At the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK), mental health resources are being bolstered in response to rising concerns among students. According to a national survey by UnitedHealthcare, 69% of college students reported experiencing mental or behavioral health issues over the past year, with higher rates of anxiety, depression, and ADD/ADHD than in previous years.
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Local statistics mirror this trend, with approximately 40% of UNK students indicating that they have experienced suicidal thoughts at some point, and one in three reporting such thoughts within the last two weeks. Kiphany Hof, director of counseling at UNK, noted that students are presenting with more intense symptoms than in the past, underscoring the urgency of mental health support.
UNK Counseling provided assistance to 307 students during the 2025-26 academic year, totaling 1,898 sessions. These services are vital for students’ success, as mental health issues can disrupt their academic performance and personal relationships. Hof emphasized that effective mental health care can support students in reaching their educational and life goals.
In an effort to reach students early, UNK is emphasizing prevention alongside counseling services. Sally Wiarda, assistant director of counseling, has introduced initiatives such as THRIVE, an interactive suicide prevention training program. This training aims to equip participants with the skills to identify struggling peers, initiate supportive conversations, and connect them to appropriate resources. It has already been implemented for resident assistants and is being extended to other student groups, with plans for every first-year student to undergo the training.
Additional resources like Togetherall, an online mental health community, are available 24/7 for students who may not be comfortable seeking traditional counseling. This platform allows anonymous sharing and peer connection, with licensed professionals monitoring for at-risk individuals. Currently, 650 UNK students are using Togetherall, with many not engaged in other mental health services.
UNK Counseling offers short-term, goal-focused mental health services that are funded by student fees for those enrolled in on-campus classes, and it provides online-only students access for a fee. Counseling services include individual and group sessions, crisis intervention, and substance use assessments, with a focus on treating mental wellness akin to physical health.
Counseling is available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Health Science Education Center II, and students can call 308-865-8248 to schedule appointments or reach on-call counselors after hours. Hof and Wiarda emphasize that success is measured by students overcoming obstacles and remaining engaged in their lives, supporting them in achieving their personal and educational aspirations.