University Counseling Service at Tippie

The Tippie College of Business prioritizes students' emotional and mental health by working to build emotional resilience in students to manage stressors experienced during college and prepare for careers. Tippie partners with University Counseling Services (UCS) to have Embedded Therapist, Kati Schneider, LISW. As an Embedded Therapist, Kati understands unique experiences and needs of business students; she is committed to fostering positive mental health and well being. For information on Kati's clinical approach, you can read her UCS staff bio.

UCS at Tippie is conveniently located in the Undergraduate Program Office (UPO) in Suite C140. You can schedule an appointment with Kati by e-mailing kati-schneider@uiowa.edu or calling UCS at 319-335-7294.

Tippie Thrive - Peers Supporting Peers

Tippie Thrive is a new program that focuses on strategies and programming to improve students' emotional and mental wellness. The mission of Tippie Thrive is to build emotional resilience and student success by providing opportunities for awareness, reflection, education, and support of mental and emotional needs through peer connections.

Tippie Thrive

Tippie Thrive will be led by the Tippie Thrive Advisory Board. The board will work to decrease stigma related to mental health, provide learning opportunities and support to students' emotional and mental health. Be on the lookout for events held by Tippie Thrive!

Tippie Thrive advisory board members
Tippie Thrive advisory board members
  • Kati Schneider-UCS Representative/Tippie Thrive Program Director
  • Adrienne Maxwell-UPO Representative/Tippie Thrive Program Director
  • Thomas Burgfechtel-Tippie Senate Representative
  • Ella Demaray-Member at large
  • Patrick Fornatto-Member at large
  • Alisa Gandhi-Member at large
  • Grace Hastings-Member at large
  • Madisen Jackson-Member at large
  • Luke Manley-Member at large
  • Rick Marolt-Faculty Representative
  • Mckenzie Turner-DEI Ambassador Representative

Clinical services

  • Brief individual therapy - approximately 4-10 individual sessions to focus on specific concerns, goals, and building skills
  • Consultation Appointments - collaboration with therapist and client to explore needs and develop goals  
  • One time appointment to problem solve a specific and present concern
  • Case management - assistance with accessing on and off campus resources
  • Group Therapy - meet with other clients/students to discuss concerns together with support of a therapist  

Currently enrolled Tippie students are eligible for clinical services with the embedded therapist. The UCS website provides more details about clinical eligibility.

Psychoeducation and consultation

  • In addition to individual therapy, as an Embedded Therapist, Kati focuses on reducing stigma of mental health by delivering skills-based workshops, presentations, and programming to support overall emotional and mental wellness; she is available to present to student organizations and classes. Kati is also a resource available to faculty and staff to consult with on specific concerns related to a student's emotional and mental health.

  • Mental health programming can be tailored to specific concerns and needs. Potential topics include self-care, stress management, managing anxiety and depression, team work, communication, leadership, and accessing University Counseling Services. Complete and submit our online form to request a mental health outreach program.

    Request an outreach program

Group and support therapy

Each semester a variety of processing and support groups are offered through UCS. Topics range from anxiety, ADHD, interpersonal, eating & body concerns, depression, chronic health, grief, and substance use. For more information on groups visit Group Therapy - University Counseling Service.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

If you are experiencing an emergency or crisis, call 911 or contact:

GuideLink Center | Adult Mental Health and Substance Use Services: 319-688-8000
CommUnity: 1-855-581-8111
UIHC Emergency Treatment Center: 319-356-2233
UCS at 319-335-7294 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to request a quick access or same-day appointment.

UI Support & Crisis Line - We're here for you any time, via chat, phone, or text. In partnership with CommUnity Crisis Services in Iowa City, the University of Iowa provides around-the-clock mental health crisis and support for all students.

I am worried about a friend, classmate, student, family member, etc. How might I support them?

Below are ways you can support someone about whom you have concern. You can also schedule a consultation with the embedded therapist to talk further.

  • The major way to support a troubled student is to listen and try to be nonjudgmental.
  • Just being present even when there is silence is also helpful.
  • You want to convey that you care, and you are willing to listen.
  • You want to be encouraging and hopeful but not minimizing.
  • If relevant, you can share similar experiences or feelings but do not take the spotlight.
  • Avoid promising total secrecy in case you need to reveal something to keep the student safe but be reassuring that you will respect the student's privacy.
  • Be clear that there are limits to your support and professional help is available.
  • Normalize help-seeking behavior.
  • If you are concerned whether the student is thinking about harming themself, ask directly.
  • Follow up and find out how the student is doing.

Additionally, students, faculty and staff can access training through the Kognito suicide prevention program, which is an online, interactive role-play simulation that builds awareness, knowledge, and skills about mental health and suicide prevention.

I'm feeling stressed. What are some resources I can try at home to cope with stress?

The UCS has self-paced resources available on their website (Coping through Covid-19 and Self-Help).

Some other things that are helpful:

  • Cultivate self-compassion. Notice how you are talking to yourself, and try to talk to yourself with the same kindness and care you would your dearest friend.
  • Make time for social connection. This could be talking with a supportive friend/family member, volunteering or participating in a student organization, introducing yourself to a classmate, etc.
  • Try to incorporate things you enjoy into your routine.
  • Get enough sleep (a challenge for many, and it very much matters). The Refresh program through Student Wellness is a great resource if you are wanting to improve your sleep.
  • If the stress you are experiencing is predictable, consider whether it is possible to change the situation or change your reaction. Examples include:
    • Change the situation
      • Avoid the stressor (e.g., by rearranging your schedule or surroundings, saying “no," etc.)
      • Alter the stressor (e.g., by asking others to change their behavior, communicating your needs, etc.)
    • Change your reaction
      • Adapt to the stressor (e.g., by adjusting your expectations, reframing the issue, etc.)
      • Accept that which you cannot change (e.g., acknowledging what is uncontrollable, talking with someone who is understanding, etc.)
  • Seek out help when you need it!

I am a faculty or staff member who is concerned about a student. How might the embedded therapist help me?

The embedded therapist is available for consultation with faculty and staff seeking guidance on how to support a student. If you have information you feel is important to share with the embedded therapist, you are encouraged to consult with the understanding that what you share can be shared with the student as well. Examples of when consultation can be helpful include:

  • You are alarmed by a student’s behavior or words (or example, if a student is feeling very sad or anxious or threatens to hurt themself or someone else)
  • When a student has not been attending class due to low mood or personal problems
  • When a student seems to be having a difficult time in their personal life
  • When a student demonstrates a drastic change in behavior
  • When you have read something in an assignment or observed something in class that raises your concern about a student’s wellbeing.

Depending on your needs, consultation can help you gain clarity on the situation and how you can personally respond or intervene, provide on- and off-campus resources, learn how to make a referral if appropriate, or clarify your own feelings about the student/situation and consider the ways you can be most effective. Remember the embedded therapist cannot reveal whether a student has attended or is currently attending counseling. You can access further information on helping students in emotional distress. See also the Quick Guide for Helping Students.

How do I connect a student with the Mental Health Therapist?

Staff and faculty can make referrals directly to the therapist if they have received verbal consent from a student to do so. Please note that the therapist does not make cold calls to students regarding services. Students are encouraged to contact the therapist directly if they would like to schedule an appointment or inquire about services. However, that is not always the best fit for students; if you have a student who has provided their consent, you can complete the referral form and e-mail it to kati-schneider@uiowa.edu.

What happens at my first appointment?

Prior to your first appointment, you will be asked to fill out some forms providing information about yourself and your concerns. During your appointment, the therapist will speak with you for about 50 minutes to learn more about your concerns, relevant history, and goals. Then you will have a collaborative discussion about what would be helpful next.

What can I expect as far as confidentiality is concerned?

As a mental healthcare provider, the embedded therapist is legally and ethically required to uphold standards of confidentiality. This means the therapist cannot release any protected/privileged information to professors, advisors, parents, or concerned friends without the student’s prior written informed consent. It also prohibits the embedded therapist and UCS staff from confirming or disconfirming that a student has made an appointment or attended sessions without the student’s prior written permission.

UCS records are kept separately from medical records and academic records. There are narrow exceptions when confidentiality must be broken, and these are:

  1. When the student is in imminent danger of harm to self or others
  2. In order to protect minors and dependent adults from current potential abuse
  3. If court-ordered by a judge in a current legal proceeding. The UCS website provides further information about confidentiality.

To protect your confidentiality. the therapist will work with you to determine the best way for you to enter the therapeutic office with the least visibility.

What do you mean by "mental health"?

Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It impacts how we think and feel, our relationships and how we relate to others, our abilities to adapt and cope with stress, and our sense of purpose and quality of life. There are many factors that affect our mental health, and they range from biological to psychological to environmental (including social, economic, and physical environments/systems).

Poor mental health and/or mental health disorders are often due to a complex interaction of these factors. It is not a person’s fault or a sign of weakness; nearly one in five U.S. adults will experience mental illness in a given year. With help and support in their recovery, people can lead meaningful and satisfying lives.

How will individual sessions be held?

Students have the choice to be seen in the office or by telehealth via Zoom. You will be asked your preference when you schedule your appointment,  Students will not be required to wear a mask for therapy while at the Tippie College of Business (masks may be required at other locations on campus); if you prefer the use of masks for in-person sessions, you can make that request to Kati. Please note: The therapist office at Tippie is considered a healthcare setting. At any point in the semester the therapist may require the use of masks or will change in-person sessions to telehealth.

During the time that tele-mental health services are provided you will be asked where you are currently located as part of the scheduling conversation. Each state has specific limitations set by that state about who can provide services to its residents.

Can I see a therapist at another location on campus?

Yes, we honor each student’s choice to have a therapist that is right fit for them. A student may prefer to see a therapist at a main campus location or with Housing and Dining (must meet eligibility) due to identity, location, availability, or other preferences.

Upcoming Wellness Events

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