Ivan Allen College Adds Satellite Counselor Program To Support Student Mental Health

Posted September 15, 2021

Mental health services are now more accessible to students in the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts through a new satellite counseling program managed by the Georgia Tech Counseling Center (GTCC).

Frances “Fran” Exley will serve as the College’s satellite counselor to assist students, faculty, and staff with specific, non-emergency student concerns; answer self-help resource inquiries; or to provide more information about mental health support on campus.

Exley’s office is housed within the College’s Office of the Dean to meet individuals in a central location. She also will be available to conduct workshops and respond to requests for outreach within Ivan Allen College.

Providing a satellite location within the College for counseling offers the benefit of convenience and accessibility for anyone seeking immediate services while also minimizing the stigma of mental health and the hesitancy some have in seeking counseling services. 

Virtual consultations are currently available with Exley. Consults typically last 15 minutes and can be requested by emailing frances.exley@studentlife.gatech.edu.

Exley is available for consultations on the following days:

• Mondays 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Tuesdays 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. 
• Wednesdays 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. 
• Thursdays 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Fridays 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Students can continue to reach out to the Center for Assessment, Referral and Education (GT CARE) and GTCC for mental health services. To schedule an initial assessment and to be connected to health and wellness resources, contact GT CARE at (404) 894-3498. Current clients can continue to reach their GTCC counselor via email.

Those seeking mental health support after hours can call the GTCC main number at 404-894-2575 and follow the prompts to speak with an after-hours counselor. For more information regarding upcoming workshops, Let’s Talk sessions, and online offerings, visit the GTCC website.

Ivan Allen College is the latest college on campus to host a counselor within its offices since GTCC launched its satellite model in Fall 2019. Once fully-staffed, colleges and departments across campus will house nine satellite counselors.