Oct. 6, 2021
Dear Longhorns,
Throughout the years, the university has made continuous improvements to expand our mental health resources for students due to the increased demand for services, which is part of a national trend. In August, President Hartzell sharedsome of the ways in which the university continues to prioritize students’ mental health and well-being, including the addition of counselors in the Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC), the launch of the Mental Health Assistance and Response Team (MHART), and hiring our first-ever campus mindfulness coordinator and peer support coordinator.
Today, I am excited to announce the latest enhancement at CMHC, which will expand accessibility through a partnership with My Student Support Program (My SSP). This expansion broadens our network of mental health providers, and offers students 24/7 real time chat and phone support, free virtual counseling sessions, and access to an extensive digital content library offering mental health and wellness resources that address common student concerns. Students can access these services regardless of their current location — whether they are currently studying in Austin, another state outside of Texas or in one of 200 different countries. Students can also request a counselor with a shared identity or who speaks one of over 150 common languages. Get started by visiting this web page.
Along with these expanded services, CMHC will continue using brief assessments (a 10-15-minute phone call) as a first step to accessing their services including:
- Single-session counseling and short-term individual counseling.
- Diversity counseling and outreach specialists.
- Psychiatric services, groups and classes.
- The Mindful Eating Program.
- Alcohol and drug counseling.
- Voices Against Violence.
- Community referrals.
Counselors in Academic Residence (CARE counselors) will continue to be available through colleges and schools. Students can access an immediate brief assessment by calling CMHC at 512-471-3515 (option 3), Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Crisis services will also continue to be offered by CMHC 24/7 through the CMHC Crisis Line, which can be accessed by calling 512-471-CALL (2255). Students can also call or come to CMHC for crisis services, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
My team and I are dedicated to students and their access to vital services. We firmly believe that students should not face barriers when accessing mental health services. This expansion combined with the assortment of robust services already provided by CMHC will undoubtedly help to provide Longhorns with high-quality counseling options to meet their mental health care needs.
Hook ’em,
SONCIA REAGINS-LILLY
Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students