We recognize that you play an important role in your loved one’s life and that it can be difficult to navigate the transition to parenting a college student. Here are some questions we are frequently asked.
- My student has MH services at home. How do we find these in Nashville?
- Can I access information about a student’s counseling?
- I’m worried about a student. What should I do?
- Can I make an appointment for a student?
- What services do you offer?
- Are your clinicians licensed?
- Can I know if a student came to counseling?
We strongly encourage incoming students to replicate services that have been helpful in their pre-college life in the Nashville community. BUCS staff are available to talk to students prior to their arrival on campus as we are open all summer. Encourage the student to reach out to us now. Mental health services in the Nashville area may have waiting times, and we want to ensure each individual is set up for success!
Once students arrive on campus, they are welcome to contact us via phone, email, or schedule a consultation through their Health Portal in mybelmont. Instructions on scheduling a consultation is on our Get Started page.
Please understand that in accordance with state and federal laws regarding mental health care, we cannot release any information about a student unless that student provides written consent.
If a counselor believes a student presents as an imminent danger to him/herself or others, the counselor will reach out to the emergency contact directly without written consent.
You can access additional information about confidentiality here.
For any emergency, please contact the Office of Campus Security at (615) 460-6911.
If you are concerned about a student's mental health and well-being and it is not an emergency, please feel free to contact the Counseling Office at (615) 460-6856. The office is open from 8 am-4:30 pm Monday through Friday.
You may also contact the Office of Student Support to share your concern.
Appointments can only be made by students themselves. We strive to make our services easily accessible, and students can schedule same day appointments through their Health Portal. Instructions on scheduling a consultation is on our Get Started page.
We offer free, confidential, short-term mental health care and education to the student body. To learn more about our model of care, click here.
Yes, all full-time clinical staff are licensed in the state of TN. We are a training facility for master's and doctoral level practicum students. These students work under the direct supervision of our licensed clinical staff.
You can see a list of our staff and their credentials on our Meet the Staff page.
We can only release information regarding a student if that student has signed a written release of information. This is in accordance with TN state guidelines for confidentiality in mental health settings. You can learn more about our confidentiality policy here.
Resources
We at BUCS recognize that parents and family members have their own transitions to navigate when their student enters college. Here are some resources you may find helpful during this time.
The suggested readings below share both research and guidance on how best to support yourself, your student, and your family through their first year and beyond:
- How to Raise an Adult: Breaking Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare your Kid for Success, Julie Lythcott-Haims
- Letting Go a Parent’s Guide to Understanding the College Years, Karen Levin Coburn and Madge Lawrence Treeger
- You’re on Your Own (but I’m Here if you Need Me): Mentoring Your Child During the College Years, Marjorie Savage
- Brainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain, Daniel J. Siegel
- “Starting the Conversation”, a guide from the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) that encourages important discussions with young adult before they leave for college.
- Set to Go, a JED Foundation program that offers resources for students and families that will assist in the transition to college.