Students have the opportunity to join Counseling and Psychological Services for group therapy at the Pat Walker Health Center this summer.

CAPS offers several groups, including Women Helping Women—female students can discuss topics that are important in the lives of women of all ages in an open and caring environment. Students learn more about themselves and help others do the same as they connect with each other.

Another group addresses anxiety. Students struggling with anxiety will learn to step back from anxious thoughts and emotions, and identify values and goals to determine how to pursue them in spite of anxiety.

CAPS also offers students an introduction to mindfulness and meditation practices. Students coping with concerns such as depression, anxiety or wanting to change habits will be introduced to new ways of understanding the world with greater presence and appreciation of the present moment.

Group therapy is the primary option for service at CAPS and has been shown to help students overcome depression, anxiety, self-injury and suicidal thoughts. Groups can also be helpful for students who may be dealing with situational problems in their life. Participating in just one session reduced students' concerns about attending group therapy significantly. To learn more about joining one of these three groups, please call CAPS at 479-575-5276.

CAPS also offers a drop-in group that any student can join as their schedule allows. "Building Strength in Remembrance" is available every Tuesday at 1 p.m. in the Pat Walker Health Center room 245. Any student grieving the loss of a loved one, a change in life situation or the loss of a close relationship is invited to attend. Topics to be addressed include the impact and continuing effects of grief, the development of coping skills and the more comprehensive acceptance of the particular loss.

Group therapy is funded through the student health fee, so there is no out-of-pocket cost for students to attend. For more information, visit http://health.uark.edu/counseling/group-therapy.php.

CAPS is located on the second floor of the Pat Walker Health Center at 525 N. Garland Ave. and is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Emergency mental health services can be accessed 24/7 by calling (479) 575-5276.