The Ohio State University (OSU) provides a comprehensive range of mental health services for students, addressing a spectrum of concerns from mild to severe. These services are designed to support academic success, emotional well-being, and personal development. The university offers a combination of on-demand, urgent, and long-term care options, including telehealth services, peer support programs, and community resource assistance. These resources are available through multiple departments, including Counseling and Consultation Services (CCS), Wilce Student Health Services (SHS), and the Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (HRS) department. The emphasis on accessible, HIPAA-compliant care ensures that students can receive confidential and professional mental health support.
Students facing mild concerns such as academic stress, social adjustment, or emotional difficulties can access resources like the Mental Health Strategies Series, Let’s Talk drop-in consultations, and teletherapy through UWill. For those with moderate to severe concerns, including trauma, panic, or substance use issues, the university offers urgent care services, community provider referrals, and individual counseling through licensed mental health professionals. The availability of 24/7 crisis support through phone lines and telehealth platforms underscores the institution’s commitment to student well-being. These services are structured to align with evidence-based practices, promoting emotional regulation, stress management, and resilience-building strategies.
The following sections provide a detailed overview of the mental health resources available at OSU, including service types, eligibility criteria, and contact procedures. By understanding the full scope of support, students can make informed decisions about seeking care and utilizing the available tools to enhance their mental health and overall quality of life.
Mental Health Services at OSU
The mental health services at The Ohio State University are designed to meet the diverse needs of students, offering a range of support options from on-demand consultations to long-term therapy. These services are provided through several departments and programs, including Counseling and Consultation Services (CCS), Wilce Student Health Services (SHS), and the Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (HRS) department. The services are structured to address concerns at different levels of severity, ensuring that students can access the appropriate care based on their individual needs.
For students with mild concerns such as academic stress, social adjustment difficulties, or occasional emotional distress, the university provides on-demand resources. These include the Mental Health Strategies Series, a collection of short videos offering practical skills and strategies for managing stress, emotions, and thoughts. The Let’s Talk program offers informal, drop-in consultations with trained counselors, allowing students to receive immediate support without the need for prior appointments. Additionally, UWill provides free, immediate access to teletherapy, enabling students to connect with licensed therapists at any time.
For students with moderate concerns, such as persistent stress, mood disturbances, or challenges with academic performance, the university offers more structured support options. The Urgent Care Program provides bridge services to ongoing care in the community, including phone counseling, video visits, and medication management. The Community Provider Database is a valuable tool for students seeking specialized care, as it allows users to search for providers based on problem area, insurance acceptance, and location. Students can also access support through the Student Advocacy Center, which assists with navigating academic and personal challenges, and Disability Services, which offers accommodations and referrals for students with mental health concerns.
For severe concerns such as traumatic experiences, suicidal ideation, or acute mental health crises, the university provides 24/7 emergency support. Students in crisis can contact the CCS crisis line by calling 614-292-5766 and pressing option 2, which connects them to a counselor for immediate assistance. The Wilce Student Health Center also offers urgent care services, and students are advised to seek emergency care by visiting the nearest emergency room or calling 911 in life-threatening situations. These services are designed to ensure that students receive timely and appropriate care during critical moments.
In addition to these formal support options, the university also offers educational and self-help resources to promote long-term mental health. The Psych Bytes Podcast provides psycho-educational content tailored to the college demographic, covering topics such as anxiety, depression, and emotional regulation. Students can also engage in recreational activities through the Student Life Recreational Sports program, which supports physical and mental well-being through active engagement. Attending arts events is another recommended strategy for stress reduction and creative expression.
By offering a comprehensive network of mental health services, The Ohio State University ensures that students have access to the tools and support necessary to maintain their emotional well-being. These services are structured to align with evidence-based practices, emphasizing early intervention, ongoing care, and crisis management. The availability of telehealth and on-demand resources further enhances accessibility, allowing students to seek help in a manner that is convenient and confidential.
On-Demand and Urgent Support Services
The Ohio State University provides a variety of on-demand and urgent mental health services to ensure that students can access care when they need it most. These services are designed to address immediate concerns, provide short-term support, and facilitate access to ongoing care. The Let’s Talk program, for example, offers 15- to 20-minute informal consultations with trained counselors from Counseling and Consultation Services (CCS). These drop-in sessions are available on a first-come, first-served basis and do not require prior appointments, making them an accessible option for students seeking immediate support without the commitment of a full therapy session.
Wellness Coaching is another on-demand service that supports students in personal development and goal setting. This service takes a strengths-based approach, using the Ten Dimensions of Wellness model to help students generate meaningful goals and strategies for improving their mental health. It is particularly useful for students who are looking to enhance their emotional regulation, build resilience, or develop healthier habits.
For students experiencing urgent concerns, such as acute stress, anxiety, or emotional distress, the university offers crisis support through the CCS crisis line. This 24/7 service is available by calling 614-292-5766 and selecting option 2. The service connects students to trained counselors who can provide immediate assistance and guidance. Students are encouraged to use this resource for situations that require prompt attention but may not yet necessitate emergency services such as hospitalization.
Urgent care services are also available through the Wilce Student Health Center and the HRS counseling program. These services include phone counseling, video visits, and medication management for students who require more intensive support. For students enrolled in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences and the College of Medicine, individual counseling services are provided virtually via a secure and confidential video chat platform. These appointments are free of charge and can be scheduled by emailing [email protected].
The availability of these on-demand and urgent services ensures that students can receive timely support regardless of the severity of their concerns. By combining immediate access with ongoing care options, the university promotes a holistic approach to mental health that prioritizes both crisis management and long-term well-being.
Telehealth and Virtual Counseling Services
The Ohio State University offers a range of telehealth and virtual counseling services to support students in maintaining their mental health. These services are designed to provide accessible, confidential, and HIPAA-compliant care, ensuring that students can receive professional support without the need for in-person visits. Telehealth services are particularly beneficial for students who may have difficulty accessing in-person care due to time constraints, geographic limitations, or personal preferences for digital communication.
For students enrolled in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences and the College of Medicine, individual counseling services are available virtually via a secure and confidential video chat platform. These services are provided by licensed mental health counselors, including Lisa Hayes and Tyler Rogols, and are offered free of charge to eligible students. To schedule an appointment, students are required to email [email protected], indicating their program of enrollment and their interest in scheduling an initial counseling session. Appointments are conducted through a secure platform and are available to students residing within the state of Ohio.
In addition to program-specific services, the university offers broader teletherapy options through UWill, which provides free, immediate access to licensed therapists. This service is available to all students and can be accessed at any time, making it an ideal option for those who require support outside of regular business hours. UWill offers a range of therapeutic interventions, including talk therapy, coping strategies, and emotional regulation techniques, all delivered through a secure and confidential platform.
The use of telehealth and virtual counseling services aligns with evidence-based mental health practices, emphasizing the importance of accessibility, continuity of care, and confidentiality. These services allow students to receive professional support in a manner that is convenient and tailored to their individual needs, promoting long-term mental health and well-being.
Community and Referral Services
The Ohio State University provides a range of community and referral services to support students in accessing specialized mental health care beyond the university’s own resources. These services are designed to connect students with licensed professionals, support groups, and treatment programs in the broader community, ensuring that they can receive ongoing care that aligns with their specific needs. The Community Provider Database is a valuable tool for students seeking external mental health services, as it allows users to search for providers based on problem area, specialty, insurance accepted, and distance from campus. This database facilitates access to a wide range of mental health professionals, including therapists, psychiatrists, and counselors, who can provide targeted care for concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance use.
For students who require more intensive or long-term treatment, the university also offers referral services through Wilce Student Health Services (SHS) and Counseling and Consultation Services (CCS). These services help students connect with community-based providers who can offer specialized care, including medication management, psychotherapy, and crisis intervention. Referrals are typically provided by university mental health professionals who work collaboratively with students to identify the most appropriate care options. This process ensures that students receive personalized guidance in navigating the mental health care system and accessing the resources that best meet their needs.
In addition to professional referrals, the university also supports students through community-based programs and support groups. These programs provide opportunities for peer support, skill-building, and emotional connection, which are essential components of holistic mental health care. For example, the Student Advocacy Center offers assistance with navigating academic and personal challenges, while Disability Services provides accommodations and referrals for students with mental health concerns. These services work in conjunction with community-based providers to create a comprehensive support network that addresses both immediate and long-term mental health needs.
By offering a combination of community-based resources, provider referrals, and peer support programs, The Ohio State University ensures that students have access to a wide range of mental health services beyond the campus. These services are designed to promote continuity of care, enhance treatment effectiveness, and support students in maintaining their emotional well-being throughout their academic journey.
Crisis and Emergency Support
The Ohio State University provides comprehensive crisis and emergency support to ensure that students in distress can receive timely and appropriate care. These services are designed to address immediate mental health concerns, including acute stress, suicidal ideation, traumatic experiences, and other life-threatening situations. The university emphasizes rapid response and accessibility, with multiple points of contact available to students and their support networks.
For students experiencing a mental health crisis, the Counseling and Consultation Services (CCS) crisis line is available 24/7 by calling 614-292-5766 and selecting option 2. This service connects students to trained counselors who can provide immediate assistance, guidance, and referrals. It is an essential resource for students who require prompt support but may not yet need emergency services such as hospitalization. The crisis line is staffed by licensed mental health professionals who are trained in trauma-informed care and crisis intervention techniques.
In addition to the CCS crisis line, the university also offers urgent care services through the Wilce Student Health Center and the Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (HRS) counseling program. These services include phone counseling, video visits, and medication management for students who require more intensive support. For students enrolled in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences and the College of Medicine, individual counseling services are available virtually via a secure and confidential video chat platform. These services are provided free of charge and can be scheduled by emailing [email protected].
For students in life-threatening situations, the university advises individuals to seek emergency care by visiting the nearest emergency room or calling 911. The university also provides a 24/7 crisis mental health hotline through Netcare Access at 614-276-2273, which offers immediate assistance and support for students in crisis. These services are designed to ensure that students receive timely and appropriate care, regardless of the severity of their mental health concerns.
By offering a combination of 24/7 crisis support, urgent care services, and emergency resources, The Ohio State University ensures that students can access the care they need when they need it most. These services are structured to align with evidence-based practices, emphasizing rapid response, confidentiality, and ongoing support for students in crisis.
Educational and Self-Help Resources
The Ohio State University offers a range of educational and self-help resources designed to support students in developing mental health skills and strategies for long-term well-being. These resources are particularly valuable for students who may not require immediate professional intervention but still benefit from proactive mental health management. The Mental Health Strategies Series, for example, consists of short videos that provide practical guidance on managing stress, emotions, and thoughts. These videos are accessible to all students and are structured to offer concise, actionable advice for improving mental health.
The Psych Bytes Podcast is another valuable resource, offering psycho-educational content tailored to the college demographic. This podcast covers a wide range of mental health topics, including anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, and coping strategies. Each episode features insights from mental health professionals and includes commonly asked questions, making it an accessible and engaging format for students to learn about mental health in their own time.
For students interested in developing specific skills related to stress management and emotional regulation, the university also offers wellness coaching. This service takes a strengths-based approach, using the Ten Dimensions of Wellness model to help students set meaningful goals and develop strategies for enhancing their mental health. Wellness coaching is particularly useful for students who are looking to build resilience, manage academic stress, or develop healthier habits.
In addition to these structured resources, the university encourages students to engage in recreational activities through the Student Life Recreational Sports program. This program supports physical and mental well-being by offering a variety of active engagement opportunities. Participating in sports, fitness classes, or outdoor activities can be an effective way to manage stress, improve mood, and build social connections.
Attending arts events is another recommended strategy for stress reduction and creative expression. The university’s arts events, including concerts, plays, and gallery shows, provide students with opportunities to connect with others, explore new interests, and engage in meaningful experiences that support emotional well-being.
By offering a diverse range of educational and self-help resources, The Ohio State University empowers students to take an active role in their mental health. These resources complement formal mental health services by providing accessible, self-directed tools for students to enhance their emotional resilience and overall well-being.
Conclusion
The Ohio State University provides a robust network of mental health services designed to meet the diverse needs of students across the academic journey. From on-demand and urgent support to long-term counseling and community-based referrals, the university ensures that students have access to a comprehensive range of care options. These services are structured to align with evidence-based practices, emphasizing early intervention, ongoing care, and crisis management. The availability of telehealth and virtual counseling services further enhances accessibility, allowing students to seek help in a manner that is convenient and confidential.
The university also offers educational and self-help resources to support students in developing mental health skills and strategies for long-term well-being. These resources include the Mental Health Strategies Series, the Psych Bytes Podcast, wellness coaching, and recreational activities. These tools are designed to complement formal mental health services, providing students with accessible, self-directed options for enhancing emotional regulation, stress management, and resilience.
By providing a comprehensive network of mental health services, The Ohio State University supports students in maintaining their emotional well-being and academic success. These services are structured to ensure that students receive timely and appropriate care, regardless of the severity of their concerns. The emphasis on accessibility, confidentiality, and evidence-based practices underscores the university’s commitment to student mental health and overall well-being.