Mental Health Resources and Therapy Guidance for UGA Students

Navigating the process of finding therapy and managing health insurance can be challenging for college students. Ann Stoneson, a licensed professional counselor, emphasized that once students are on their own and balancing multiple responsibilities—such as making friends and handling rigorous coursework—finding help can feel daunting. To assist UGA students, Stoneson has developed a step-by-step guide aimed at simplifying the process of locating therapy in Athens.

The guide consists of three key components. The first section, titled “scripts,” provides students with a list of questions to ask their insurance companies regarding coverage for mental health services. It also includes recommended questions to pose when contacting a therapist’s office. To ease the anxiety of initiating contact, Stoneson suggests researching potential therapists to ensure a good match, and using various methods, such as emails or phone calls, to reach out.

Many students on their parents’ insurance plans may worry about their privacy regarding therapy. The second section of the guide, “privacy,” explains what information is shared with parents and offers strategies for safeguarding confidentiality, such as enrolling in the UGA Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), requesting confidential communications, and opting to pay for therapy out-of-pocket.

The third section, “options,” outlines local and national therapy resources available, including those for students without insurance or those who prefer not to use it. Notable local resources include Nuçi’s Space, which focuses on suicide prevention, and the Banyan Tree Center, which partners with UGA to provide funding for mental health services through the Sunshine Fund. The guide also discusses sliding scale counseling services, allowing therapists to adjust fees based on clients’ financial circumstances.

For students unable to find local therapists due to high demand, Stoneson advises considering telehealth options. She recommends scheduling online therapy appointments as a temporary solution, stating that this can be preferable to delaying support until a local appointment is available. Open Path Collective offers access to therapy both online and in-person, with sessions priced on a sliding scale ranging from $40 to $70.

UGA students can also access Headspace, a mindfulness app that offers guided meditation practices aimed at reducing anxiety and managing stress, available for free to all students.

Additionally, UGA facilitates support through various organizations and events. The Pre-Counseling Club (PCC) raises mental health awareness and connects students with available resources while providing training in suicide prevention. Their annual collaboration with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) for the Out of the Darkness Walk underscores the importance of community support.

Another emerging initiative, North Star, focuses on aiding peers in understanding mental health resources and reducing stigma associated with mental disorders.

Students seeking mental health support can reach out to the Georgia Crisis & Access Line at 800-715-4225, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, or the UGA CAPS Emergency Line at 706-542-2273.