During her freshman year, Callie Johnson faced the immense stress brought on by the abrupt changes college brings. She found herself missing lectures and falling behind in her classes. Struggling to manage her stress and looking for ways to cope, Johnson was guided by a professor to the University Counseling Center.
Upon scheduling the first appointment, Johnson was clouded with anxiety and unsure of what to expect. However, she walked away feeling the intentionality and compassion of UCC staff who asked the right questions and offered the appropriate solutions.
“All of the fears and worries I had about starting were set at ease through that initial appointment,” said Johnson, now a senior majoring in art, technology and culture. “I didn’t hear about UCC until long after I needed it.”
In a recent spring study, the National College Health Assessment reported that 76% of students are experiencing overall moderate or high levels of stress. For OU, anxiety and depression are the two most common reasons students reach out to UCC, according to Scott Miller, director of University Counseling Center. Each semester, the center provides thousands of sessions and serves 8% of the student body.
“Mental health needs have grown significantly before COVID,” said Miller, who oversees a staff of 16 full-time professionals. “After COVID, there’s even more need to support. We see students for a wide range of issues. There really isn’t much that we don’t see or treat.”
To improve access, the Division of Student Affairs recently embedded a counselor within the Dodge College of Arts and Sciences, allowing students to access care where they spend their day. Over the next few years, UCC plans to expand this embedded program to additional colleges across campus.
“We know the earlier students get help, the easier it is to resolve the issue,” said Miller.
In addition, OU has partnered with TELUS Health Student Support to offer 24/7 virtual mental health services. This program provides students with immediate access to counselors by phone or chat in multiple languages, further enhancing support beyond regular office hours.
UCC’s mission is to provide high-quality counseling and crisis intervention, consultation and outreach services to campus organizations and training and supervision opportunities for emerging mental health clinicians. UCC strives to promote the psychological wellbeing of all members of the university community to foster a rich and meaningful campus life experience.
“Anyone can use some degree of counseling,” said Miller, who aims to create an environment that is friendly and approachable, reducing the stigma around mental health. Whether depression, anxiety, homesickness or a challenging season of life, Miller said his team is dedicated to finding the best support to meet individual needs.
Johnson is a thriving soon-to-be graduate balancing a part-time on-campus job and participating in numerous university extracurriculars like The Big Event and CAC Scandals. She’s learned to juggle her interests while keeping mental health a top priority.
“(UCC) has made a positive impact on my time here at OU by giving me a place to feel my feelings without the fear of being penalized for them,” said Johnson.
“College is a stressful and nerve-racking time, but there are resources on campus to help you through these years."
To learn more about UCC or to book an appointment, visit ou.edu/ucc.
