By Wyatt Garrett
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The University of Arkansas offers numerous resources students can use to help with a wide range of physical and mental ailments.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) are provided on campus through the Pat Walker Health Center. CAPS offers individual counseling, group therapy sessions, psychiatry and more. Students can also access a free mental health screening through the Pat Walker website.
The Lane Marrs Relaxation Room is a new amenity CAPS is providing to students this year. The room will feature yoga and meditation mats, massage chairs and stress-relieving activities. It is located on the second floor of the health center in CAPS.
Zac Brown, the assistant communications director for the Pat Walker Health Center, said that providing students with mental health services is a top priority for the university. “We want to foster an environment where the entire campus community feels comfortable engaging in dialogue around mental health needs.”
The Pat Walker Health Center also provides students help when dealing with physical illnesses. Students can take advantage of physical exams, dietitian counseling and walk-in STD testing. The health center also has an allergy, immunization and travel clinic that gives students access to vaccines and allergy desensitization injections.
“All of our programs and services, from medical care to mental health, are designed to help students stay healthy and be successful in achieving their personal and academic goals,” Brown said.
Pat Walker advises students to contact a local urgent care center or emergency room in the case of a medical emergency. However, if a student has a mental health emergency they can contact a 24 hour emergency hotline at (479) 575-5276. The call is of no cost to students or faculty.