Prioritizing Mental Health and Well-Being for Adult Online Learners at Iowa State
Iowa State University prioritizes the mental health and well-being of our students, and specifically those adult learners pursuing online education. We know the increasing complexity and severity of students’ mental health needs. While some of our online learners may have access to support services through an employer, we encourage all students to take advantage of the services available from Iowa State University’s Student Counseling Services. Our Student Counseling Services team provides a broad range of support to help all students, including online students, and those of all ages and backgrounds, reach their educational and personal goals.
Recent data from Student Counseling Services mirrors national trends indicating a rise in the severity of mental health concerns among students. The Student Counseling Services provides personalized support to address the individual needs of students, ensuring they receive the care and resources necessary for their unique situations.This proactive approach shows their commitment to addressing the diverse range of mental health challenges that students face.
The mission of Student Counseling Services is to provide comprehensive services to support the holistic well-being of every Iowa State student, including those who study online.
Iowa State’s Student Counseling Services team offers a variety of free, confidential services in-person and online, designed to address a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, career indecision, trauma, and eating disorders. Each service is individualized to meet the unique need(s) of students, ensuring personalized care and support.
Here are some of the free services available to all online students, no matter the student’s residency:
- Therapy Assistance Online (TAO): A free, self-help app with thousands of resources on mental health and wellbeing topics.
- Uwill: Free teletherapy available 24/7, 365 days a year, with access to providers of diverse backgrounds and identities.
- Referral Support: For students looking for therapy options close to home, Student Counseling Services offers a comprehensive Community Provider List and support from a Clinical Care Coordinator. To access this service, call 515-294-5056.
The services below are available for free to all online students living in Iowa:
- Workshops: Three-week classes focus on skill-building in areas such as anxiety management and overcoming procrastination. Workshops may be offered in-person and virtually.
- Short-term Individual Counseling: Typically biweekly and lasting 4-8 sessions, this service supports a variety of concerns, ensuring personalized care, and is available online.
- Crisis Services: Available during all business hours for walk-ins or calls to 515-294-5056. For urgent help, students should call the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline or 911.
Iowa State University is committed to creating an environment where students studying online can do well both academically and personally. Whether you are currently a student at Iowa State or thinking about applying, it’s important to know that your well-being is a priority, and there are trained staff available to help you with any challenges you may face while studying online. To get more information or to use any of the services mentioned above, you can visit the Student Counseling Services website.
