Skip to Content

Friends & Family

Mental health problems are common in a college student population. Students struggling with a mental health concern often will seek help from friends and family before seeking help from a mental health professional. Getting help early can provide relief and prevent a mental health issue from becoming a crisis. If a student is experiencing overwhelming distress or other symptoms of a possible mental health problem, below are resources available for students on campus or in the community.

Everyone feels distressed at some time. It is important that friends and family know how to respond and reach back when someone is hurting.

FAQ

For more information, select from a topic below:

Crisis and Suicide Prevention Resources

Numerous on-campus, community, and on-line organizations that provide crisis and suicide prevention services, hotlines, text, and chat room support.

Sexual Assault Resources

These on-campus and community resources provide hotlines, safety, counseling and advocacy services, and legal support for indifviduals and families affected by sexual and domestic violence.

University Police Department (UPD)

Texas State's University Police Department (UPD) is a full-service agency that provides law enforcement and crime prevention for the university community. In an emergency, dial 911 from any phone on campus or find a blue light emergency phone. As a family member you can call UPD dispatch at 512.245.2805. UPD also provides emergency preparedness services.

Dean of Students- Compassion, Advocacy, Resources, & Education (CARE) Center

A key factor for students to be academically successful is to stay connected to their peers and school. The Dean of Students CARE Center helps students get connected, find support, and adjust to being a Texas State Bobcat. Support and programming initiatives are provided for specific student populations such as students who grew up in the foster care system and/or were adopted, and students who are parents.

Nite Cats

Transportation Services offers on-demand, last-mile transportation on campus, expanding beyond the traditional Bobcat Shuttle services.

211texas.org

Texas Health and Human Services provides a search engine by zip code for resources related to housing, employment, food, veterans, crisis/emergency, income/expenses, legal aid, criminal justice, aging/disability, health/medical, mental health, and child care/education.

findhelp.org

This curated database of resources allows you to search by zip code for food, housing, goods, transit, health, money, care, education, work, and legal resources. It is provided by findhelp, a Public Benefit Corporation.


Counseling Center (CC)

The Texas State Counseling Center offers free and confidential counseling services to currently enrolled students to address a variety of adjustment and emotional issues. Additionally, the CC provides consultation to families, friends and others who are concerned about a student. Talking briefly with a counselor by phone may help you gain perspective about the situation, learn about available resources, and generate ideas about how to express your concerns and connect the student to resources.

TimelyCare

TimelyCare provides virtual counseling and psychiatry services for enrolled students at no additional cost to them.  Students can download the TimelyCare app from either the Apple or Google Play stores.  Students have 24/7 access to several services including TalkNow for on demand access to a behavioral health professional, scheduled counseling sessions, psychiatry (referral required), self-care online tools, health coaching, basic needs assistance, and a peer community.  Faculty and staff have access to a help line for guidance in assisting a student with health or wellbeing concerns. 

Counseling Clinic

The Professional Counseling Program at Texas State University offers counseling services to students and community members on both the San Marcos and Round Rock campuses. Individuals, couples and families seeking additional support in their lives are welcome. The Counseling Clinic is a teaching clinic for advanced master's students in counseling and provides affordable mental health services.

Assessment Clinic

The School Psychology Program at Texas State University provides services for people who are seeking assessment for possible learning difficulties or conditions that may affect learning (e.g., ADHD, autism, and learning differences). The clinic offers assessment based on a sliding scale.

TXST Counseling Center Family and Support Systems

The Texas State Counseling Center has information for family and support systems about their services and other helpful information.

Alcohol & Drug Compliance Services-Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

AA is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope to help themselves and others recover from alcoholism. There are no dues or fees for an AA membership. Meetings are offered on campus as well as off campus in San Marcos, Round Rock and the surrounding area. They also provide information about Narcotics Anonymous (NA)support.

Student Recovery Alliance

Weekly meetings at the Student Health Center in coordination with Care Counseling Services creates a safe place for students in recovery from drugs, alcohol, and co-occurring disorders to work together, share experiences, plan sober events in the community, celebrate triumphs, struggles, and collaborate on empowering solutions.

Sexual Assault Resources

These on-campus and community resources provide hotlines, safety, counseling and advocacy services, as well as legal support for individuals and families affected by sexual and domestic violence.

Mental Health Community Resources

The Mental Health Texas website provides information and resources to residents of Texas who may have mental health related needs or who want to support someone who does. This site can provide assistance for those looking for resources in their own communities.

Narcotic Anonymous (NA)

Any individual who struggles with an addiction or wants to support someone with an addiction can find support at Texas State and within the San Marcos community through NA. NA provides help from peers and offers an ongoing support network for addicts who wish to pursue and maintain a drug-free lifestyle. There are meetings in San Marcos, Round Rock, and the surrounding cities.

Al-Anon

Al-Anon is a supporting network for those who have been affected by a loved one's drinking. Having a safe outlet of peers, who understand and support them, may help a student better navigate the challenges of attending college while also tending to the impact of alcohol use. Meetings are held in San Marcos, Round Rock and the surrounding cities.

Samaritan Center for Counseling

The Samaritan Center for Counseling provides professional counseling, integrative medicine, and psychiatric services that are accessible and affordable for all people, including uninsured or underinsured low-income families, and veterans struggling with the emotional wounds of war. They offer 6 locations with locations in San Marcos and Round Rock.

Christus Santa Rosa Hospital San Marcos- Family Grief Center

The Christus Santa Rosa Hospital San Marcos Family Grief Center is dedicated to helping individuals and families work through and express the feelings associated with the loss of a loved one. These bereavement services are available to the community at no cost.

CommuniCare

CommuniCare is a full-service primary health care system which offers medical, dental, and mental health services in Hays, Bexar, and Kendall counties.

Texas: Rehab and Recovery

This guide was written to help many Texans who are struggling with addiction to find affordable treatment. If your student needs help finding a treatment center, you can use this directory to find low-cost, quality treatment right away.

DrugRehab.com

College students can often struggle with substance abuse which can be attributed to factors such as stress, peer pressure, and curiosity. DrugRehab.com features comprehensive guides filled with information about substance abuse among students, as well as tools for students who are already struggling with addiction.


Student Health Center

The Texas State Student Health Center's primary care physicians and psychiatrists provide mental health services to students with a variety of mental health concerns, such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, bipolar disorders and eating disorders. The on-site pharmacy (San Marcos campus) offers a convenient location to get prescriptions filled at discounted prices. Health Promotion Services offers educational activities and programs on mental health related topics. For the Round Rock location click here.

Bobcat Bounty

Bobcat Bounty is the first student-run, on-campus food pantry at Texas State University. It is run by students under the direction of faculty from the Food Security Learning Community in the Nutrition & Foods Program. Their goal is to decrease food insecurity on campus by providing healthy food to students, faculty, and staff in need. They have partnered with the Hays County Food Bank to create a grocery store style experience for their clients.

Sleep Center

Sleeping problems can negatively impact many areas of your student's functioning, including mood and academics. Problems sleeping can be secondary to a mental health condition, like depression or anxiety, or can worsen previously existing conditions. The Sleep Center at Texas State University provides education, and diagnostic services to students. Using state-of-the-art equipment, the Sleep Center works with primary care physicians to help individuals solve sleep related difficulties.

Campus Recreation

Regular exercise is an effective way for your student to relieve stress, sleep better, improve memory, and boost their mood. Located at Texas State, Campus Recreation provides access to quality recreation facilities and programs. Services include informal/drop-in recreation, intramural sports, sport clubs, outdoor recreation, fitness classes, extracurricular opportunities, and outdoor equipment rentals and programs.

CommuniCare

A full-service primary health care system which offers an array of medical, dental, and mental health services, CommniCare Health Centers has multiple locations in Hays, Bexar, and Kendall counties.


Parent and Family Relations

Parent and Family Relations provides parents and families with information about the Texas State campus and community resources that can help their students be successful. 

Student Involvement

Joining a student organization at Texas State provides leadership, learning, relationship-building, and service learning opportunities. Encourage your student to research and join an organization as a way to network with other students who have similar interests and passions. It can be a great chance to meet people and build good friendships.

Dean of Students- Compassion, Advocacy, Resources, & Education (CARE) Center

A key factor for students to be academically successful is to stay connected to their peers and school. The Dean of Students CARE Center helps students get connected, find support, and adjust to being a Texas State Bobcat. Support and programming initiatives are provided for specific student populations such as students who grew up in the foster care system and/or were adopted, and students who are parents.

First-Gen Proud

TXST is proud to support First Generation students and offers information, resources, and the FLIP at Texas State Student Organization.

Personalized Academic and Career Exploration (PACE)

Freshmen year of college can often feel the most intimidating. If you are concerned about your student or you would like your student to be proactive, PACE at Texas State is a resource for them to discuss personal and academic challenges. PACE provides comprehensive academic advising and programs to first-year students. They specialize in supporting students' academic success as they gain a better sense of who they are. Services are available by appointment and include course recommendations, GPA calculation/projection, setting academic goals, and exploration of possible majors.

Department of Housing and Residential Life (DHRL)

Campus housing creates a supervised environment that supports healthy personal/social development by providing students the opportunity to form an identity, or sense of community, with the institution. A Texas State Living-Learning Community (LLC) is a group of students living together based on a common interest, while taking one or more classes together and participating in out of class experiences led by successful upperclassmen. Residents have access to many special resources, programs, and activities, such as seminars, site visits, and reserved space in academic courses.

Campus Recreation

Exercise and sports can be a positive way to connect with others. Campus Recreation at Texas State provides access to quality recreation facilities and programs. Your student can get involved in intramural sports, sport clubs, outdoor recreation and other extracurricular activities as a way of meeting others.

Graduate Student Appreciation Week

Every April, The Graduate College celebrates their students with a week-long event which recognizes the contributions, impact, and value of Texas State graduate and professional students. The week is filled with a variety of free events for graduate students, including socials, wellness activities, workshops, and other special events.

International Student and Scholar Services

The Texas State community is stronger when there is a diverse student body. Attending a new school in a different country can be an exciting and fulfilling experience. It can also create a lot of questions and stress. The International Office at Texas State assists in serving as immigration advisers and compliance of governmental policies and regulations. They exist to help students by advocating on their behalf and providing services and information that facilitate their cultural adjustment, social integration, retention and success. Regularly utilizing and communicating with the International Office can help students when they initially arrive and throughout their tenure at Texas State.

TXST Monarch Center for Immigrant Students

The Monarch Center is a virtual hub, streamlining communications and access to immigration resources, programs, and research available to all Texas State students.

Religious, Spiritual and Faith Resources

As we learn more and more about the connections between the mind and body, it becomes clear that spirituality, religion and faith can help some individuals live well with mental health conditions. There are numerous religious and spiritual groups connected to Texas State and within walking distance of campus that can help you connect with your faith and other students:

Baptist Student Center | Christ Chapel | UCM Wesley | Our Lady of Wisdom University Parish | McCarty Student Center | San Marcos Masjid

Parents, Families, Friends, and Allies of LGBTQIA People (PFLAG)

Parents, Families, Friends and Allies of LGBTQIA People (PFLAG) is the nation's largest family and ally organization. Uniting people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA) with families, friends, and allies, PFLAG is committed to advancing equality and full societal affirmation of LGBTQIA people through its threefold mission of support, education, and advocacy. There are many chapters in Texas with local chapters in San Marcos, Seguin, Austin, and San Antonio. Find a PFLAG Chapter here.


Ombuds Services: Dean of Students (DOS)

If your student has a grievance with another person associated with the university, they have multiple options to deal with the situation. Not addressing the issue often leads to compounding the problem and added stress. The Dean of Students Office provides Ombuds Services to address concerns of currently enrolled Texas State students, such as university instructor/professor conflicts, challenges with employers, or issues concerning grades. The DOS also makes referrals to other campus departments or offices when necessary.

The Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX

Discrimination, harassment, and sexual assault can impact a student's emotional and psychological well-being. The Texas State University Equal Opportunity and Title IX Office provides a safe place for reporting, investigating and addressing incidents involving discrimination, harassment, or sexual assault. You can make an online report, or contact Alexandria Hatcher, Title IX Coordinator, at 512.245.2539.

First-Gen Proud

TXST is proud to support First Generation students and offers information, resources, and the FLIP at Texas State Student Organization.

TXST Monarch Center for Immigrant Students

The Monarch Center is a virtual hub, streamlining communications and access to immigration resources, programs, and research available to all Texas State students.


Student Learning Assistance Center (SLAC)

The Student Learning Assistance Center (SLAC) provides academic support programs including a walk-in tutoring lab, Supplemental Instruction, Tutor Corps for student veterans, and online resources. Located in the Alkek Library, students may use any of SLAC's resources at no additional cost.

Dean of Students- Compassion, Advocacy, Resources, & Education (CARE) Center

A key factor for students to be academically successful is to stay connected to their peers and school. The Dean of Students CARE Center helps students get connected, find support, and adjust to being a Texas State Bobcat. Support and programming initiatives are provided for specific student populations such as students who grew up in the foster care system and/or were adopted, and students who are parents.

Personalized Academic and Career Exploration (PACE)

Freshmen year of college can often feel the most intimidating. Students navigating all the different life changes can start to feel overwhelmed. If you are concerned about your student or you would like your student to be proactive, PACE at Texas State is a resource for them to talk to someone about personal and academic challenges. PACE provides comprehensive academic advising and programs for first-year students. They specialize in supporting students' academic success as they gain a better sense of who they are. Services are available by appointment and include course recommendations, GPA calculation/projection, setting academic goals, and exploration of possible majors.

Student Services @ Round Rock

Student Services, located on the Round Rock campus in the Avery Building, Suite 201, provides information and assistance for a variety of services, such as advising, financial aid, and Veterans Affairs. Services are offered via phone or in person by appointment.

Office of Disability Services (ODS)

The Office of Disability Services strives to promote equal access to all university programs and activities for students with disabilities. 

Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) — Vocational Rehabilitation Services

TWC is a state agency that assists individuals with disabilities by providing a variety of services to them as they enter employment or return to work. For students with disabilities, TWC may assist them in their quest to earn a degree and enhance their employability. On-campus office: 512.245.3625. San Marcos Office: 512.396.7930.


Attorney for Students

Supporting your student with renting an apartment can bring up many questions. The Attorney for Students provides useful information regarding leases. Current Texas State students can also seek consultations from them regarding a variety of legal issues that can arise during college.

211texas.org

Texas Health and Human Services provides a search engine by zip code for resources related to housing, employment, food, veterans, crisis/emergency, income/expenses, legal aid, criminal justice, aging/disability, health/medical, mental health, and child care/education.

findhelp.org

This curated database of resources allows you to search by zip code for food, housing, goods, transit, health, money, care, education, work, and legal resources. It is provided by findhelp, a Public Benefit Corporation.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Is the cost of tuition causing your student stress? Are you interested in seeing what loans and scholarships your student may be eligible for? Money can be a huge contributing factor to our daily stress and the Financial Aid and Scholarship office of Texas State can help your student navigate their options.

Bobcat Gold

How ready are if your student for their next bill, or their next adventure, or their next decision? Are they thinking ahead? Or are they putting out fires? With the proper coaching, education, and some moxie on your part, they can take agency of they financial future. IGRAD, Financial Advising, and Job Coaching are available resources to assist them in navigating their financial needs.

 


Career Services

Is your student unsure what career field they want to pursue? Do they need help finding a job, preparing for an interview, or improving their resume? Texas State's Career Services provides compassionate, comprehensive career assistance free of charge to students. Services incorporate leading practices to guide students through all stages of their career development and progression.

On-Campus Jobs


Students looking to work on-campus can find a wide variety of opportunities. All on campus jobs are posted on Handshake. 


Crisis and Suicide Prevention Resources

Numerous organizations provide crisis and suicide prevention hotlines, text, and chat room support. They can also provide consultation for family members who are concerned about their student.

Therapy Assistance Online (TAO)

Texas State students can use TAO, an interactive, dynamic, easy-to-access online program that provides support for anxiety, depression and other common concerns. In TAO self-help, they can watch short videos and complete skill-building exercises. They can use TAO as it fits their schedule and needs:

•The exercises can be completed through a smartphone, tablet, or computer

•TAO programs are accessible online 24/7

The Jed Foundation

The Jed Foundation is the nation's leading organization that works to promote emotional health and prevent suicide among college and university students. They offer information specifically for loved ones of college students.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. Students can get involved with the NAMI Cats chapter at Texas State.

Graduate College Resources

The Graduate College has compiled advice and resources from around the web on various topics related to supporting graduate students.

Active Minds

Active Minds is the nation's only nonprofit organization dedicated to utilizing the student voice to raise mental health awareness among college students. Their website offers resources and help.

Ulifeline

ULifeline is an anonymous online resource where individuals can learn more about their thoughts and feelings, and reach out for help if necessary. Individuals can visit ULifeline.org to take a confidential screening, research health conditions or locate resources available on their campus.

211texas.org

Texas Health and Human Services provides a search engine by zip code for resources related to housing, employment, food, veterans, crisis/emergency, income/expenses, legal aid, criminal justice, aging/disability, health/medical, mental health, and child care/education.

findhelp.org

This curated database of resources allows you to search by zip code for food, housing, goods, transit, health, money, care, education, work, and legal resources. It is provided by findhelp, a Public Benefit Corporation.

Inside Higher Ed

Inside Higher Ed is the leading digital media company serving the higher education space. Their mission is to serve the entire higher education ecosystem - individuals, institutions, corporations, and nonprofits - with the best editorial and marketing solutions in our space.


At-Risk Training

At-Risk training is an online course in recognizing the signs of a student in distress. It provides scenarios and allows Texas State students to practice how to know when someone is in distress, approach them in a caring manner, discuss your concerns, and guide them to the right source for help.