Georgia Tech’s Counseling Center has expanded its staff and mental health services with the launch of a satellite counselor program. Through the program, clinically trained and licensed Counseling Center staff are now stationed in the College of Engineering and the College of Computing.
 

Q: Where are your offices located?

Q: What resources do you provide to the Georgia Tech community?

A: Counselors’ schedules include a variety of functions such as brief walk-in consultations to students, walk-in consultations for faculty and staff regarding a student, psychoeducational workshops and outreach, individual counseling, and group counseling.

Q: Can we refer students to you? If so, how?

A: Students who are wishing to formally access mental health services as clients will need to go through GT CARE (Center for Assessment, Referral and Education).

After the assessment, services which could be recommended may include psycho-educational workshops, group counseling, off-campus referrals, or brief individual counseling. If on-campus brief counseling is recommended, the student will be assigned to the next available counselor (and not necessarily the Satellite counselor, although the student can make the request).

Q: Is there anything unique/exciting that you bring to Georgia Tech?

  • Shiraz Karaa has fifteen years of experience in advocating for the mental health needs of college students from diverse backgrounds. She also has many years of intentional and active involvement in international and cultural issues.  One of the highlights of her college counseling career was seeing through the implementation of a holistic college community support program for students with specific background-defined needs that involved leading collaborative efforts with stakeholders and resulted in creating a dedicated, much needed, and viable space on campus for these students.
     
  • Melissa Massey has worked as a Licensed Professional Counselor since 2003, and in higher education for the past 10 years.  In addition to her clinical experience, Melissa enjoys drumming, and facilitating rhythm-based community events that integrate science, art, and ancient wisdom that is drawn from diverse backgrounds, cultures and beliefs.
     
  • ​Scott LaSalle is a licensed clinical social worker who has been working in the field of human services and education for over thirty years. He enjoys working holistically and focusing on ways to heal the mind, body, emotions, and spirit. He believes the key to maintaining wellness is loving and taking care of all aspects of the self.  He believes that we can reach our full potential if we release old unlimited beliefs and ways of thinking and embrace the truth of who we really are!

Q: Do you have any upcoming events that we can help you promote?

Depression Screening Day
Monday, March 2
12-2 p.m.
Piedmont Room
Student Center

Wellness and Stress Management Series
Tuesdays 11-11:50 a.m.
Instructional Center Room 109
 

Let’s Talk
Mondays 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Communication Center, Clough 447
Tuesdays 3-4 p.m.
CEED, Pettit Microelectronics (MiRC Bldg)

 

Q: What is your favorite part about working at Tech?

A: We feel grateful to be part of this new program that allows us to work collaboratively with various segments of the GT community in addressing the mental health needs of our students.  Being integrated into the colleges where students are learning, socializing, and meeting every day gives us an opportunity to connect and reach students/faculty/staff with whom we may not normally interact.  The Satellite Program is designed to help destigmatize mental health and serve those who might hesitate to go to our central location for counseling.

Q: Is there anything else that you would like for the GTAAN community to know about you and/or your role at Tech?

A: We’re excited to be part of this new program that allows us to expand the reach of the GT Counseling Center.  One way to increase accessibility is through walk-in consultation hours for students/faculty/staff that typically last approximately 10-15 minutes. The consultation can be used to learn more about counseling services or briefly address a concern. If after the consultation ongoing counseling services are deemed appropriate, the student will be referred to the GT CARE (Center for Assessment, Referral and Education ) for an initial assessment. Students are seen on a walk-in basis during office hours. CARE is located on the first floor of the Smithgall Student Services (Flag) Building, off the main atrium. For more information, call 404-894-3498 or visit care.gatech.edu.

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