The University offers a number of services to students to support their mental health. The Maroon 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 the resources available to students can be found on UChicago Student Wellness’s website, as well as a form to subscribe to the Weekly Wellness Newsletter.
A 24/7 therapist-on-call is available to all students to discuss their concerns and determine next steps for support. The therapist-on-call can be reached at (773) 702–3625.
Students can also speak with an urgent care counselor at (773) 834–9355 or drop in to the Student Wellness Center during business hours at 840 East 59th Street.
Finally, students have access to TimelyCare, which offers virtual mental health services. More information about how students can access these telehealth resources can be found under the “Mental Health” tab on the Student Wellness website.
Let’s Talk is a program open to all undergraduate and graduate students that provides free, informal, and confidential consultations with UChicago Student Wellness therapists. No appointment is necessary, and students are not required to give their names. Sessions are in-person drop-ins on a first-come, first-served basis.
This program is a good fit for students who would like to talk through a specific problem or students who are either not sure or not interested in seeking long-term therapy.
The Mindfulness Meditation course is a weekly hour-long class taught over four weeks each quarter. The program, which has both basic and advanced versions, offers instruction on how to practice mindfulness meditation, a type of meditation in which one focuses on one’s senses and feelings in the moment. The course also provides additional mind and body techniques to help reduce stress.
The mission of the Student Recovery Group is to provide support for students who are exploring sobriety or who are in recovery from alcohol or other drugs. Throughout the year, students are welcome to join weekly peer-led meetings where they can share their experiences and build community in a casual, non-judgmental environment.
For more information about meeting dates, go to the “Health Promotion” tab on the Student Wellness website.
Additionally, therapists at UChicago Student Wellness can perform substance-use evaluations in which therapists will make recommendations, including but not limited to a “harm reduction” approach or a more formal treatment for substance abuse or addiction.
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 who are seeking clarity about current challenges with the help of a support system as well as a counselor. Group therapy provides an opportunity for students to listen to the experiences of other group members and receive feedback, support, and validation in a safe space.
For more information about the kinds of groups offered, go to the “Mental Health” tab on the UChicago Student Wellness website.
Every fall and spring quarter, UChicago Student Wellness hosts Wellapalooza. In the past, the event has featured inflatable slides and games, food, face painting, and balloon art. Flu shots and information about campus resources have also been offered.
The Winter Wellness Challenge occurs every year during winter quarter. Teams or individuals can sign up to complete wellness challenges, such as exercising, taking selfies at sunny spots on campus, writing journal entries, and more. At the end of the quarter, participants receive prizes like meditation app subscriptions, stress balls, sunlamps, and more. More details about the challenge will be published at the beginning of January.
If a situation seems 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’s Emergency Department is located at 5656 South Maryland Avenue and can be reached at (773) 702–6250.
Resources for sexual assault and interpersonal violence survivors can be found under the “Mental Health” tab on the UChicago Student Wellness website.
