Navigating Mental Wellness: A Guide to MTSU Student Mental Health Resources
College life, while exciting, can also be challenging. The pressures of academics, social life, and future planning can sometimes take a toll on mental well-being. Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) recognizes these challenges and offers a comprehensive network of resources designed to support students' mental health and overall wellness. This article will guide you through the various services, programs, and resources available to MTSU students, ensuring you know where to turn when you need assistance.
Prioritizing Student Well-being at MTSU
MTSU is committed to fostering a supportive environment where students can thrive academically, personally, and emotionally. Dr. Mary Kaye Anderson, director of MTSU Counseling Services, emphasizes that the university provides a variety of avenues for students who are struggling. "Whether the issue is big or small, we are here to help students with whatever problems they are experiencing," Anderson states. Her advice to students is clear: "Don’t wait until it gets worse."
Immediate Support and Consultation
Let's Talk
For students seeking a quick and confidential consultation, the "Let's Talk" service offers a convenient drop-in option. Students can speak with an MTSU Counseling Services counselor without an appointment. This service is available Monday through Friday, from 2-4 pm in Student Union 216.
Academic Support and Guidance
Academic Advisors
Your academic advisor is a valuable resource for navigating challenges that may impact your success at MTSU. They can guide you through program requirements, provide a safe space to share your thoughts and concerns, help you connect with campus resources, assist in making informed course and career decisions, and refer you to additional support services when needed. Don’t hesitate to reach out-they’re here to help you thrive both academically and personally.
Counseling Services
MTSU Counseling Services is dedicated to supporting and empowering students in their pursuit of academic and personal success by providing quality care in a timely and ethical manner. Staffed by licensed mental health professionals, they embrace all forms of diversity and offer students a safe place to be heard, valued, and accepted. Counseling Services is located at KUC 326-S and can be reached at 615-898-2670.
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The center offers free counseling for currently enrolled students whose presenting issue meets a short-term model of care, or approximately six sessions or less. Counselors will connect students who have long-term needs with community providers. The Counseling Center also offers telehealth for weekly counseling and psychiatric appointments.
Addressing Specific Needs
Disability and Access Center
The Disability and Access Center serves the MTSU campus by providing accommodations that level the academic playing field for students with disabilities.
Center for Counseling and Psychological Services
The MTSU Center for Counseling and Psychological Services, located at 503 E. Bell St., is a not-for-profit training facility affiliated with the MTSU Professional Counseling Program. The Center is staffed by counselors-in-training in the program, who are under the supervision of the program faculty. Graduate students provide free counseling services to MTSU students and staff, and cost is $10 for community residents. Services are available Tuesday and Thursday.
Online Resources and Self-Help Tools
Therapy Assistance Online (TAO)
Therapy Assistance Online (TAO) is a free self-paced resource available to all MTSU students, faculty, and staff. This interactive web-based program provides guided activities to help overcome anxiety, depression, and other common concerns.
Anonymous Mental Health Screenings
MTSU provides confidential and anonymous resources for students to screen themselves for common mental health conditions. Are you or someone you know experiencing depression, anxiety, eating disorder, or alcohol or drug problems? Screenings are anonymous and provide immediate feedback.
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Find Treatment Near You
There is a confidential and anonymous resource for locating treatment facilities for mental and substance use disorders in the United States and its territories.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Employees have support available 24 hours a day through this program provided by Optum Behavioral Health.
Crisis Intervention and Support
CARE (Campus Action Response and Engagement) Team
The CARE (Campus Action Response and Engagement) Team coordinates resources and implements a centralized response with the goals of providing assistance to students and keeping our community healthy and safe. You can submit a Care Referral for a Student or Colleague to connect individuals in need with the appropriate support services.
Training and Prevention Programs
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) teaches members of the campus community how to help a person with a mental health challenge. Training is offered by the Center for Health and Human Services at MTSU.
Mental Health First Aid is a national evidence-based training program that teaches members of the general public how to help a person who is developing a mental health challenge, experiencing a worsening of an existing mental health challenge or in a mental health crisis.
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QPR Suicide Prevention Training
The Center for Health and Human Services at MTSU also offers QPR Suicide Prevention Training for the MTSU and university consortium member communities.
The QPR Mission is to save lives and reduce suicidal behaviors by providing innovative, practical and proven suicide prevention training. Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help.
Wellness and Lifestyle Support
Wellness Coaching
If you need a little help getting started with some life changes, free one-on-one wellness coaching is available through MTSU Health Promotions/Health Services, adjacent to the atrium inside the Health, Wellness and Recreation Center. The 30-minute one-on-one sessions can help students gain insight and find resources. Availability is based on a first-come basis. Wellness coaching is available Monday through Friday in Student Union Building Room 216.
Mentorship Program
Join the Mentorship Program to connect with other aerospace students.
Promoting a Culture of Well-being
Wellness Fairs
Each semester there are wellness fairs where students can connect with community resources as well as on-campus offerings. Anderson strongly encourages students to seek out all the resources that are available to them.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness can be a helpful practice when processing feelings and stressors. Use this confidential drop-in service speak to a counselor about information, resources, and support. Knowledge is power.
Recognizing Signs of Struggle in Others
Parents and friends play a crucial role in supporting students' mental health. Anderson advises looking for changes in behavior, such as sleeping excessively, declining grades, neglecting personal hygiene, or a messy dorm room. "A person can easily say, ‘I’m fine.’ So you have to be specific with what you’re seeing to substantiate your concern."
Self-Care and Compassion
Anderson emphasizes the importance of self-compassion. "A lot of times students think self-care is just adding one more thing to their to-do list," Anderson said. "But being compassionate to yourself is important. If your best friend is going through something, what would you say to help them feel better?"
Available Training Dates
| Training Date | Training Time | Training Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, November 4 | 3:30pm - 5:00pm | In person | ACB 106 |
| Friday, November 7 | 9:30am - 5:00pm | In person |
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