College is the best time of your life, right? At least, that’s what everyone says. But between navigating exams, managing part-time jobs, and finding time for a social life, things can get overwhelming—fast.
Finding solid mental health support in Austin, Texas shouldn’t be just another stressful thing to figure out. That’s why we’ve put together this list of resources—so you can skip the search and get the support you need, no matter where you’re at in your college journey.
1. UT Austin Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC)
The Counseling and Mental Health Center at UT Austin is one of the first places to start as a UT student looking for support. They individual therapy, group therapy, and workshops, all aimed at helping students manage the stress and mental health challenges that come with college life. Additionally, CMHC runs the Mindful UT program, which offers mindfulness-related resources to help students reduce anxiety and improve focus.
- Location: Located in the Student Services Building on campus.
- Eligibility: Services are available to all enrolled UT Austin students.
- Cost: Most services are free or low-cost for students on a budget.
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2. Austin Community College (ACC) Mental Health Resources
ACC also offers its students access to mental health resources, including counseling services available both in-person and virtually. For students who may not have time for in-person therapy due to busy school schedules, there is also a teletherapy option. ACC’s mental health services also include support groups, workshops, and wellness initiatives designed to help students handle academic and personal stressors.
- Location: Services are available at multiple ACC campuses and online.
- Eligibility: Services are available to all enrolled ACC students.
- Cost: There is no fee for services.
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3. St. Edward’s University Counseling and Mental Health Services
Students at St. Edward’s University can access free short-term individual counseling, group therapy, and wellness workshops. The Health and Counseling Center (HCC) provides psychiatric services and can refer students to off-campus providers.
- Eligibility: All currently enrolled St. Edward’s students.
- Cost: Most counseling services are free. Fees for psychiatric care vary.
4. Peer Support and Student-Led Groups
Sometimes, the easiest form of support comes from people who are going through similar struggles. Connecting with others who understand what you’re going through can make a big difference. Peer-led groups at UT, ACC, St. Edward’s, and other Austin college offer spaces to share experiences and support each other. For instance, check out the Longhorn SHARE Project at UT, where students can build a sense of community—and feel less alone.
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5. Mental Health Events and Workshops
If you’re not quite ready to commit to ongoing therapy or support groups, attending wellness events can be a great way to dip your toes in. Many Austin colleges regularly host mental health events and workshops that are open to all students. For upcoming, off-campus wellness events in Austin, check out Eventbrite’s listings.
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6. Research Studies and Participation Opportunities
Participating in a research study might not be the first thing you think of when looking for mental health resources, but it can be a valuable option. UT Austin’s Psychology Department frequently conduct research on topics like anxiety, depression, and trauma. Often, participants receive free mental health assessments, therapy sessions, or monetary incentives as part of these studies (and we all know how stressful finances can be in college).
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7. Crisis Resources for Immediate Help
If you’re in immediate need of support, it’s essential to know where to turn. Both UT and ACC offer 24/7 crisis resources to help students during tough times. UT’s CMHC Crisis Line is available around the clock for any student needing urgent support. Similarly, ACC has a mental health hotline that students can access day or night. Don’t hesitate to use these services if you’re feeling overwhelmed or in need of someone to talk to.
Where to Call or Text:
- UT CMHC Crisis Line: (512) 471-2255
- ACC Mental Health Hotline: (833) 552-2054
- St. Edward’s University Hilltopper Helpline: (833) 434-1217
- National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988
- National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
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8. Specialized Anxiety and Trauma Therapy in Austin
While campus resources are a great starting point, they may not always provide the depth of support you need, especially if you’re dealing with more complex issues like trauma, OCD, or chronic anxiety disorders. That’s where we come in. At Austin Anxiety and Trauma Specialists, we offer personalized care that goes beyond the basics. Our therapists are well experienced in treating a range of conditions, including anxiety, trauma, depression, and self-esteem, with approaches tailored specifically to you.
If you’re not sure where to start or feel overwhelmed by your options, don’t worry—we’re here to help. We offer free consultations to get to know you and figure out what kind of support would be most helpful. Book your free consultation so we can best understand your needs—and we’ll help you explore your options. It can get better. We can help.
