Complaint Resolution Process

The University and the University Counseling Center staff are committed to pursuing appropriate resolution of complaints. We support students in their right to file a complaint for legitimate grievances and will not retaliate in any way against a student filing a complaint. See the Student Handbook and the University Complaint Resolution procedure for information on how to file a complaint.

There are also complaint resolution procedures specific to the University Counseling Center.

1. If a student believes his/her privacy rights have been violated, or the student has a conflict with the UCC office and/or a particular UCC staff person, the student may file a complaint with Dr. Carla Berkich, the Director of the University Counseling Center at (361) 825-2703. Resolution of the issue may be reached at this level. If satisfactory resolution is not reach at this level, or if circumstances are such that a complaint cannot be discussed with the UCC Director, the student should contact the Dean of Students or the Vice-President for Student Affairs to explore options for resolution.
2. When a student is substantially limited in performing a major life activity due to a mental illness, the student may be protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. If a student believes his/her rights have been violated under the ADA or Section 504, s/he may file a complaint with Mr. Sam Ramirez, ADA Compliance Officer and Director of Equal Opportunity and Employee Relations at (361) 825-5826 or with the Office for Civil Rights.
3. UCC professional counselors comply with the laws of Texas governing mental health service delivery, the ethical guidelines of the American Psychological Association (APA), and the regulations of the professional licensure/ethics boards to which s/he may be professionally accountable. If a student would like to file a formal complaint, s/he may do so, in writing, with the appropriate licensing board.

• Psychologists are governed by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (512-305-7700). Procedures for filing a complaint can be found at http://www.tsbep.state.tx.us/ .
• Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) are governed by the Texas Department of State Health Services (512-834-6658). Procedures for filing a complaint can be found at http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/counselor/ .
• Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselors (LCDC) are governed by the Texas Department of State Health Services (1-800-832-9623). Procedures for filing a complaint can be found at http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/lcdc/ .
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) are governed by the Texas Department of State Health Services (1-800-942-5540). Procedures for filing a complaint can be found at http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/mft/default.shtm .
• Psychiatrists are governed by the Texas Board of Medicine (1-800-248-4062). Procedures for filing a complaint can be found at http://www.tmb.state.tx.us/consumers/complain/complain.php .