The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, offers students a myriad of mental health and wellness resources. “It is a fairly common experience in the first few weeks of the school year to feel homesick, or like you’re not fitting in well, or that you’re struggling with your academics,” says Student Counseling Center Director Paul McAnear. “We can provide individual counseling of up to 12 sessions a year as well as group therapy and workshops promoting mindfulness and other skills for sustaining mental health.”
Especially with the additional complications of COVID-19, students may experience feelings of anxiety, sadness, or loneliness. They can call the Student Counseling Center at 865-974-2196 to arrange a brief assessment by videoconference or phone.
As the university’s primary facility for personal counseling, psychotherapy, and mental health outreach and consultation services, the Student Counseling Center works to promote the psychological, educational, and social well-being of UT students. Although there are no drop-in appointments at this time because of COVID-19 restrictions, the center’s offices are in Suite 214 of the Student Health Building, 1800 Volunteer Boulevard. Visit counselingcenter.utk.edu for more information.
24-Hour Help Line
If students experience a mental health emergency or are concerned about the mental health of another student, they can reach a crisis-trained professional after regular business hours at 865-974-HELP (4357). If there is an immediate risk to their own safety or that of others, students are asked to dial 911.
Promoting Holistic Health and Wellness
The Center for Health Education and Wellness, or CHEW, provides for students’ physical, mental, spiritual, and social needs across eight dimensions of wellness: emotional, spiritual, intellectual, physical, environmental, financial, occupational, and social.
CHEW prioritizes risk reduction and develops programming based on national research and data collected from the campus community that addresses interpersonal wellness, alcohol and substance use, and general health and wellness. Along with workout facilities, CHEW offers programs in eight recreational sports. CHEW is located in Suite 201 of the Student Health Building, 1800 Volunteer Boulevard. For information call 865-974-5725 or visit wellness.utk.edu.
Coping with Coronavirus Anxiety
Professor David Dupper of the College of Social Work has developed an online course, Strategies to Cope with Coronavirus Anxiety. It is open to all students and accessible via Canvas.