First appointment:

Prior to your first appointment, we ask students to complete the intake forms that can be accessed online through your Counseling Center Student Portal https://actx.medicatconnect.com. To complete these forms, register your account using your ACConnect log-in and password and select the Forms tab.

These forms consist of contact information, background information, consent forms, and assessments of current symptoms. During an initial visit to the Amarillo College Counseling Center, a counselor will work with the student to clarify and assess concerns. The student and counselor will then work together to set counseling goals based around the presenting concerns and develop a treatment plan to address these concerns.

Due to scheduling and ensuring that students are matched with the best counselor for their individual needs, the initial appointment may not be conducted by the counselor with whom treatment is provided. Counseling is a collaborative effort between the client and counselor, so we encourage open and honest communication to ensure we develop the best plan for your specific needs.

Follow-up appointments:

Appointments scheduled as part of a student's treatment plan will be established through collaboration of schedules with the student and counselor. We encourage continuity of care, and follow-up appointments will be continued with the same counselor except for unique circumstances.

Treatment is often held weekly, biweekly, or monthly, depending upon the students' unique goals and treatment plan, as well as counselor availability. Prior to follow-up appointments, counselors will often ask that assessments be completed (such as the CCAPS, PHQ-9, GAD-7, etc.) to evaluate and ensure progress.

Forms will be delegated by the individual counselor and can be found under the Forms tab in your Counseling Center Student Portal https://actx.medicatconnect.com.

Missed, canceled, or late attended appointments:

The Counseling Center has an obligation to provide services to all Amarillo College students and, as such, has a limited pool of available sessions; therefore, we strongly encourage consistent attendance not only to ensure your individual progress but that of other students as well. We ask if you are unable to attend your appointment or happen to be running late. Please notify us at (806) 371-5900 as soon as possible in order to best serve our students.

Failing to notify us of an absence less than 24 hours in advance will be considered a no-show. Notifying less than 2 hours prior to an appointment will be considered a late cancellation. After two no-shows or late cancellations, the Counseling Center will be obligated to reassess your treatment plan, which may include change in scheduled appointment times or referrals to other services outside of the Counseling Center. In the event that appointments must be cancelled due to attendance, students will be provided additional resources and referrals.