Embedded Counselor to Provide Free Mental Health Services for Students

In November 2023, William Hitt joined NC State University as an embedded counselor to support the well-being and mental health needs of students in NC State’s College of Natural Resources and College of Education.

Through the shared position, with support from the Provost’s Office, undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in the College of Natural Resources and the College of Education will be able to receive free counseling services from Hitt on campus and virtually. 

Hitt is available to meet with College of Natural Resources students in Biltmore Hall 2022D on Mondays and Tuesdays; with College of Education students in Syme Hall 028, near the SAY Village administrative offices in the basement, on Wednesdays and Thursdays; and with students from both colleges virtually on Fridays.  

“I bring six years of experience as an embedded counselor to the position. I’d like to quickly establish relationships with staff and faculty and gain a comprehension of the curricula. What courses tend to be the most challenging? When are students most vulnerable?” Hitt said. “Once understood, I can then create tailored interventions to best support students.”

Hitt has extensive experience supporting students struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, family conflict, relationships, grief, anger, or crisis situations; and helping students with test anxiety, time management, study skills and productivity. He describes his counseling style as a combination of person-centered, cognitive and relational-cultural approaches.

 “I’d like to weave myself into the rhythm of either college and make myself as accessible and approachable as possible,” Hitt said. “I hope to create a counseling environment that is warm, safe, genuine, and accepting.”

Before joining NC State, Hitt was a counselor at Pitt Community College, an academic counselor at East Carolina University and an embedded counselor at North Carolina Central University. He received a Master of Science in Counselor Education from East Carolina.

Information for Students

Who is eligible for counseling with William? 

All undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in the College of Education and College of Natural Resources are eligible. William is also available to consult with staff and faculty in each college about a student. 

What is the cost? Will it be covered by student insurance? 

There is no cost for appointments with William. Insurance will not be billed. 

When and how can I sign up for counseling?

William is available to begin meeting with students in the College of Education and College of Natural Resources the week of Nov. 19. You can sign up for appointments through the Counseling Center’s “getting started” page, or attend drop-in sessions that William will hold. 

Where is William’s office?

William has two office locations. On Mondays and Tuesdays, he will be in the College of Natural Resources, in Biltmore Hall 2022D, which is near the College of Natural Resources’ Academic Affairs Suite. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, he will be in Syme Hall 028, near the SAY Village administrative offices in the basement.  William is available virtually on Fridays. 

What can William help me with? 

William can provide both individual and group counseling, as well as psychoeducational workshop recommendations, and is equipped to help with crisis response. Since William is not a psychiatrist, he cannot prescribe medication. However, William can refer you to a psychiatrist or any other services you might need. 

What other wellness and mental health services are available? 

In addition to this embedded counselor position and services offered through each college and the university’s Counseling Center, all degree-seeking students at NC State can request up to 12 free telehealth counseling sessions with one of AcademicLiveCare’s licensed counselors over the course of a year. NC State also provides mental health resources and services for faculty and staff. In addition to resources offered through the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program, State Health Plan members have access to mental health coverage and additional resources via the Behavioral Health Resource Center.  All of the university’s Wolfpack Wellness resources can be found at wellness.ncsu.edu/resources. If you are concerned about a student, you can complete an online referral.