Mental Health
Mental Health Services offered by the Student Health Center
The Student Health Center offers psychiatric assessment, psychiatric medication treatment and psychological treatment for mental health problems and for physical problems that have a psychological component. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 974-2251.
Psychiatric Assessment and Medication Treatment
Generally, a referral from a medical physician, psychologist, counselor, faculty or administrator is required for a psychiatric assessment. However, students experiencing a psychiatric emergency and students with a history of prior or ongoing psychiatric medication treatment may schedule an appointment directly with the psychiatrist, Ed Smith, MD, or psychiatric nurse practitioner, Lucy Kniseley, PMHCNS-BC. When in doubt whether psychiatric medication or psychological treatment is needed, students should first schedule an appointment with the psychologist.
Psychological Treatment
Psychological evaluations, psychotherapy and short-term counseling are available for students experiencing psychological and physiological symptoms related to stress, medical conditions, and psychological issues. Generally, a referral from the medical staff, faculty, or university administrator is required for psychological treatment with the clinical psychologist. However, graduate students and students with a prior history of psychological treatment may schedule an appointment directly with the psychologist, William K. Hahn, Ph.D.
Other Resources on Campus for Mental Health Services
The Student Counseling Center is the university's primary facility for personal counseling, psychotherapy, and psychological outreach and consultation services. Student Counseling Center staff members provide a variety of services for students, faculty, and staff including walk-in intake, crisis intervention, ADHD evaluations, individual, couples and group counseling and psychotherapy, and psychoeducational workshops and consultation.
The UT Psychological Clinic is a university-based agency that provides out-patient psychological services to residents of the Knoxville area. Graduate student clinicians offer quality mental health services to students and residents of the surrounding community at affordable, sliding-scale fees.
The University has developed the VolAware: Distressed Student Protocol as a guide for faculty and staff in helping distressed or distressing students. If the student’s behavior represents an immediate threat CALL 911. If the threat is not immediate, but you are concerned the student may harm self or others call (865) 974-HELP (4357)
Mental Health Staff
William K. Hahn, Ph.D.
Specialty: Clinical Psychology
Office Location: Room 213
To Schedule an Appointment: (865) 974-2251
Lucy Jane Kniseley
Nurse Practitioner
Office Location: Room 214
To Schedule an Appointment: (865) 974-2251
Ed Smith, MD
Specialty: Psychiatry
Office Location: Room 215
To Schedule an Appointment: (865) 974-3135