Kendall McGaugherty
Student Health at the University of Chicago
The university offers a number of services to students to support their mental health. Maron has compiled a list of some of the mental health and wellness resources available on campus and how to access them. A more complete list of resources available to students can be found on the UChicago Student Wellness website, as well as a form to sign up for the weekly health and wellness newsletter.
24/7 mental health support
A counselor is available 24/7 for all students to discuss concerns and determine next steps for support. The counselor can be reached at (773) 702–3625.
Students can also speak with an urgent care counselor at (773) 834–9355 or go to the Student Health Center during business hours at 840 East 59th Street.
Finally, students now have access to TimelyCare, which offers virtual mental health services. More information on how students can access these mental health resources can be found under the “Mental Health” tab on the Student Wellness website.
Let's talk
Let's Talk is a program open to all undergraduate and graduate students and provides free, informal, and confidential consultations with University of Chicago student health therapists. No appointment is required, and students are not asked to provide their names. Sessions are in-person and on a first-come, first-served basis.
This program is suitable for students who want to talk about a specific problem or students who are unsure or not interested in seeking long-term treatment.
Mindfulness meditation
The Mindfulness Meditation Course is a one-hour weekly course taught over four weeks each semester. The program, which includes both basic and advanced versions, provides instruction on how to practice mindfulness meditation, a type of meditation in which one focuses on one’s senses and feelings in the present moment. The course also provides additional mind-body techniques to help reduce stress.
Student Recovery Group
The mission of the Student Recovery Group is to provide support to students exploring recovery from alcohol or other drug addiction. Throughout the year, students are welcome to join weekly peer-led meetings where they can share their experiences and build community in an informal, non-judgmental setting.
For more information about meeting times, go to the Health Promotion tab on the Student Health website.
Additionally, therapists at the UChicago Student Wellness Center can conduct substance abuse assessments where therapists make recommendations, including but not limited to a “harm reduction” approach or more formal treatment for substance abuse or addiction.
Treatment groups
For students seeking group therapy, UChicago Wellness offers a variety of programs for both undergraduate and graduate students. Group therapy can be a good fit for students seeking clarity on current challenges with the help of a support system as well as a counselor. Group therapy provides an opportunity for students to hear from other group members’ experiences and receive feedback, support, and validation in a safe space.
For more information about the types of groups offered, go to the Mental Health tab on the UChicago Student Wellness website.
Willapalooza
The University of Chicago hosts Wellapalooza every fall and spring semester. In the past, the event has featured inflatable slides, food, face painting, and balloon art. Flu shots and information about campus resources are also provided.
Winter Wellness Challenge
The Winter Wellness Challenge takes place each year during the winter semester. Teams or individuals can sign up to complete wellness challenges, such as exercising, taking selfies in sunny locations on campus, writing a journal, and more. At the end of the semester, participants receive prizes such as meditation app subscriptions, stress balls, sun lamps, and more. More details about the challenge will be posted in early January.
If the situation appears life-threatening, or if you need immediate treatment, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911. For those on campus, the University of Chicago Emergency Department is located at 5656 South Maryland Avenue and can be reached at (773) 702–6250.
Resources for victims of sexual assault and interpersonal violence can be found under the Mental Health tab on the UChicago Student Wellness website.
