By Autumn Foltz
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) — The end of the spring 2025 semester is less than a month away, which also means finals are just around the corner. According to the National Library of Medicine, most students have an increase in mental distress before and during final exams. These times can be mentally challenging for students, but the University of Arkansas’ Pat Walker Health Center has resources and ways to help.
Pat Walker Health Center has a Counseling and Psychological Service, which is known as CAPS. CAPS has several services and programs students can take advantage of:
- “Initial consultations
- Groups and workshops
- Self-help materials
- Short-term counseling
- Referrals to community providers
- 24/7 emergency mental health services
- Outreach and education programs
- Lane Marrs Relaxation Room
- And more!”
Jack Rindahl, mental health clinician at Pat Walker Health Center, said the Lane Marrs Relaxation Room is a great place for students to take advantage of.
“People are often intimidated to approach CAPS, especially if they have never done therapy before. We have a relaxation room that is literally just a chill place filled massage chairs, puzzles and more… You don’t have to be a client at CAPS to use it, you just need to be a student. It’s a way for people to familiarize themselves with the space and not be as intimidated to ask for a service later on.”
On the CAPS website, students can find a Care Matching Model. This model aids CAPS “to identify an individualized plan to promote student autonomy and empowerment in planning their care.” This model includes outreach, initial consult, groups, individual therapy, campus support referrals, workshops, self-help psychoeducation, off-campus referrals.
CAPS also offers groups and workshops, self-help resources, outreach programs and events, and additional on-campus and off-campus community resources.
Students who want to get started and speak with CAPS can walk-in to the Pat Walker Health Center during their operating hours: Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. or Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
CAPS also offers 24-hour emergency mental health services by calling (479) 575-5276.