Well-Being Appointments

Shana Varnell, Psy.D. 
Doctor of Psychology in Counseling Psychology at Our Lady of the Lake University 
Licensed Psychologist 
Peter T. Flawn Academic Center (FAC) 2.264 
(512) 232-1949

Office Hours: Mondays & Tuesdays, 11 a.m.-Noon

Shana Varnell (pronouns: she/her) is a Counselor in the Counselors for Academic Residence (CARE) Program, a program that provides mental health services in academic offices to facilitate students' academic and life goals. Shana provides individual, group and crisis counseling for graduate and professional students in the Graduate School. She is also available to provide consultation to staff as well as prevention and outreach services.

Shana draws on positive psychology, strengths-based approaches and solution-focused therapy in her work with clients. Shana's clinical interests include a variety of concerns that may encourage an individual to want to talk to someone and seek support including, but not limited to stress, anxiety, relationship struggles, self-doubt, adjusting to life transitions, depression and processing the impact of difficult life experiences.

The Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC) offers individual and group counseling appointments to graduate students. Counseling offers a valuable opportunity to develop effective coping strategies and work towards goals. You're not alone and CMHC is here to help you.

When to Seek Counseling:

• You frequently feel unhappy or hopeless. 
• You experience excessive worry or constant restlessness. 
• Your ability to concentrate on schoolwork or other activities is compromised. 
• You have trouble sleeping or constantly feel fatigued. 
• There have been changes in your appetite or weight. 
• You've faced a significant loss, like a relationship breakup or the death of a parent. 
• Your use of substances has increased. 
• You feel overwhelmed by life's challenges. 
• You have thoughts about self-harm or harming others.

The Ombuds offices offer individual appointments to help graduate students and postdocs navigate conflict and change at the university, whether it’s listening, directing you to the appropriate university office, identifying your options or coaching you to prepare for a difficult conversation. UT has separate Ombuds offices dedicated to students and postdocs. 

You can expect:

• Confidentiality: We do not disclose your identity or concerns without your permission, except in cases of imminent serious harm. 
• Neutrality: We ensure fair processes and consider all parties' rights and interests without taking sides. 
• Informality: We provide an off-the-record, voluntary resource that does not serve as official notice to the University.
• Independence: Our office operates autonomously and independently from the University’s administrative structure to ensure impartiality.

Postdocs should choose the "staff" option when making an appointment.