The staff at the Counseling Center is here to meet the mental health needs of the students of the University of Central Arkansas. We do our best to see clients in a timely manner but there may be points in the semester when there is a bit of a wait.
If you are experiencing a Mental Health Emergency and require immediate assistance please call 501-450-3138 or visit us in Student Health Center Suite 327. A counselor will meet with you for Emergency Services. For after-hours please call 501-450-3111 (UCA PD).
We offer you some suggestions on what to do while you wait for an appointment.
- Journaling: Sometimes writing something down can help you think things out and provide temporary relief.
- Find a support system: This could be a friend, pastor, RA or instructor.
- Think back to a time when you might have had a similar challenge. What did you do to resolve it?
- Exercise: Visit the HPER or walk outdoors. Take a friend.
- Sleep: A lack of sleep can make a situation worse.
- Anxiety and hypoglycemia can look the same. Make sure you are maintaining your sugar level.
- Inquire about Group Therapy
- If your challenge is academic then visit the Office of Student Success and make an appointment with a Success Coach.
- Practice mindfulness meditations. Google mindfulness meditations and you will find a variety of exercises on YouTube.
- Focus on what you can control.
- Remind yourself of your strengths and those who love and support you.
- Remind yourself that there are no “mistakes” only “learning experiences”.
- Focus on the process (the moment) and not the results.
- Volunteer or help a peer. Giving back can improve your mood.
- Listen to uplifting music.
- Visit the mental health resources on our website.
- Call the local community mental health center (Counseling Associates) 24-7 Warm Line: 1-833-236-2131.