For college students, daily stressors such as stress from class, drama with friends and financial concerns can impact our quality of life. If not addressed, these stressors can truly take a toll on a person’s happiness and ability to succeed in school. Mental health issues can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, sexuality or race, so it is important for all UCLA students to be aware of the many on-campus mental health resources they can access free of charge.
UCLA Counseling and Psychological Services, or CAPS
The mission of Counseling and Psychological Services, or CAPS, is to support undergraduate, graduate and professional school students by connecting them with staff who can provide mental health services. CAPS provides both in-person and tele-health services located in the state of California, as well as a wide array of diverse mental health services such as individual therapy, group therapy, psychiatry, insurance consultations, drop-in hours, workshops and satellite clinics across campus.
Resilience in Your Student Experience, or RISE Center
The RISE Center‘s core mission is “to uplift and support every Bruin’s well-being by providing the education, resources and tools needed to foster health, healing and hope for themselves and the world around them.” As an extension of UCLA Counseling and Psychological Services, they are committed to helping students care for their mental wellness through daily practice. Their intentional programming and restorative on-campus space is run by a dedicated staff who is committed to helping students become their best selves in accessible, supportive and inclusive peer-oriented spaces. All RISE center services are free of cost and include an array of workshops, trainings, consultations and self-directed resources. Programs are offered both in the RISE Center and in collaboration with students and staff across campus. UCLA community members are also invited to request a workshop or training through the RISE website and are encouraged to stop by the RISE Center during their open hours.
Some of the workshops hosted by the RISE Center include Breaking Down Self Care, Imposter Phenomenon to Compassion, Mindfulness Interactive Clinic, Expression Session, Intro to Mental Health & Resilience Resources and the Bruin Community Gathering Space.
Wazo Connect
Wazo Connect is a peer mentorship program operating with the goal of bettering mental health at UCLA. The program works in conjunction with wellness events that encourage self-care and help deliver education about mental health.
CARE
CARE (Campus Assault Resources & Education) is a safe place for UCLA students who are victims or survivors of sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, stalking and sexual harassment. They offer these students support, consultation and counseling services.
CARE Advocates are available to support and advocate for UCLA student victims or survivors. They can assist students in finding resources and navigating reporting options. CARE Advocates can also assist students in receiving campus accommodations. You can get help from CARE Advocates without formally reporting an assault.
Consultation and Response Team (CRT)
UCLA’s Consultation & Response Team (CRT) is a group of staff members charged with responding to reports of students who may be in distress. This team is comprised of representatives from key campus departments, such as The College, Dean of Students, Counseling and Psychological Services, Residential Life and the UCLA Police Department.
UCLA STAR
STAR is the Stress and Resilience program developed through the collaborative work of a number of mental health initiatives at UCLA. STAR can be a resource and support system for any mental health needs.
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Featured Illustration via Adobe Stock
