College life has never been so complex. Between balancing coursework, jobs, extracurriculars, and social life with the added pressure of social media, it’s no surprise that many students struggle with stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. However, there is good news: West Chester University students don’t have to navigate these pressures alone. WCU offers a range of mental health resources designed to support students’ well-being. These resources are fit for those looking for counseling, stress management tools, or simply a safe space to talk. Understanding what’s available is the first step toward making campus life healthier and more manageable. Listed below are just a few of the mental health resources available at WCU.
THE COUNSELING CENTER
West Chester University’s Counseling Center offers many resources for Golden Rams to cope with mental health struggles. The Counseling Center operates during fall and spring semesters on Monday-Thursday from 8 am-4 pm (or 4-6pm by appointment only), and Friday from 8 am-4 pm. The winter and summer sessions’ hours operate Monday-Friday from 8 am-4 pm.
The Counseling Center’s webpage offers resource tabs for additional support on a variety of topics, including but not limited to:
- Suicide & Suicide Prevention
- Alcohol, Drugs and Addictive Behavior
- Anxiety & Panic
- BIPOC
- Bystander Interventions
- Grief & Loss
- Eating & Bodies
- LGBTQIA+
- Mindfulness & Meditation
- Neurodivergent Support
- Parenting Student Support
- Self Compassion & Self Esteem
- Sleep
Their webpage also includes various videos and media detailing coping mechanisms for certain mental health struggles. There are also handouts and videos available for faculty and staff, as well as the parents or caregivers of students.
Additionally, the counselling center offers triage appointments for students, ensuring students know their options moving forward with counseling. Some options include virtual or in-person individual counselling and group therapy at the counselling center. Off-campus referrals are also available for longer term or specialized counselling by West Chester’s referral therapist. All of the counseling center’s services are confidential.
Follow the Counseling Center on instagram @wcucounselingcenter for more information.
THERAPY DOGS
If you have spent a lot of time on West Chester University’s campus, you’re certain to run into the therapy dogs at one point or another. WCU frequently brings therapy dogs to the Sykes Student Union for students to improve overall mood and provide comfort and companionship. The therapy dogs can also be arranged to attend events that specific groups or organizations host. Check out @wcudogtherapy on Instagram for additional information on when these pups will be on campus!
Therapy dogs on West Chester University’s campus (@wcutherapydogs on Instagram).
HUMANITY & RESILIENCE PROJECT
West Chester University also promotes a project built to educate students on the importance of building resilience and social connections. The Humanity & Resilience Project’s purpose is to advocate for resiliency among students, and do through the encouragement of building genuine social connections that value shared vulnerability and humanity. They include various web pages and videos as resources, and host activities such as dine & discuss and speed connecting.
Humanity & Resilience Project’s logo and purpose (Outreach – WCU of PA).
CARE TEAM
WCU also has a campus assessment response and education (CARE) team. According to the CARE team, their purpose is to “identify an alarming behavior, and provide support to someone who may have academic and/or personal challenges which may have an impact on a successful college experience.” Students can submit their own CARE forms for additional help through their webpage.
When to submit a CARE referral form (campus assessment response and education team at West Chester University).
WCU is dedicated to ensuring that students feel safe on campus. There are so many resources available on campus that are dedicated to making sure that students are not afraid to speak up.
If experiencing a mental health emergency, call 988. You can contact Public Safety at 610-436-3311. Golden Ram’s, you are never alone.
Caroline Shannon is a senior and a Media & Culture major here at West Chester University. She loves all things pop culture, and hopes to one day pursue a career in media writing in entertainment.
