With the closure of several student resource centers over the summer due to H.B. 261, the University of Utah has undergone a reallocation of mental health resources previously offered through those centers. Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new locations of these vital services.
Current Mental Health Support Resources
Lori McDonald, Vice President of Student Affairs at the University of Utah, emphasized that while the closures have altered the landscape of mental health services, resources are still available for students. The University Counseling Center (UCC) continues to serve as a primary source of mental health support, and several of the counselors from the now-closed centers have been reassigned.
Key Resource Centers:
Center for Student Access and Resources (CSAR): Previously housing mental health support staff, counselors now offer services in this newly established center.
Center for Community and Cultural Engagement (CCE): Similar to CSAR, this center now hosts counselors who were previously available in the closed centers.
University Counseling Center (UCC): This remains the central hub for mental health support, including intake appointments and counseling services.
Counselors who had specialized training tailored to the needs of specific demographics (e.g., the Women’s Resource Center, which utilized a feminist multicultural framework) may not always be available. However, UCC staff are trained to assess and match students with counselors suited to their unique needs.
Increased Access Through Embedded Counseling
To improve accessibility, the university has embedded counselors in various colleges across campus, addressing the needs of students who may struggle to find time for counseling amidst their academic schedules. For instance, engineering students, who often have demanding workloads, can benefit from having a counselor readily available in their college.
Comprehensive Mental Health Services
The University of Utah provides a wide range of mental health resources, including:
24/7 Crisis Line: Immediate support for students in crisis.
Individual Counseling: Personalized sessions to address specific mental health concerns.
Group Counseling: Support from peers and guidance from trained counselors.
Couples Counseling: Assistance for students in relationships.
Psychiatric Medication Services: Evaluations and ongoing medication management.
While Utah law does not mandate public institutions to offer mental health counseling, the University of Utah has made it a priority to respond to student needs and demand for wellness resources.
Funding and Fees
In 2018, a mental health student fee was introduced, allowing each student to contribute $15 per semester. This fee funds the resources available on campus and ensures that many counseling services, including group, couples, and individual therapy sessions, are offered at no cost to students. Some services, such as psychiatric evaluations, may incur fees.
Staff Education and Support
The university also focuses on equipping faculty and staff with the knowledge to support student mental health. Becoming a JED Campus allows faculty to learn more about mental health issues and best practices in supporting students. The JED Foundation created this program to assist campuses in assessing their needs and developing effective mental health strategies.
The Center for Teaching Excellence is another resource that helps faculty understand their role in supporting student mental health. It provides tools and training to implement supportive practices in the classroom.
Encouragement to Seek Help
McDonald encourages students to take the initiative to seek help and to not feel hesitant about asking for resources. “I think we need to constantly remind students to please, ask for help. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be hesitant,” she said. Seeking support is a sign of strength, and the university’s faculty and staff are dedicated to helping students navigate their mental health challenges.
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