GLBTQ Students
Who is Eligible for Counseling Services?
What Types of Groups are Available?
Do I need counseling?
Simply identifying that your gender or sexual orientation does not fall within the norm in our society does not mean you are mentally ill or need counseling. The need for assistance in dealing with these issues often arises because of external reactions to this “alternative” sexual orientation or gender expression rather than from inherent individual struggles. Negative‚ unsupportive messages or fear of reactions from family‚ employers‚ professors‚ friends‚ other students‚ church‚ and society in general can lead to feelings of guilt‚ fear‚ isolation‚ and lack of confidence for GLBTQ individuals who would otherwise be mentally healthy. Often‚ these environmental issues are what propel an individual to seek counseling.
An internal struggle that may motivate you to seek help is determining how to understand your sexual or gender identity. The college years are a time when many students begin to sort out their values and figure out who they are. It is not uncommon for students to question their sexual orientation or gender identity and explore how to integrate these with the rest of their life.
Finally‚ just because you do identify yourself as GLBTQ and do not struggle with that experience‚ does not mean that you are immune to any number of emotional‚ relational‚ developmental‚ or other psychological issues that affect many people. These may include depression‚ substance abuse‚ anxiety‚ relationship concerns‚ family problems‚ etc.
Thus‚ the Counseling Center can be of assistance to you if you are experiencing any of the following situations:
- you are experiencing tension and/or harassment from another due to your sexual orientation or gender identity.
- you feel at odds with social gender messages.
- you are exploring “coming out” to peers‚ professors‚ family or friends and would like help determining how to address these issues.
- you identify as bisexual and feel like nobody gets it.
- you are an GLBTQ person of color and are experiencing multiple forms of oppression.
- you are experiencing confusion about your sexual orientation or gender identity.
- you are trying to accept/understand another’s sexual orientation or gender and want to talk to someone who is open and nonjudgmental.
- you have an GLBTQ parent(s) and are concerned about establishing relationships with people who will accept your family’s diversity.
- you are comfortable with your sexual orientation and gender and want to address other issues with a therapist who is equally comfortable.
A therapist can also help if you are experiencing any of the following feelings:
- isolation and difficulty connecting with others
- depression‚ anxiety‚ loneliness
- dissatisfaction with your relationship
- concern about your alcohol/substance use
- uncertainty about your academic progress or career choice
How do I know it is safe?
- The services provided by the Counseling Center are confidential. What you choose to share with your counselor is protected by law.
- The Center has made a commitment to providing sensitive‚ quality service to the multicultural student community.
- There are counselors on staff that are open and non–judgmental about sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Counselors do not have hidden agendas and will not attempt to steer you in any given direction other than supporting your own emotional health goals.
- Counselors work from a multicultural perspective.
- The Center actively supports the University’s non–discrimination policy which includes sexual orientation.
- The Counseling Center is involved in many initiatives on campus that are seeking to transform the UK climate‚ making it a safer place for openly GLBTQ students.
Who is eligible for counseling services?
Any student enrolled and paying fees for at least 6 credit hours at the University of Kentucky can use Counseling & Testing services. If you took at least 6 credits in the spring and are pre–registered for 6 credits the next fall‚ you can also use our services during the summer. Doctoral candidates registered for 0 credit hour dissertation status are also eligible.
How do I make an appointment?
Call (859) 257–8701 or come to 201 Frazee Hall and request an appointment.
What services are provided?
- Individual Counseling and Group Counseling to help with personal problems.
- Career Decision Making Counseling and Assessment (testing)
- Learning Skills
- Workshops and Programs for classes‚ student groups‚ and the university community.
- Consultation to parents‚ faculty‚ and staff regarding distressed students.
- National Testing
- Testing Accommodations for students with special testing needs.
What types of groups are available?
- Therapy Groups
If you would like to work with a GLBTQ counselor or person of color‚ please let the receptionist know when you call for an appointment‚ or you can ask to speak to the GLBTQ liaison‚ Becky Tabony‚ Ph.D.
Campus Resources
GLBTQ Support Group at the Counseling & Testing Center Leaders: Colby Cohen–Archer‚ Ph.D. and Sherry Rostosky‚ Ph.D.
Other Resources
- OutProud
This website offers outreach‚ support‚ message boards‚ and brochures specifically geared for GLBTQ youth. It offers tools to aid in coming to terms with one’s sexuality. - Parent‚ Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays
This website offers tips and resources on how parents‚ families and friends of gay and lesbian people can cope with an adverse society‚ educate the public and promote equality. - Lambda 10 Project
This website seeks to heighten the visibility of gay issues through highlighting fraternity/sorority experiences‚ relevant news clips‚ and speakers for campus events. - Gay/Lesbian Politics and Law
Provides an up–to–date list of news and resources about law and political issues for gays and lesbians‚ including AIDS‚ hate crimes‚ parenting‚ the workplace‚ marriage and civil rights.
Some Web sites to which these materials provide links for the convenience of users are not managed by the University of Kentucky. The university does not review‚ control or take responsibility for the contents of those sites.
counseling & testing center . university of kentucky . 201 frazee hall . lexington‚ ky . 40506–0031 . (859) 257–8701 . fax (859) 257–3319