Counselors in Academic Residence Program (CARE) is a program developed by the Counseling and Mental Health Center and the Office of the Provost that provides accessible mental health support to students. Our licensed mental health professionals are embedded within the schools and colleges they serve. Our goal is to make counseling a customary part of student life by eliminating barriers to seeking help. CARE counselors understand the unique concerns of students in their academic units and actively engage with the school and college communities. Learn more about the Counselors in Academic Residence Program (CARE) and the UT Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC).

Adriana Loya, M.Ed., LPC, LCDC
Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health, Texas Tech University
Licensed Professional Counselor
Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor
Office Location: NUR 2.408
Phone: (512) 232-4701
Email: adriana.loya@austin.utexas.edu
Office Hours: Tuesday 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM & Friday 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Adriana Loya, is a counselor in the Counselors in Academic Residence (CARE) Program, providing mental health support within the School of Nursing and Dell Medical School. With a relational and systemic clinical approach, Adriana creates a safe, empowering space where students can explore their challenges while fostering authenticity, connection, and humor.
Ways to Schedule an Appointment
- Call CARE Counselor at 512-232-4701 and ask to schedule a CARE appointment. Be sure to leave a voicemail with your UT EID if no answer.
- Call the Counseling and Mental Health Center at 512-471-3515 and say you would like to make an appointment with your CARE counselor.
- Students may also be referred by Nursing faculty and staff.
Services Offered by CARE
- Short-term individual counseling sessions.
- Interactive workshops and seminars.
- A streamlined referral process that connects students with mental health professionals in the Austin community.
- Mental health support, consultations and education for students, faculty and staff.
Logistics of CARE Services
- Appointments are confidential.
- None of the information discussed will be shared without written consent.
- Counseling sessions at UT are now free.
- There is a $25 charge for missed or canceled appointments that are NOT canceled 24 hours in advance of the appointment.
Common Reasons to Use CARE
- Managing anxiety
- Coping with failure
- Addressing depression
- Developing stress management techniques
- Overcoming perfectionism
- Dealing with test anxiety
Information for Faculty and Staff
Referring Students to CARE
UT Austin School of Nursing Staff and Faculty can refer students to CARE Counselor by filling out the CARE Referral form. Please let the student know you are doing this. When a referral is completed, CARE Counselor is able to send the student a secure message via our Electronic Health Record to reinforce the referral. This message includes information about CARE and CMHC services, including psychoeducation on counseling.
Consultation/Crisis Support
If you would like to discuss a student or situation with a mental health professional, please contact UT Austin School of Nursing CARE Counselor at 512-232-4701, LEAVE A MESSAGE and the counselor will get back to you as soon as possible. The CARE Counselor receives alerts on cell phone only when a voicemail is recorded. The counselor can then call you back, even on days when the counselor is located outside the School of Nursing. You can also call the Behavior Concerns Advice Line (BCAL) at 512-232-5050 if you have an urgent concern.