Supporting student success with a new level of mental health care

Faculty and staff at the University of Arizona support student success in several ways, from mentoring in the classroom to guiding career planning and building a sense of belonging on campus. A critical form of support stretches beyond academics: supporting students' mental health and overall well-being.

That commitment is reflected in a new program offered through the university's Counseling and Psych Services, or CAPS, designed to offer accessible, comprehensive mental health support.

Strengthening on-campus mental health support

The Sierra on Campus Intensive Outpatient Program was created in partnership with Sierra Tucson, a residential and outpatient treatment center for addiction and behavioral health. The program is for students who need a higher level of care than weekly counseling but do not require inpatient treatment. It provides structured, short-term support while allowing students to remain enrolled in classes and connected to campus life.

Launched last fall, the six-week program features three small group sessions per week along with weekly individual therapy appointments. Students receive mental health care focused on concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma and substance use. 

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"A lot of students are experiencing mental health challenges for the first time, away from their families and support systems, and it can all add up really quickly," said Aaron Barnes, director of CAPS.

Along with other CAPS services, Sierra on Campus IOP offers students expanded access to the care they need.

"There are times when students just need more than one session every couple of weeks. This is a much more intensive level of care," Barnes said.

By combining clinical support with peer connection, the program helps participants build coping strategies they can use during and after treatment.

Looking out for students, together

Barnes describes faculty and staff as being on the front lines in recognizing if a student may need support through CAPS. 

"Faculty and staff are our number one partner in all of this," said Barnes. "They're the ones interacting with students on a daily basis and can pick up on those nuances where a student may be struggling." 

CAPS follows the philosophy that mental health is a community responsibility and offers training and resources to employees to help support students. 

"We will consult with any faculty or staff that calls us and help coach them on how to begin these conversations with students to get them pointed toward the care they need," Barnes said.

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An accessible program available on campus

A key benefit of Sierra on Campus IOP is accessibility. Because the program is offered on campus, students can receive intensive care without disrupting their academic progress.

"Transportation alone can be a huge barrier," Barnes said. "Bringing this care to campus helps remove some of the obstacles students face when seeking a higher level of support."

Barnes also noted that for students on the Student Health Insurance Plan, Sierra on Campus IOP is free of charge with no co-pay and no deductible. The program also accepts many other insurance plans. Students who have questions or concerns about costs are encouraged to reach out to CAPS.

"We have so many resources available, so even if Sierra on Campus isn't the right fit for someone, we're going to work really hard to get them connected with the right care that they need for a price that they can afford."

That approach extends beyond CAPS and relies on the role faculty and staff play in helping students feel supported and connected to care.

When employees help reinforce that students' mental health is a key part of their success, those students are more likely to seek the support they need, Barnes said, adding that sometimes it's as simple as acknowledging that college can be challenging and asking a student how they're doing.

After that, said Barnes, "Students are pretty good at taking it from there."