This month marks the first anniversary of the University of Texas-Prairie View A&M University health benefits program. Located on the second floor of the Owens-Franklin Health Center, the Counseling Services department provides a multitude of free health and financial services for Prairie View students. “The Counseling Services department operates as a completely separate department from the Student Health Clinic,” says Dr. Ronald Briggs, director of Counseling Services. Among other things, the Department of Counseling Services offers professional advice on family and couple relationships, child rearing, illness or death of a loved one, academic or personal stress, alcohol or drug-related problems, victimization issues, coping with change, and anger management.
Not only does the counseling department seek to emotionally help Prairie View students, but financially as well. Financial services include comprehensive advice on matters relating to personal budgeting, credit advice, debt consolidation, free simple will and identity theft protection.
Since its inception a year ago, “the client load is going up every month,” says Briggs. Furthermore, the department provides easy, free and completely confidential counseling to help students better manage their lives. Counselors include Dr. Walter Pendelton, a licensed psychologist and drug/alcohol counselor. Ms. Jameca Williams, a licensed counselor with the UT Health Science Center, and Briggs, a licensed clinical social worker. Williams is available on campus every Monday and Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
To make an appointment, call the Owens-Franklin Health Clinic at (936) 857-2511. Call (713) 500-3327 or 1 (800) 346 3549 for emergency situations after the health clinic is closed at 6 p.m., weekdays for referrals, and on weekends and holidays.