Interview with Ravi Patel
Ravi Patel, is the Clinical Coordinator at Tennessee Tech University within the Center
for Counseling and Mental Health Wellness. Additionally, he is a doctoral student
with the Department of Counseling & Psychology. He is actively involved in working
with students on campus as well as serving on several university committees on student
care and safety. He is currently licensed in Tennessee with his LPC/MHSP and is actively
involved in the Cookeville community in private practice. His professional background
includes substance abuse treatment and inpatient psychiatric care. He has additional
trainings in trauma and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
When students arrive on campus, their well-being goes far beyond academics. Behind
the scenes, dedicated staff work to make sure they have the support they need to thrive.
One of those people is Ravi Patel, a licensed professional counselor and Clinical
Coordinator at Tennessee Tech’s Center for Counseling and Mental Health Wellness.
We asked Ravi to talk about his role, his passion for supporting students, and how
parents can play a meaningful part in their student’s mental health journey in college.
Kaitlin Kotasek (KK): Tell us a little about yourself and your role at Tennessee Tech.
Ravi Patel (RP): I’m a licensed professional counselor and mental health service provider, and I’ve
been in this field for nearly ten years. I’m also a proud Tennessee Tech alum! In
my current role as Clinical Coordinator, I help provide essential mental health services
for students, everything from intakes to ongoing support. I also assist students in
finding community providers, navigating insurance, and connecting with psychiatric
or counseling services when needed.
KK: What do you love most about working at Tech?
RP: Hands down, it’s the students! I’ve been in this department for four years, and it’s
been an honor to be part of such a supportive community. There’s something special
about the connection between students, staff, and faculty here.
KK: And a fun fact about you?
RP: I’m actually a musician and a woodworker! Those are both great creative outlets for
me. I have played several instruments, but I primarily play the bass guitar. I have
been playing for over 20 years. As for woodworking, I picked it up as a hobby in 2020
and I have kept it since. Over the past years, I have made several pieces of furniture
such as tables, benches, and shelves. I have really come to enjoy Kumiko (an ancient
Japanese woodworking technique) as well.
KK: Can you share some of the outreach programs your department offers?
RP: A lot of what we focus on is prevention. We host suicide prevention workshops each
semester through the “Question, Persuade, and Refer” (QPR) program. In the spring,
we have a tie-dye event on the quad to promote wellness and awareness. And this fall,
we hosted the “I’m Alive” Fair, an interactive event with resources, activities, and
information on counseling services available to students.
KK: The counseling center also has an active Instagram presence. How does social media fit into your work?
RP: Social media is one of the best ways to meet students where they already are. We
use it to share event details, giveaways, and general mental health tips, not as counseling,
but to build awareness and make our office more approachable and transparent.
KK: How can students make an appointment, and what kinds of concerns do you most often see?
RP: Students can schedule through the Eagle Wellness Portal in TechExpress, call our
office, or simply stop by in person at Roaden University Center (RUC) 307. In fact,
we encourage students to drop by. It helps them get familiar with the space. Common
concerns range from adjusting to college life, breakups, and grief to stress and other
personal challenges. These services are free to enrolled students and every student
gets 12 sessions per year.
KK: What are some talking points you would suggest to parents while trying to connect with their students about their mental health?
RP: This is a great question. College is not what it used to be for parents. The generational
difference is an aspect that often leaves students feeling disconnected from their
parents. Acknowledge how the transition to college for your student is or has been.
Take the time to listen to them without distractions and hear what your student is
experiencing with their life transition to college. Acknowledging stress is real when
they may be juggling classes and life. Ignoring stress or pushing it away will eventually
cause further disruptions later in their life. At times the stress will increase symptoms
of anxiety and depression. I encourage asking open ended questions and listening,
and don’t try to solve everything.
KK: What is the best way for parents to support their students mental health from a distance?
RP: College years are another stage in human brain development (ages 18-26). This means
learning how to really manage their emotions, gain empathy, stress management, and
social development. Normalize the struggles with learning how to manage their emotions.
Failing or missing a class does not mean the end of the world or that you are weak.
There are times in our lives when we experience difficulty within our circumstances.
Don’t dismiss the struggles they are experiencing and support them while they are
having a hard time. They may call you for support. Take the time to stop and listen
to help de-escalate their situation and help them regulate their emotions.
KK: How can parents balance checking in without being overbearing?
RP: No matter what, you are their parent. Give them space to talk with you. Sometimes,
I have heard parents asking their student, “When is a good time this week to call
and catch up?” Students are learning how to manage their time and schedules with multiple
classes, life adjustments, and other activities they may be involved with on campus.
Ask if they have time to talk or if texting would be easier for them. Be open to their
suggestions on how they want to engage and plan together.
KK: What is one piece of advice you’d give to parents of college students?
RP: Your student is more important than their GPA. We are all humans and have struggles with what we work through in life. Students have to learn how to solve their own problems to some degree. Some good parenting I have seen are those parents who encourage their students' independence. Guide them toward resources like Health Services or Student Affairs. Let them take the next step themselves. That kind of support builds confidence and lifelong skills.
Overall, mental health plays a critical role in student success. Whether it’s through
campus resources or a simple phone call home, small gestures of support can make a
big difference. For more information about counseling services at Tennessee Tech,
students can visit the Center for Counseling and Mental Health Wellness in Roaden
University Center, Room 307, call the office at (931) 372-3331, or connect through
the Eagle Wellness Portal (via TechExpress).
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