With the new academic year underway, the energy on campus is full of promise for every student — undergraduate, graduate and professional — to thrive while living the Longhorn life at UT Austin. Your college experience is one of the most transformational times of your life, with many opportunities and possibilities to reach your full potential. During this journey, you may feel challenged and anxious with classes, exams, research projects, relationships, social activities, work and internships.
Get Support in Times of Need
Please keep in mind that we all face difficult and stressful situations — you are not alone. Your health and well-being are a top priority of the University with support from a caring community of students, faculty and staff. As the hub of student life and well-being, the Division of Student Affairs provides intentionally-designed, student-focused resources tailored to your needs. Below are some of the key resources to take advantage of if you face tough times.
- The Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC) offers a full spectrum of mental health support — from tools to help you practice self-care to counseling, including referral to a community provider or crisis support. Explore their website to learn about their services or connect immediately during business hours with a licensed clinician who will conduct a brief assessment and recommend resources tailored to your needs. Most CMHC services are free, except for psychiatry services, which have a $10/visit fee. Call 512-471-3515 or visit cmhc.utexas.edu. To find locations to access CMHC mental health services across campus, including counselors located in your college or school, see this map.
- New for Fall 2023! CMHC has recently partnered with TimelyCare, a virtual mental health and well-being platform, to provide free, 24/7 on-demand emotional support, scheduled counseling, health coaching and more to currently enrolled students. Download the app or set up your account online.
- Sometimes we just need support from a peer. Engage with the Longhorn SHARE Project, which includes non-clinical peer-led support groups, individual peer support opportunities and activities facilitated by trained SHARE Support Specialists and program staff.
- If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, the CMHC Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day, every day, at 512-471-2255. Additional crisis resources are on the CMHC website.
- If you are experiencing a personal emergency including but not limited to family, housing, academics or finances, call the Office of the Dean of Students at 512-471-5017 for Student Emergency Services or email studentemergency@austin.utexas.edu. Online forms are also available for absence notifications or financial emergencies. For life threatening emergencies, call 911.
Don’t lose sight of your personal support network. It’s important to stay connected to the resources that help you flourish — whether it is continuing care with a counselor whom you have established a relationship prior to coming to UT Austin, a favorite sport or healthy activity that helps you cope, or the friends and family you can always count on.
Take Care of Each Other
Do you know how to respond if you, a friend or a classmate face challenges including thoughts of self-harm? To understand the warning signs of a mental health crisis, please watch this short video. You will learn ways to practice important and life-saving conversations with fellow Longhorns in distress. More suicide prevention resources can be found on the CMHC website. Additionally, if you are concerned about another student (or anyone at UT Austin), you can call BCAL (the Behavior Concerns Advice Line) at 512-232-5050 or share your concerns online.
Remember, Longhorns take care of Longhorns. We’re in this together! Please reach out if you need support, assistance or have questions.
Take good care,
SONCIA REAGINS-LILLY Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students |