College can be a stressful and lonely time for so many students. Despite having over 30,000 classmates, it can be hard to make friends and find your place at the University of Tennessee.
There is an active mental health crisis among students. A study done by the American Psychological Association showed that during the 2020-2021 school year, more than 60% of college students struggled with at least one mental health issue.
Struggling with your mental health is not uncommon. Know that several resources and people can help you feel better.
As humans, we must ensure we are all loved and cared for. It can be easy to get wrapped up in college life, homework and the constant preparation for your future career. However, your mental health and well-being must come first.
If you are struggling, know that you are not alone. Know that you are cared for. Know that you are purposeful. Know that it will get better.
If you know someone who has expressed hurting themselves or commented that they may not be in the best place, reach out to them. Check on them. Help them and encourage them to get the help they need.
If you or someone you know would like to speak to someone for help, here are some local resources.
The Student Counseling Center
The Student Counseling Center at UT offers dedicated mental health professionals to guide students through life’s challenges. They are there to help you feel seen, heard and understood.
Whether you’re dealing with personal struggles, academic stress or just need someone to talk to, they can help you.
Prior to your first appointment, you will attend an initial triage appointment to ensure you are presented with the best treatment for you. To make an appointment, call 865-974-2196.
Therapy through the Student Counseling Center is paid for through students’ tuition and fees and does not accept insurance or payment for services. Individual therapy and group counseling are available.
Students are also encouraged to call the Student Counseling Center at 865-974-2196 if they are met with an urgent mental health need or crisis and need confidential support. Here, you can schedule a crisis appointment.
They are available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, in cases of emergency or immediate harm to oneself or others, call 911.
The Center for Care and Resilience
The Center for Care and Resilience at UT offers a team of professionals who work with students who are experiencing distress of any kind. They meet with students and help them develop a plan that supports growth and self-advocacy.
Students and staff can refer themselves or other fellow students through 974-HELP.
The McNabb Center
The McNabb Center helps people in Knox County and surrounding counties find the necessary resources. Whether you are struggling with mental health, substance abuse or violence and are seeking shelter, the McNabb Center can help.
For urgent services, call the McNabb Center Mobile Crisis Line at 865-539-2409.
Crisis Stabilization Unit
CSU offers voluntary short-term care in a non-hospital setting and works to facilitate a level of stabilization, helping to prevent psychiatric hospitalization. You can call at 865-541-6958.
Peninsula Behavioral Health
Peninsula is a division of Parkwest Medical Center: Covenant Health. They provide inpatient and outpatient services for mental health and chemical dependency. You can call them at 865-970-9800.
Cherokee Health Systems — Primary and Behavioral Care
Cherokee Health Systems provides medical and behavioral health services, including primary care, psychiatry, therapy and case management. You can call them at 865-934-6734.
Local and national crisis and hotline resources
Text “HOME” to 741741
LGBTQ+ Students Hotline: Text “START” to 678678
Students of Color Hotline: Text “STEVE” to 741741
Sexual Assault Hotline: Call 865-522-7273
Contact Care Line: Call 865-584-4424
Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call, text, or chat to 988
Suicide Hotline: Call 800-784-2433
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 800-273-8255
Call 911 (emergency)
UT Police Department: Call 865-974-3111 (emergency)
