The UW Counseling Center is a mental health resource where currently enrolled students can receive assistance with adjustment issues, depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, and a variety of other challenges.
At the Counseling Center, every single member of our team dedicates their working hours (and often our waking hours!) to seek ways to enhance the UW Student Community’s access to wellness resources within and beyond UW. We strive to create a safe environment for students to explore and overcome challenges connected to life and learning. Through innovative programs and partnerships, we aim to deliver on our commitment to support our student community so UW feels less overwhelming and more inspiring!
Our multidisciplinary mental health team is dedicated to practicing through an inclusive and anti-oppressive lens that affirms the needs of those frequently marginalized by mainstream mental health practices.
Because UW should be challenging, not overwhelming!
Who is eligible for services?
For students physically in the state of Washington:
Students currently enrolled in degree-seeking programs at the UW Seattle campus are generally eligible for services at the Counseling Center. Because the Counseling Center is funded through tuition and the Services and Activities Fee (SAF), students outside this central funding structure are not eligible for counseling services. These students are still welcome to call us to request assistance with referrals to resources in the local community.
For students who are physically out of state and/or for any student who is in crisis:
UW has partnered with Telusto give students access to real-time, confidential mental health and crisis intervention support, 24/7 and in multiple languages. There are several ways to connect:
We highly recommend that you download the My SSP app (Apple App Store | Google Play) to have the full range of services at your fingertips any time.
Scheduling an Appointment
Log into the Student Portal to schedule a first-time visit, see your upcoming appointments, check-in and fill out forms, sign up for text reminders, and update your personal information like your name and pronouns! If you are unable to schedule an appointment online, please call us at 206.543.1240
We provide both virtual and limited in-person sessions as counselors share offices due to space limitations at the center.
To request disability accommodations for your appointment, contact the Disability Services Office at 206.543.6450 (voice), 206.543.6452 (TTY), 206.685.7264 (fax), or dso@uw.edu, preferably at least 10 days in advance.
Make a gift to the UW Counseling Center to support our work!
FAQs
What is mental health? Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices.
How to explain the relationship between mental health and well-being? ›
Good mental health is a state of overall wellbeing which includes social and emotional wellbeing, not just the absence of mental health challenges. Achieving and maintaining wellbeing is an ongoing process, which may include recovery from specific mental health challenges, and which can change over a person's life.
How would you explain mental health and wellness? ›
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, mental health is “the capacity of each and all of us to feel, think, and act in ways that enhance our ability to enjoy life and deal with the challenges we face.” Our mental health/wellness allows us to realize our potential, cope with stress effectively, bounce back ...
What is your mental health and wellbeing? ›
Defining mental health
Enjoyment of life. Having the ability to cope with and 'bounce back' from stress and sadness. Being able to set and fulfil goals. Having the capability to build and maintain relationships with others.
What are 5 ways to improve mental health? ›
Tips for improving your mental wellbeing
- Try to relax and reduce stress.
- Find ways to learn and be creative.
- Spend time in nature.
- Connect with others.
- Look after your physical health.
- Try to improve your sleep.
Well-being has been defined as the combination of feeling good and functioning well; the experience of positive emotions such as happiness and contentment as well as the development of one's potential, having some control over one's life, having a sense of purpose, and experiencing positive relationships [23].
Why is mental health and wellbeing important? ›
Having good mental health makes life easier. It helps us to calm and comfort ourselves when we're upset, to cope with the losses, changes, fears and uncertainties in life, to make and keep good relationships with other people and to learn. Having good mental health does not mean feeling good all the time.
What does health and wellbeing mean to you? ›
Wellbeing is not just the absence of disease or illness. It's a complex combination of a person's physical, mental, emotional and social health factors. Wellbeing is strongly linked to happiness and life satisfaction. In short, wellbeing could be described as how you feel about yourself and your life.
What influences your mental health and wellbeing? ›
Biological factors, e.g. physical health, genetics, diet, sleep, age. Psychological factors, e.g. beliefs, mental health diagnoses, perception, addictions. Social factors, e.g. relationships, family, culture, work, money, housing.
What are examples of mental health and wellbeing? ›
Good mental health in challenging times
- you are confident when you come across new situations or stresses.
- you feel optimistic.
- you do not always blame yourself.
- you can set and achieve your goals.
- you can stick to routines that are good for you, such as eating and sleeping well.
Mental health pertains mostly to our brain's health and emotional stability, whereas mental wellness is a broader term that covers all aspects of our overall positive functioning.
What is a simple way to explain mental health? ›
Mental health determines how you think, feel and act. Good mental health is when you feel positive about yourself and cope well with the everyday pressures. If you experience issues dealing with everyday problems, it could be a sign of a mental health problem and should be addressed immediately.
How to maintain mental health and well-being? ›
6 ways to take care of your mental health and well-being this World Mental Health Day
- Talk to someone you trust. ...
- Look after your physical health. ...
- Do activities that you enjoy. ...
- Steer away from harmful substances. ...
- Take two minutes to focus on the world around you. ...
- Seek professional help.
Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.
How do you explain mental health simply? ›
It means you are in a state of wellbeing where you feel good and function well in the world. According to the World Health Organisation, good mental health is when you can: cope with the normal stresses of life. learn and work productively.
What is a simple explanation of mental illness? ›
Mental illness is a general term for a group of illnesses that may impact on a person's thoughts, perceptions, feelings and behaviours. Mental health issues and illnesses can affect working and personal relationships. Counselling, medication, or both can help you treat mental illness.
