Texas A&M University offers students a variety of mental health-related resources, from in-person counseling at University Health Services to free 24/7 support through the TELUS Health Student Support app . Visit mentalhealth.tamu.edu to learn more about these and other services.
Graphic by Angelyn Wiley/Texas A&M University Division of Marketing and Communications
Like most students, Julian Harrison knows what it’s like to not feel good.
As president of Aggie Mental Health Ambassadors, he speaks openly and often with his peers about his own mental health journey, having candid conversations about the stress, isolation, and depression that so many students will likely experience at some point in their academic career.
“When I transitioned to college, I had a hard time knowing for sure, and so mental health was something I started to really pay attention to,” Harrison said. “That’s what drew me to Aggie Mental Health Ambassadors,” a student organization that works to educate peers about the importance of mental health and connect them with relevant resources, including those available through University Health Services.
“Mental health is part of our overall well-being,” said Dr. Michelle Bettin, senior director of counseling and mental health care at University Health Services and a licensed clinical psychologist. “It’s important because it has many impacts on how we function: how we learn, how we interact, how we manage stress, how we make decisions.”
With that in mind, Bettin says students need to know that no matter what they’re experiencing, University Health Services is here to help, whether you’re seeking treatment for anxiety or depression, or have had a stressful week and you just need someone to talk to.
Aggie Mental Health Ambassadors President Julian Harrison in front of the Texas A&M Student Services Building on Thursday, November 2.
Racardo D. Davis/Texas A&M University Division of Marketing and Communications
Aggie Mental Health Ambassadors President Julian Harrison in front of the Texas A&M Student Services Building on Thursday, November 2. Racardo D. Davis/Texas A&M University Division of Marketing and Communications
Taking charge of your mental health can seem daunting, but Bettin says it doesn’t have to be, especially with the many confidential resources available at Texas A&M. The university is currently working to raise awareness of these resources through a campus-wide mental health campaign, No Aggie is alone.
“The most important thing is to do something, to start somewhere,” Bettin said. “There are many ways to start this process, so don’t wait.”
To do the first step
Download the Student Support App
For students who want help with their mental health but don’t have time for in-person counseling, one of the newest and most flexible resources available from University Health Services is TELUS Health Student Support App.
The app can be installed and configured in just a few steps and allows students to connect with a professional counselor at any time, says Kristie De La Garza, assistant director of University Health Services, a licensed professional counselor-supervisor.
“This is a free 24/7 counseling opportunity for our Aggie community,” De La Garza said. “Just pick up their phone and use the app to chat with a mental health provider, whether it’s at 2 a.m. or 2 p.m. They can contact us in times of distress or if they have questions about how to care for themselves.
Through the app, Aggies can speak to a counselor via text chat or phone call, with services available in multiple languages, including Spanish, French, Mandarin and Cantonese. Other languages may be available upon request. Students can even schedule a limited number of repeat sessions with the same advisor if necessary.
“These are real people – licensed mental health providers – who are undergoing training specific to telehealth,” De La Garza said. “A lot of times, using this app is the first time a student has taken the step to ask for help, and I think that’s really important. »
Other features include an educational media library covering a variety of mental health topics, anonymous assessments for conditions like depression, anxiety, and substance use, and even access to guided meditations and fitness sessions.
Regardless of how you choose to use the app, De La Garza says it’s crucial to sit down and think about what you hope to get out of your experience.
“Sometimes students just call and hope to get fixed. But they are not broken,” she said. “They just have to be able to stand up for what they need to.”
Talk to a University Health Services advisor
When most people think of counseling, they have a particular image in mind. But as Bettin explains, advising can actually look very different depending on each student’s needs and goals.
University Health Services options include individual counseling, group therapy sessions designed to foster peer support and connection, and one-time 25-minute appointments called Quick Checks.
University Health Services also hosts on-campus workshops and other outreach programs, including Let’s talkwhere students can come and speak with a mental health professional in a safe and familiar setting.
“We always recommend the different workshops and support groups that UHS offers,” Harrison said. “I’ve done one before on self-esteem, and it really helped me because it makes you realize you’re not alone when you’re suffering from a certain problem.”
Students can visit uhs.tamu.edu to schedule counseling appointments or to learn more about resources and programs.
For students requiring same-day support, crisis advice offers walk-in availability, allowing students to speak with a crisis counselor when facing urgent mental health concerns, such as thoughts of suicide or self-harm. Please note that students should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if they are currently in a life-threatening situation or if their safety is at risk. Call 988 to reach National lifeline for suicide prevention.
Although it can be difficult to take a break from studying to work on your mental health, Bettin says it’s always worth it in the long run, for both yourself and those around you.
“It can be difficult to recognize that taking this time can actually help you perform better,” Bettin said. “I think we do well in our community by taking care of ourselves in this way and making sure we are the best we can be.”
Call the helpline
Students needing mental health support outside of regular office hours can connect with a dedicated peer volunteer by calling UHS. Helpline. Simply call 979-845-2700 between 4 p.m. and 8 a.m. weekdays or anytime on the weekend when classes are in session. A fellow Aggie will be ready to answer your call.
“Students may just need to talk to someone, and this is one way to do that,” Bettin said, noting that students often find it easier to talk with a peer than with a complete stranger. “Many students prefer to talk to someone who truly understands their local context and is connected as a member of their community. »
That’s why student involvement in HelpLine and organizations like Aggie Mental Health Ambassadors is so crucial, Bettin said: “When we have those connections, we’re better informed about what students need and how to we can continue to improve to meet their needs.
On a campus as large as Texas A&M, it can be easy to feel lost in the crowd, Harrison said. But as long as students take the time to be honest and supportive with each other, no Aggie should have to face these challenges alone.
“When someone asks you how you’re doing, you don’t necessarily have to respond with ‘I’m pretty good,'” Harrison said. “You can actually think a little bit and, if you’re ready, be vulnerable with that person and talk about how you really feel. This is the kind of environment we want to foster when we talk about mental health.
