cherry blossums blooming

Counseling

We are here to support you.

Mission:

The Counseling and Wellness Center is committed to offering proactive and holistic mental health opportunities that are accessible, collaborative, and innovative in addressing student wellness needs. These services are rooted in respect, compassion, and social justice.

Vision:

The vision of the Counseling and Wellness Center is to enhance the overall wellness and mental health of our students across identities and experiences. We create space where students feel supported as their full selves to find success as they define it.

What We Do:

Check out our Overview of Counseling + Wellness Services Video to answer some basic questions about counseling services at TCC.

At Tacoma Community College we have a Counseling Team that cares deeply about your growth and success, and we are here to support you.

The TCC Counseling Team:

Provides online and in person individual counseling services
- Personal and Mental Health Counseling
- Career Counseling
- Academic Counseling & Support
Facilitates Mental Health Groups
Facilitates Workshops and Presentations related to Mental Health, Wellness, and College Success
Teaches in Human Development (HD) Courses for credit

Services are Provided:

Online and In Person Individual Counseling Services are offered Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 6 pm.
All online counseling sessions will be offered using a telehealth platform called "Doxy.me." This HIPPA and FERPA compliant program (similar to "FaceTime" or "Skype") will allow us to provide you with confidential counseling.
All in-person counseling sessions will be conducted on campus in Building 7- The Counseling & Advising Center. You'll check in at the Front Desk and your Counselor will come get you
Workshops, groups, and other offerings will be noted type of facilitation and location

TCC Counseling provides free and confidential help to all students.

We all face challenges and obstacles in college and in life. You may have moments that are not easy to talk about such as personal challenges, mental health diagnoses, relational concerns, academic struggles, and career indecision. It’s difficult to focus on school when you’re feeling overwhelmed in other areas of your life. It can seem like you're the only one struggling with these issues, but you are not. All TCC students can access free and confidential counseling services from our trained staff in areas such as:

Academic + Career Anxiety
Anxiety + Depression
Stress + Loneliness + Identity
Indecision + Planning
Grief + Loss
Relationships
Transitional Support
Drugs + Alcohol
Career Planning
Veteran Concerns
Suicide + Self-harm
Other...

Prior to the first meeting, you will receive an email with the next steps for accessing your appointment (whether in person or with our online platform Doxy.me), as well as links to our online confidentiality and informed consent forms, which will provide us with critical contact information to best serve you.

We are unable to provide counseling services to TCC students who live outside the state of Washington due to telehealth restrictions, and licensing requirements.

If you are in need of out of state referrals or referrals outside of TCC, please email tccpersonalcounseling@tacomacc.edu. You can also consult with your insurance provider’s directory, or visit the following websites to find a counselor in your area.

Scheduling an Appointment

***CLOSURE NOTE DUE TO QUARTER BREAK: Starting 12/12/24 TCC Counseling will be closed due to the break in the quarter. We will resume providing counseling services starting Winter Quarter 2025 on 1/6/25. During the closure between fall and winter quarters, you will NOT see any availability listed on our Counseling Boookings page as TCC Counseling is closed. All counselors will be unavailable 12/12-1/6 so will not be taking any appointments at that time. Please refer to the accordion section below about emergency services and off campus offerings should you need support over the Winter Break. We apologize for any inconvenience.***

As we get closer to Winter Quarter 2025, you can use the following ways to schedule an appointment for TCC Counseling:

Please use the TCC Counseling Bookings page if you'd like to schedule an appointment using the online system for mental health, personal, career, or other wellness counseling. As Winter quarter gets closer, you may use the Microsoft Bookings page to schedule, but please note that it only shows availability for 14 days at a time. That does not mean the entire month of January will be booked but that you can only see 14 days at one time. If you are not able to find a space that works for you on the Booking page, you can check back the next day and/or use one of the below methods to schedule an appointment with one of our Counselors when school is in session. Please also pay attention to the type of session you are looking for, online or in person when you are scheduling.

If you know the specific counselor you would like to schedule with, you may email your counselor directly using the links below.

You may also choose to contact the Counseling Center Staff Email: tccpersonalcounseling@tacomacc.edu.

You can also schedule a counseling appointment by visiting the Counseling and Advising Center in Building 7, or by calling 253-566-5122.

Once your information is received, you will be contacted within 1-2 business days* and provided with the counseling session paperwork. At that time, we will also deliver next steps for accessing your counseling appointment.

***Please note, there may be a further delay in response over the break in quarters when TCC Counseling is closed. If you require immediate services, consider a crisis line or emergency services whose numbers are below.**

*Emails received on weekends and/or holidays may not be reviewed for up to 72-hours.

Note: If you are looking for help with advising, registration, course selection, and/or education planning, please touch base with TCC Advising Center at advising@tacomacc.edu or 253-566-6091.

Book An Appointment

Meet Our Team

An image of the 6 counseling staff standing in a line in fall 2024

All of our counselors are professionally trained, and college faculty.

Meet Our Counselors

Upcoming Counseling Workshops & Events

TCC Counseling offers free workshops and events to and for the campus community surrounding themes related to mental health and wellness. All are welcome to join us to learn more!

Winter Quarter 2025 Counseling Workshops & Offerings

Crafting Connections Workshop BiWeekly Series (Session 1) on 1/21 from 1:30-3:30pm in Building 8 Room 2 / Facilitated by Lexie Generous

We will engage in a different craft each biweekly session while connecting in community to foster coping and care. Tailored to all skill levels. Come with a spirit of curiousity, compassion, and creativity! These are Drop In Style so come as you can held in Odd Weeks on Tuesdays of Winter Quarter 2025. So we will meet 1/21, 2/4, 2/18, and 3/4 doing a different craft activity designed to help destress and connect each session.

Mindful Moments Workshop on 11/23 from 11-12pm in Building 8 Room 3 / Facilitated by Kim Warnick

Come learn some skills and take a break. Session will discuss guided visualizations, breathing and grounding, sensory comforts, thought-diffusion, and art and coloring as tactics to mindfully unwind together.

Finding Balance in Stressful Times: Understanding how the Nervous System Impacts Stress & Shut Down Workshop on 1/30 from 1-2:30pm in Building 8 Room 3 / Facilitated by Gaby Valdez

Do you feel overwhelmed? Do you have a tendency to respond to stress by shutting down? This workshop will help you understand how to regulate your nervous system and build your tolerance to stress.

Crafting Connections Workshop Bi-Weekly Series (Session 2) on 2/4 from 1:30-3:30pm in Building 8 Room 2 / Facilitated by Lexie Generous

We will engage in a different craft each biweekly session while connecting in community to foster coping and care. Tailored to all skill levels. Come with a spirit of curiousity, compassion, and creativity! These are Drop In Style so come as you can held in Odd Weeks on Tuesdays of Winter Quarter 2025. So we will meet 1/21, 2/4, 2/18, and 3/4 doing a different craft activity designed to help destress and connect each session.

Embracing a Reliable Friend: Beginners Guide to Managing Anxiety Workshop on 2/6 from 12:30-2pm in Building 8 Room 2 / Facilitated by Nigeria Bell

This workshop will teach you tools and trips to manage and navigate anxiety

Navigating Imposter Syndrome Workshop on 2/6 from TBD in TBD / Facilitated by Nigeria Bell & Lexie Generous

This workshop will be part of the prep week for the Internship Fair in Winter 2025

Crafting Connections Workshop Bi-Weekly Series (Session 3) on 2/18 from 1:30-3:30pm in Building 8 Room 2 / Facilitated by Lexie Generous

We will engage in a different craft each biweekly session while connecting in community to foster coping and care. Tailored to all skill levels. Come with a spirit of curiousity, compassion, and creativity! These are Drop In Style so come as you can held in Odd Weeks on Tuesdays of Winter Quarter 2025. So we will meet 1/21, 2/4, 2/18, and 3/4 doing a different craft activity designed to help destress and connect each session.

Cultivating Thriving Relationships Workshop on 2/19 from 12-1:30pm in Senate Room / Facilitated by James Mendoza

Come learn tools and strategies to help cultivate healthy thriving relationships.

Grief, Loss, & Healing Workshop on 2/27 from 12:30-1:30pm in Senate Room / Facilitated by Dave Howard

A workshop on the dynamics of grief and loss as well as ways to move forward.
Folks who were hoping to take HD 120 as a course could get a preview of potential material through this workshop.

Crafting Connections Workshop Bi-Weekly Series (Session 4) on 3/4 from 1:30-3:30pm in Building 8 Room 2 / Faciliated by Lexie Generous

We will engage in a different craft each biweekly session while connecting in community to foster coping and care. Tailored to all skill levels. Come with a spirit of curiousity, compassion, and creativity! These are Drop In Style so come as you can held in Odd Weeks on Tuesdays of Winter Quarter 2025. So we will meet 1/21, 2/4, 2/18, and 3/4 doing a different craft activity designed to help destress and connect each session.

TCC Recovery Group- Weekly Meeting Dates & Times TBD / Facilitated by Peers in Recovery & Lexie Generous

This open recovery group is for all individuals who suffer with substance misuse of any kind. For more information, please contact Lexie Generous at lgenerous@tacomacc.edu

***If you'd like to request a presentation or workshop by TCC Counseling, we ask that you please fill out this TCC Counseling Presentation, Workshop, or Training Request Form. This is a new model we are trying in Winter 2025 to help to accomodate the requests and student mental health needs. We ask that folks make requests at least 30 days in advance, but the more advanced notice we can get the better able to successfully fulfill the requests. If we are unable, we will work to come up with an alternative option. We appreciate your patience and requests for collaboration and will try our best. Thanks!***

Fall Quarter 2024 Counseling Workshops & Offerings

Time Management: Key to Success in College & Beyond Workshop on 10/9 from 11:30-12:30pm in Building 8 Room 2 / Facilitated by James Mendoza

Do you feel like you don't have enough hours in a day to do all your tasks? This workshop will teach you how to think of time as a valuable and finite resource and to use it effectively.

Embracing a Reliable Friend: A Beginners Guide to Anxiety Workshop on 10/17 from 12:30-2pm in Senate Room/ Facilitated by Nigeria Bell

This workshop will teach you tools and trips to manage and navigate anxiety

Coping Skills: Arts & Crafts Edition on 10/29 from 1:30-2:30pm in Building 8 Room 3 / Facilitated by Lexie Generous

All are welcome to attend to learn about different coping tools and create tangible crafty takeaways to use to help care for yourself

Healing in Color: Exploring our Identities through Art & Community (Workshop) on 11/5 from 12-1:30pm in Senate Room / Facilitated by Gaby Valdez

**This workshop will be centering students who identify as a BIPOC Woman.*
The goal of this workshop will be to provide a safe space to students who identify as BIPOC Women. We will discuss identity, increase belonging, and do art collage.

Loss, Grief, & Healing Workshop on Tuesday 11/12 from 11:30-12:30 in Senate Room / Facilitated by Dave Howard

A workshop on the dynamics of grief and loss as well as ways to move forward.
This workshop is a preview to the HD 120: Loss, Grief, and Healing 3credit class to be offered in Winter 2024.

TCC Recovery Group Meets Weekly on Thursdays from 1-2pm in Building 8 Room 3 / Facilitated by Peers in Recovery & Lexie Generous

This open recovery group is for all individuals who suffer with substance misuse of any kind. For more information, please contact Lexie Generous at lgenerous@tacomacc.edu

More Counseling and Crisis Resources

- Pierce County Crisis Line 1-800-576-7764
- King County Crisis Line 1-866-427-4747
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 988 or 1-800-273-TALK
- Culturally Responsive Crisis Counselor text STEVE to 741741
- United Way Helpline 2-11 or 1-877-211-9274
- Sexual Assault Crisis Line-Tacoma1-800-756-7273
- National Sexual Assault Hotline- RAINN1-800-656-4673
- WA State Domestic Violence Helpline 1-800-562-6025
- National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233
- WA Recovery Helpline 1-866-789-1511
- SAMHSA National Hotline 1-800-662-HELP
- Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255 Press 1
- For Immediate/Urgent Emergencies, call 911
- As a starting place, we would recommend you consult with your insurance providers directory. It is also best practice to double check with anyone you might be inquiring about services with to ensure they do in fact currently accept your insurance.
- If you do not have insurance or need additional resources to find a counselor in your area, visit the following websites:
  - Psychology Today
  - Open Path Collective
  - Good Therapy
  - Pierce County Behavioral Health Locator Website
  - Local Organizations like SeaMar-Behavioral Health sites, Greater Lakes-Mental Health Services, Community Health Care- Behavioral Health Services and Multicare Behavioral Health Services (for each there are multiple locations to search from)
  - National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network (NQTTCN) Directory
  - Asian American Therapist Directory- AMHC
  - Healthline Tips for Finding the Right Therapist
- Faculty & Staff: Students In Distress Chart (PDF)
- You can visit the Matters of Concern webpage to report concerns about students to our BIT Team. They can help connect the student with the appropriate supports and/or channels for their concern.
- In case of an emergency or crisis that involves harm to oneself or other people, please connect with Campus Public Safety or 9-11
- If you'd like to consult on the best ways to support a student you are concerned about or refer them to Counseling for outreach, please email tccpersonalcounseling@tacomacc.edu
For Winter 2025, we will have the following workshops and events available for all who'd like to attend, unless otherwise noted:
- Crafting Connections Workshop BiWeekly Series (Session 1) on 1/21 from 1:30-3:30pm in Building 8 Room 2 / Facilitated by Lexie Generous
- Mindful Moments Workshop on 11/23 from 11-12pm in Building 8 Room 3 / Facilitated by Kim Warnick
- Finding Balance in Stressful Times: Understanding how the Nervous System Impacts Stress & Shut Down Workshop on 1/30 from 1-2:30pm in Building 8 Room 3 / Facilitated by Gaby Valdez
- Crafting Connections Workshop Bi-Weekly Series (Session 2) on 2/4 from 1:30-3:30pm in Building 8 Room 2 / Facilitated by Lexie Generous
- Embracing a Reliable Friend: Beginners Guide to Managing Anxiety Workshop on 2/6 from 12:30-2pm in Building 8 Room 2 / Facilitated by Nigeria Bell
- Navigating Imposter Syndrome Workshop on 2/6 from TBD in TBD / Facilitated by Nigeria Bell & Lexie Generous
- Crafting Connections Workshop Bi-Weekly Series (Session 3) on 2/18 from 1:30-3:30pm in Building 8 Room 2 / Facilitated by Lexie Generous
- Cultivating Thriving Relationships Workshop on 2/19 from 12-1:30pm in Senate Room / Facilitated by James Mendoza
- Grief, Loss, & Healing Workshop on 2/27 from 12:30-1:30pm in Senate Room / Facilitated by Dave Howard
- Crafting Connections Workshop Bi-Weekly Series (Session 4) on 3/4 from 1:30-3:30pm in Building 8 Room 2 / Faciliated by Lexie Generous
For Fall 2024, we will have the following workshops and events available for all who'd like to attend, unless otherwise noted:
- Time Management: Key to Success in College & Beyond Workshop on 10/9 from 12-1 in Building 8 Room 2 / Facilitated by James Mendoza
- Embracing a Reliable Friend: A Beginners Guide to Managing Anxiety Workshop on 10/17 from 12:30-2pm in Senate Room/ Facilitated by Nigeria Bell
- Coping Skills Workshop: Arts & Craft Edition on 10/29 from 1:30-2:30pm in Building 8 Room 3 / Facilitated by Lexie Generous
- Healing in Color: Exploring our Identities through Art & Community (Workshop/Group) on 11/5 from 12-1:30pm in Senate Room / Facilitated by Gaby Valdez
- Loss, Grief, & Healing Workshop on 11/12 from 11:30-12:30 in Senate Room / Facilitated by Dave Howard
- TCC Recovery Group will meet weekly Thursdays 1-2pm in 8-3 for Fall 2024 / Facilitated by Lexie Generous & Peers in Recovery
What is Counseling at TCC? Are you trained and licensed like counselors or therapists in the community?

Counselors with TCC Counseling are professionals who hold a Master's Degree (or higher) related to mental health, pyschology, or another associated field. They are trained to help people with personal and emotional issues and concerns. Many of our providers are licensed mental health providers through the Department of Health (DOH) like counselors or therapists in private practice or other community mental health agencies. You can visit our Meet the Counselors Bio Page for more information about our counseling team members.

What is the difference between the Advising Center and Counseling Services?

The Advising Center helps students plan their academic goals, including what classes to take, when to take those classes, registration support, how to complete an education plan, and setting yourself up for transfering to other institutions. Counseling Services is place where a student can get support with mental health, personal, or emotional struggles, concerns, or goals. At times academic goals and personal goals can be intertwined, and counselings will sometimes provide academic guidance where appropriate. You should check out the Advising Center website for more information about their services.

Do I need to make an appointment to be seen by a counselor?

Yes we highly recommend making an appointment to meet with our counselors. Appointments can be made by utilizing the TCC Counseling Bookings page, calling 253-566-5122, or emailing tccpersonalcounseling@tacomacc.edu with your availability.

Exceptions may be made if there is an emergency and pending counselor availability; but cannot be guaranteed on a walk in basis. If you are in crisis or have an urgent need to speak to someone, please refer to 911, Campus Security, or one of crisis services listed above including one of the 24/7 Hotlines like Suicide Lifeline 988 or 741 741.

Will services cost me anything?

There is no fee charged for enrolled TCC students to access TCC Counseling services. Our individual counseling, groups, and workshops are free.

If you elect to take a course for credit in Human Development (HD) arena which we help facilitate, those classes are charged based on current campus tuition rates. Please visit the Class Search function in CTCLink to see current and upcoming course offerings.

How long is a counseling session?

Typically, the length of a session is fifty (50) minutes but will be scheduled for an hour to help with transition time. In very rare cases, sessions may be made for longer based on your treatment plan but that will be worked out on a case by case basis with your counselor.

Can TCC Counseling prescribe medication? Do you have a nurse practioner or psychiatrist on staff?

We don't have a medical professional able to prescribe medications, but if necessary, we can refer you to a medical provider who can collaborate with us or help meet the medical management component of your care plan.

Do you provide career counseling?

Yes we can help with career exploration and career counseling. We work closely with the assessments and other offerings on campus and can help folks process through or dig deeper into their results. If you are wanting more support related to resumes, interviews, job searches, and exploring options and paths, we recommend you connect with TCC Career Center.

How do I cancel an appointment?

You can cancel an appointment by calling the Counseling & Advising Front Desk at 253-566-5122 or emailing the counselor you are scheduled with directly. (You can find our emails linked above with our names above near our group picture.) The earlier you can give us notice about the need to cancel or change your appointment the better please. Failure to communicate a need to cancel may result in a conversation about our No Show policy.

If the college is closed, will I still have my scheduled appointment?

If the college is closed due to bad weather or an emergency, the Counseling Center will also be closed. If you have a scheduled appointment during a campus closure, your appointment may be cancelled. Check your Titan Alerts to stay up to date with campus closures and emergencies.

If campus is closed due to a break in the academic calendar or between quarters, counseling services is unavailable and we encourage you to refer to one of the emergency/crisis services or off campus providers (options listed above.)

How do you communicate with other health providers or folks in my life?

If it is beneficial for us to communicate with others, we will ask you to sign a written release of information before we contact other providers.

In cases where concerns or health or safety have arised, we will follow our ethical standards which requires us to report harm to self or other people.

We are also bound to HIPAA & FERPA guidelines, in addition to our ethical confidentiality and ethics. We take confidentiality very seriously.
If you'd like to request a presentation or workshop by TCC Counseling, we ask that you please fill out this TCC Counseling Presentation, Workshop, or Training Request Form.

This is a new model we are trying in Winter 2025 to help to accomodate the requests and rising student mental health needs. We ask that folks make requests at least 30 days in advance, but the more advanced notice we can get the better able to successfully fulfill the requests. If we are unable to fulfill your request, we will work to come up with an alternative option. We appreciate your patience and requests for collaboration and will try our best. Thanks!***
For Fall 2024, TCC has a Recovery Group that meets on Thursdays from 1-2pm in Building 8 Room 3 starting 10/3-12/5. The group will not meet during class breaks/campus closures. (For Fall that means no Recovery Group on 11/28 for Fall Break and we will not meet 12/12 for Finals.)

For information on recovery groups or support for recovery in the area, please visit:
- Puget Sound AA Website for AA Meetings
- Pierce County NA Website for local NA Meetings
- Celebrate Recovery Group Finder
- Tacoma’s Recovery Center Website
- Tacoma Needle Exchange Website
- Washington State Cocaine Anonymous Website- Meeting Schedule
- Tacoma’s Gamblers Anonymous Website
- Pierce County Al Anon Website
In addition, there are a variety of programs and treatment type centers should that be of interest or need.
- WA State Directory of Behavioral Health Services- MH, SUD + Gambling
- SAMHSA Behavioral Health Treatment Locator
Here is general information about substance use and addiction:
- Resources for formerly incarcerated students

Assistance for staff and faculty

Personal counseling services for staff and faculty is available through TCC’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which can help with personal or work-related problems that may be impacting work performance.

Contact EAP

Report a Concern

Report student conduct code violations, behavior concerns, accessibility concerns, and equity/Title IX grievances at TCC

Report Here