Free counseling and well-being support for students

Nebraska offers both peer coaching and professional counseling at no charge for students to encourage seeking support for mental health and well-being.
Nebraska offers both peer coaching and professional counseling at no charge for students to encourage seeking support for mental health and well-being.

As students encounter the first exams and papers of the semester, they may feel overwhelmed and in need of additional support. Here are three campus resources to know about:

  • Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers free counseling for all UNL students in a short-term counseling model. Same-day initial evaluations (first appointments) and crisis counseling appointments are available. In addition to individual counseling, CAPS offers Let’s Talk (informal conversations with a counselor) and numerous drop-in workshops on topics like anger management, body image, assertiveness, transitioning to college and a variety of life skills.
  • Counselors-in-Residence are an additional convenient resource for students living in residence halls on-campus. While located in a designated hall, counselors can meet with any student. Counselors offer one-on-one appointments, drop-in consultations, group sessions and participate in hall programming.
  • Well-being Coaches are student volunteers trained to help peers build resilience through techniques like practicing gratitude, cultivating self-compassion, taking in the good, forming a growth mindset and more. Coaches engage in conversations to discuss strengths and improve nine dimensions of personal well-being. They also can serve as a peer to connect with and share thoughts.

Additionally, National Depression Screening Day is October 7. CAPS will have booths available on City and East Campuses for students to stop by to learn about common signs of depression, CAPS services and available screening tools. Encourage your student to stop by to learn more. They also can complete a confidential, online mental health screening and discuss their results with professionals from CAPS.