College students are under a lot of stress, and the university knows it. That’s why the UA has various mental health resources for both students and staff.
According to Debra Cox-Howard, outreach coordinator for CAPS, the amount of students seeking help is rising and mental health services on campus are being utilized more than ever. Whether it’s from word of mouth or from information provided at orientations and online, more students have been seeking help on campus. Cox-Howard says the increase may also be because there’s less of a negative stigma toward counseling and mental health issues, so students are more likely to seek help and universities are more likely to offer these services.
Catherine Shisslak, the UA Psychology Behavioral Health Clinic director, says that mental health deals with not just the mind, but also the body. “Here we like to treat the whole person,” Shisslak said.
Seeking help is the first step, but a lifestyle change that incorporates exercise, better nutrition and sleep could help aid in mental health improvement, according to Shisslak.
As for students seeking help, Cox-Howard had this advice, “We’re here. Please don’t not come in because you don’t think your issue is important. If it’s something that’s troubling or of concern to you, that makes it important.”
Here’s a list of resources if you need an extra helping hand during finals week:
Campus Health’s Counseling and Psychiatric Services — 520-621-3334
CAPS is likely the most prevalent of the university’s mental health services, with it being advertised at orientations and on the UA Mall frequently. CAPS provides a wide range of mental health services ranging from one-on-one therapy sessions, to medication management for all currently enrolled UA students.The clinic is staffed by licensed mental health clinicians including psychologists, psychiatrists and even a nurse practitioner. CAPS professionals can help with counseling that addresses any problem students might be having, including substance abuse, eating disorders, depression, anxiety and psychiatric medication. CAPS, a full service mental health care facility, specializes in short term care and can aid students with referrals based on their needs.Students looking for help can go to CAPS without an appointment for a triage session Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to help find the best course of action for further care.
UA Psychology’s Behavior Health Clinic —520-621-9683
UA’s Psychology clinic is the Psychology department’s own clinic, staffed by current clinical psychology graduate students who are well trained as part of their graduate studies. The Behavior Health Clinic specializes in more long-term care and is open to the entire community.The Psychology Behavior Clinic holds appointments year-round, including the summer. It provides low cost therapy to individuals and couples typically ranging from five to fifteen sessions, depending on student needs. The clinic also deals heavily with patients who have physical and mental illnesses to help with body and mind. UA Psychology Behavioral Clinic deals with trauma, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, anger and any general issues a student may be dealing with.However, the Behavior Health Clinic does not offer 24 hour emergency services or medication management.
Banner University Medical Center Behavioral Health Pavilion — 520-626-6254
The Behavioral Health Pavilion is located at Banner — Health University Medical Center South and offers emergency psychiatric care and has both inpatient and outpatient services.The Behavioral Health Pavilion is open to the community andhas an emergency 24 hour crisis line. The Pavilion, staffed by psychiatrists, social workers and nurses,uses a team approach tailored to patients’ needs and treats acute psychiatric conditions like depression, anxiety, withdrawn behavior and chemical dependence. Banner Health offers behavioral health services on the UA main campus and in Phoenix.
CAPS Group Therapy — 520-621-3334
Aside from CAPS one-on-one therapy sessions, group therapy is also offered exclusively to UA students. There are several groups like Grad Student Support, LGBTQA Support, the Healthy Mind, Healthy Body Group, the Self Compassion Group and Stress and Anxiety Management. Groups consist of a CAPS counselor and UA students dealing with similar issues. Groups can provide unique support as a student can hear advice on how other students deal with similar issues, while improving social skills and self-esteem. Sessions are confidential and safe spaces where students can take risks and express themselves. Groups can be attended without insurance and are low cost, sometimes free. Sessions are usually 90 minutes and meet weekly, depending on the group. A student can signup for a group by calling CAPS or speaking with a CAPS provider.
UA Campus Recreation
While Campus Rec doesn’t directly provide mental health care services, the Student Recreation Center provides students with gym equipment, group fitness classes and even a healthy place to eat — Fuel Modern Eatery.
At the Rec Center students can improve their fitness and nutrition to supplement mental health care which can be critical to improvement. Students can use the Rec for free, as paid by their student fees, and it’s open from 8 a.m. to midnight every single day.
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