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Mental Health Resources

College can be very different from high school. No matter how successful your student was in high school, college will be challenging, and each Mountaineer will have different obstacles to conquer. It may also be the first time that many students have ever been away from home for an extended period of time. This can be challenging for students, especially those that are used to seeing and talking with their family and friends every day. Simultaneously, this is also an exciting time for Mountaineers as they develop new friendships and find new direction for life. while Appalachian offers many resources that can help to make your student's transition to college as smooth as possible, we are looking to you to provide a system of support and encouragement on the home-front.

Tips to Help Your Student

Because you know your student best, we have a couple of tips below, as well as a list of campus resources to explore to help your student maintain their mental health.

  • Check in with your student on a regular basis; a phone call, text, card, care-package, just let them know that you're there for them.
  • Don't avoid the tough conversations; bring up stress, acknowledge that college life can and is stressful at times, ask directly how your student handling stress and if they are okay.
  • If you have a reason to be concerned, express your concern in a direct and non-judgemental way. Be honest and specific, say what you mean and mean what you say.
  • The most helpful messages you can provide your student are "I love you," I believe in you,"I care about how you are doing," and if your student is struggling, "I want you to get some help."
  • If your student comes to you with a problem, offer non-judgemental support. While you may have your own internal reactions, which are completely natural for a parent to have; such as not approving of your student's choice or feeling disappointed that your student is doing well academically; expressing those feelings in this moment may cause your student to shut down the communication instead of leading to helpful support and problem-solving.
  • Be knowledgeable of and encourage your student to take advantage of the resources available at Appalachian to help students succeed, such as AppCares and the Counseling Center.
  • Offer to help your student in whatever ways you can to help them cope.
  • Communicate hope by reminding your student that there are always options, you believe they can get through this difficult time, and that things tend to look different with time and action.

Counseling & Psychological Services

Counseling & Psychological Services (opens in a new tab) (the Counseling Center) is located on the first floor of the Miles Annas Building on 614 Howard Street. It offers the opportunity for all currently-enrolled students to meet with a counselor to determine the most appropriate course of treatment, at no charge. At the conclusion of your student's Initial Interview, the clinician will recommend appropriate services.

Counseling Emergency During the Day

If your student is experiencing an emergency during the Counseling Center hours of operation, direct your student to inform the receptionist that it is an emergency and we will have a counselor meet with your student as soon as possible. If possible have your student call us at (828) 262-3180.

Counseling Emergency After Hours

The Counseling Center has Emergency After Hours coverage for urgent mental health concerns. Direct your student to call the Counseling Center at (828) 262-3180 and select the option to speak with the counselor on call.

AppCares

Appalachian Cares (opens in a new tab) is a place to find updates about matters of student health and safety. It is a wonderful database of up-to-date of information, resources and support available for our students, faculty and staff.

Wellness & Prevention Services

Wellness & Prevention Services (opens in a new tab) offers on-campus resources and information regarding a variety of topics. They focus on holistic well-being for students and promoting healthy behaviors.

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