When it comes to mental health, everyone has a role to play. Together, we can create a community of care and support for students in need.

University of Arkansas faculty and staff are in the unique position of detecting students in distress and offering assistance. Expressing compassionate concern could save an academic career or even a life, especially for struggling students who cannot or will not ask for help. 

This is why Pat Walker Health Center's Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) consistently focuses on strengthening relationships within the campus community. To help faculty and staff support student mental health, CAPS has created a new webpage with helpful information and resources.

"Whether the context is in the academic world or a student's life outside the classroom, faculty and staff can express their support through interactions and referrals that sustain a student's well-being," said Mary Alice Serafini, associate vice chancellor for Student Affairs and executive director of the health center. "Faculty and staff are key resources in connecting to students and their well-being."

The page also features a frequently ask questions section related to supporting students in a remote learning environment amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a additional resources about how to support mental and emotional well-being.

Mental Health Resources for Faculty and Staff

Supporting student mental health must also include supporting your own mental health. Faculty and staff are encouraged to view CAPS self-care webinars and workshops, as they offer excellent strategies to cope with current stressors as well as common mental health concerns.

Faculty and staff can access psychiatric care through Pat Walker Health Center's Psychiatrist, Dr. Keith Berner. Psychiatry appointments can be scheduled by calling 479-575-4451. They can also access counseling services through the Employee Assistance Program. 

CAPS also offers an online database of local mental health providers to help streamline the process of finding a community mental health provider. ThrivingCampus is a search engine of local community mental health providers that helps connect clients with the right clinician.

For more mental health resources and additional information about CAPS services, visit health.uark.edu.

Pat Walker Health Center remains committed to ensuring key health and wellness services remain available to the UA community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The health center remains open for medical care by appointment only, and have expanded access with telehealth services. Call 479-575-4451 to schedule an appointment.