staff member has had training
and specific experience and/or is being supervised while working with college students.
If you schedule an initial consultation online, you may not be assigned to that counselor
for therapy; it depends on the counselor’s availability and the presenting concerns.
Clinical judgment will be used when placing someone with a long-term clinician.
Ethics and Confidentiality Policies
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a federal law that
requires national standards for the security and privacy of health data transmitted
electronically. Compliance with the HIPAA Privacy Rule and Security Rules are triggered
when a provider or billing service acting on behalf of a provider transmits information
in electronic form in connection with a standard transaction such as health care claim.
Louisiana Tech University Counseling Services diligently protects the security and
privacy of client data to meet or exceed standards set by HIPAA.
Confidentiality and privileged communication are addressed under the Louisiana Mental
Health Counselor Licensing Act (L.R.S. 37:1114; latest 1999) and Louisiana Administrative
Code, Title 46, Professional and Occupational Standards, Part LX. All records and
counselor’s notes concerning the counseling process and procedures are for the counselor’s
professional use and are not a part of any other university permanent record. Seven
years after your last contact with us, your files will be destroyed.
Data collected in the initial consult process may be used best to assess the needs
of the student body population and for quality assurance purposes. Data may also be
presented in aggregate nationally.
Counseling Services does provide notes. Please allow 3 business days for processing.
Louisiana ACT 157 Notification Policy
In accordance with Louisiana ACT 157, Counseling Services may release information
to a designated emergency contact when a student provides written consent and identifies
a contact person. If the student has consented and provided this contact, Counseling
Services will notify Dean Stacy Gilbert, who will then initiate communication with
the identified individual. This policy ensures timely notification and support in
situations where student safety may be at risk, while maintaining compliance with
confidentiality standards and ethical guidelines.
E-mail is not a secure confidential form of communication; Counseling Services cannot
ensure the confidentiality of e-mail messages. Counselors discourage the disclosure
of sensitive information. Clinical services and responses to clinical inquiries will
not be conducted via e-mail. If you are in need of counseling services, please call
318.257.2488.
Your counselors will provide you with a card with their name and after hour emergency
phone number. In case of an after-hour life-threatening emergency, you may phone Louisiana
Tech Police 318.257.4018, and they will contact the counselor on duty. If you need
immediate and continuous crisis care you should go to the local emergency room and
ask to speak to a mental health professional.
Mandated Reporting Ethics Policy
Counselors of Louisiana Tech University Counseling Services are mandatory reporters
of abuseof children, the elderly, and the disabled. Louisiana Tech Counseling Services
counselors are required to be familiar with the compulsory reporting laws in the State
of Louisiana. Counselors acknowledge the limitations of confidentiality surrounding
mandated reporting with clients in the first sessions. This is addressed and reviewed
throughout the therapeutic process. When a counselor becomes aware of a need to report,
they may be required to inform the proper authority.
Louisiana ACT 157 Notification Policy
In compliance with Louisiana Act 157, when a student has given written consent and
identified a contact person, Counseling Services will release information to that
designated individual through Dean Stacy Gilbert. This step is only taken if the student
has provided explicit consent and a contact name. This policy aims to ensure that
families, guardians, or other trusted individuals are informed in situations involving
student safety, while upholding confidentiality standards and ethical practices.
Imminent Danger Policies
When the condition of the client is indicative of clear and imminent danger to self,
counseling professionals must take reasonable personal action that may involve informing
responsible authorities and consulting with other professionals on staff and/or in
the community. In such cases, counseling professionals must be cognizant of existing
ethical principles, relevant statutes, and local mental health guidelines that may
stipulate the limits of confidentiality, such as statutes that require the reporting
of child abuse and other forms of abuse; statutes and/or case law that stipulate appropriate
notification when clients and/or others are at risk.
Duty to Warn Policies
Louisiana Tech Counseling Services requires counselors to make reasonable efforts
to communicate a specific, serious threat of physical violence against a specific,
clearly identified or identifiable potential victim. The Louisiana Tech Threat Assessment
team may also assist in the next steps. A “reasonable effort” means that the counselor
communicates the serious, specific threat to the potential victim and, if unable to
contact the potential victim, communicates the serious, specific threat to the law
enforcement agency closest to the potential victim. Counselors must document all such
actions. Whenever possible, counselors seek consultation from professional colleagues
at Louisiana Tech Counseling Services in the determination of a duty to warn. Trainees
and counselors receiving supervision should always consult with the supervisor, or
in the absence of the supervisor, the Director or another licensed professional in
Counseling Services.
Louisiana ACT 157 Notification Policy
In compliance with Louisiana ACT 157, when a student has given written consent and
identified a contact person, Counseling Services will release information through
Dean Stacy Gilbert to that designated individual. This step is only taken if the student
has provided explicit consent and a contact name. The intent of this policy is to
ensure that families, guardians, or other trusted individuals can be informed promptly
in situations involving student safety, while still upholding confidentiality standards
and ethical practices.
Other Exceptions to Confidentiality
The counseling relationship and information resulting from counseling sessions will
not be disclosed outside of the professional counseling relationship except under
the following circumstances:
When there is a danger to self or others.
When there is a reason to suspect that a child, incapacitated adult, or elder needs
protection from abuse.
When special protection is needed for a student 17 years of age or younger.
When disclosure is required by law.
As part of your initial appointment, you will complete an online Intake/Initial Consult
paperwork form prior to your initial visit to help determine your needs. All information
disclosed will be kept confidential.
Counseling Services will monitor progress on an ongoing basis and review cases to
make appropriate treatment recommendations. Sessions will be monitored through the
AOD and other measures. At any time, clients may be asked to meet with staff and reevaluate
treatment plans and their needs at Counseling Services.
A 45–50 minute time frame is scheduled for each session. Each counselor has their
own counseling style, employing techniques based upon sound psychological theory.
Clients may be asked to participate in interactive processes, complete “homework assignments,”
or attend group therapy sessions to facilitate problem-solving and personal coping
skills.
No Show and Cancellation Policies
Clients who cannot attend a scheduled session are expected to call Counseling Services
at least one hour before their appointment. If a client misses a session without prior
notice, they will be counted as a no-show. It is the responsibility of the client
to reschedule the missed appointment.
Two consecutive no-shows or cancellations may result in suspension of counseling services
until the client meets with the Director. Continued missed appointments may lead to
documentation in the client’s record.
Counseling Services Denial Policies
Services at Louisiana Tech University Counseling Services may be suspended if a student
demonstrates inappropriate or disruptive behaviors, including threats toward counselor
staff members. The Director and/or Associate Director may determine that services
will no longer be provided for the student. Documentation of such behavior will be
recorded in the client’s file and reported to Student Advancement.
A client may be asked to leave a session if they are found to be under the influence
of an illicit substance at the time of their session.
Counseling Services Referral Policies
Louisiana Tech University Counseling Services provides referrals when Counseling Services
can no longer meet the needs of the student and/or the student’s needs fall outside
the scope of services or resources of the Counseling Service. Referrals are based
on affordability for the student and availability in the local community.
Louisiana Tech University adheres to the equal opportunity provisions of federal and
civil rights laws, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national
origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status or disability.
Title IX Coordinator: Mortissa D. Harvey Director of Title IX Compliance President's Office, Wyly Tower 1536 Phone: 318.257.5911 Email:MHarvey@LATech.edu
Section 504 Coordinator: Annie Jantz Division of Student Affairs Keeny Hall 305 Phone: 318.257.2445 Email:AJantz@LATech.edu
EEO Officer: Sheila Trammel Human Resources Keeny Hall 152 Phone: 318.257.2235 Email:STrammel@LATech.edu
