Mental Health Resources for College Students

College students face unique mental health challenges. According to the American College Health Association, over 60% of college students reported experiencing overwhelming anxiety in the past year, while more than 40% described feeling so depressed it was difficult to function. These challenges are often complicated by academic pressures, social transitions, financial stress, and newfound independence.

For students attending institutions in Bentonville, Rogers, and surrounding Northwest Arkansas communities, knowing where to find appropriate mental health support is essential. This guide outlines the comprehensive resources available to college students in our region, including on-campus services, community providers, and digital tools backed by research.

On-Campus Resources in Northwest Arkansas

Most colleges and universities in Northwest Arkansas provide mental health services directly to enrolled students. These services are often included in student fees and require minimal out-of-pocket expenses.

NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC)

Located in Bentonville, NWACC offers several mental health resources for students:

• Student Counseling Services - Provides up to 8 free counseling sessions per academic year for enrolled students. Services include individual counseling, crisis intervention, and referrals for longer-term care.
• NWACC Care Team - A multidisciplinary team that responds to students in distress, connecting them with appropriate resources both on and off campus.
• Student Mental Health Workshop Series - Regularly scheduled educational programs addressing common challenges like test anxiety, stress management, and healthy relationships.
• Peer Support Program - Trained student volunteers provide informal support and resource navigation assistance to fellow students.

Contact Information: Student Counseling Services can be reached at (479) 619-4128 or by visiting the Student Center, Room 230.

University of Arkansas - Fayetteville (with Services for Rogers/Bentonville Students)

While the main campus is in Fayetteville, many students from Bentonville and Rogers attend U of A, and some services extend to satellite locations:

• CAPS (Counseling & Psychological Services) - Offers individual therapy, group counseling, psychiatric services, and crisis intervention. Students taking classes at satellite campuses may access telehealth options.
• Let's Talk Program - Provides informal drop-in consultations with counselors at various campus locations, including occasional sessions at the Bentonville/Rogers extension offices.
• Razorback Cares - A comprehensive wellness initiative offering resources for mental health, substance abuse prevention, and sexual assault support.
• Online Self-Help Portal - Includes screening tools, skill-building modules, and resources accessible to all enrolled students regardless of location.

Contact Information: CAPS can be reached at (479) 575-5276. For emergencies after hours, students can call the same number to speak with a crisis counselor.

Other Northwest Arkansas Institutions

• John Brown University (JBU) Counseling Center - Though the main campus is in Siloam Springs, JBU offers counseling services that can be accessed by students attending classes at their Rogers Center.
• Ecclesia College Student Support Services - Provides pastoral counseling and referrals to community mental health providers.
• University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Northwest Student Mental Health Program - Specialized services for medical, nursing, and health profession students.

Community Resources for College Students in Bentonville and Rogers

Many students prefer to access mental health services off-campus for reasons of privacy, specialized care needs, or continuity of treatment. Northwest Arkansas offers numerous community resources specifically tailored to college students:

Low-Cost Therapy Options

• Northwest Arkansas Community Mental Health Centers - Offers sliding-scale fees based on income, with locations in Rogers, Bentonville, and surrounding areas. Many therapists have experience working with college-aged clients and student-specific concerns.
• WelcomeHealth - Provides no-cost mental health services to qualifying uninsured students, including counseling and psychiatric medication management.
• University Supervised Training Clinics - The University of Arkansas Psychological Clinic and John Brown University Community Counseling Clinic offer reduced-fee services provided by supervised graduate students in training.
• Ozark Guidance - A comprehensive mental health center offering services on a sliding fee scale, with offices in Rogers and Bentonville.

Private Practitioners with Student Focus

Several private practice therapists in Bentonville and Rogers specialize in working with college students and offer flexible options:

• Student-Focused Providers - Therapists specifically trained in developmental issues facing young adults, academic stress, identity formation, and transition challenges.
• Insurance Considerations - Many private providers accept student health insurance plans, including those offered through NWACC, U of A, and other institutions. Some offer sliding scale fees for students without insurance coverage.
• Specialized Services - Providers focusing on concerns common among college students, such as ADHD management, test anxiety, social anxiety, and emerging adult challenges.

Crisis Resources for College Students

When immediate support is needed, Northwest Arkansas offers several crisis resources accessible to college students:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - Available 24/7 via phone call, text, or chat for anyone experiencing mental health distress. Trained counselors can provide support and connection to local resources.
• Arkansas Crisis Center - Provides 24/7 crisis intervention, with in-person services available in Northwest Arkansas and a hotline at 1-888-274-7472.
• Crisis Stabilization Units - Northwest Arkansas has a regional Crisis Stabilization Unit that provides short-term, intensive mental health intervention without requiring hospitalization.
• Emergency Departments - Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas (Rogers) and Northwest Medical Center (Bentonville) both have emergency services equipped to handle psychiatric emergencies.
• Campus Security/Police - All local campuses have protocols for responding to mental health emergencies. Students in crisis on campus should contact campus security for immediate assistance.

Health Insurance Considerations for Students

Understanding health insurance coverage is crucial for accessing mental health services:

• Student Health Insurance Plans - Most institutions offer health insurance plans that include mental health coverage. These often provide good coverage for both on-campus and community providers.
• Parental Insurance Coverage - The Affordable Care Act allows students to remain on their parents' insurance until age 26, which may provide broader coverage options.
• Arkansas Medicaid Expansion - Many college students may qualify for Arkansas Medicaid (Arkansas Works), which provides comprehensive mental health coverage.
• Insurance Navigation Services - Several Northwest Arkansas organizations offer free assistance in understanding insurance coverage for mental health, including the Arkansas Insurance Department's Consumer Services Division.

Digital Mental Health Resources for Students

Research-supported digital resources can supplement formal treatment or provide support for students waiting to access services:

Apps and Online Programs with Evidence Base

• TAO (Therapy Assistance Online) - A comprehensive platform offered through many Northwest Arkansas colleges that provides self-help modules, mindfulness exercises, and interactive tools.
• Headspace and Calm - Meditation and mindfulness apps that have demonstrated effectiveness for stress reduction in college populations. Some local institutions provide free student access.
• Woebot and Wysa - AI-based chatbots specifically designed to provide cognitive-behavioral skills and emotional support, with research supporting their effectiveness for student populations.
• Sanvello - Offers tools for stress management, depression, and anxiety based on cognitive behavioral therapy principles. Many Arkansas insurance plans provide free premium access.

Teletherapy Options for Students

• Local Providers Offering Telehealth - Many Bentonville and Rogers therapists now offer secure video sessions, providing flexibility for busy student schedules and those without transportation.
• University-Sponsored Platforms - Several Arkansas institutions contract with teletherapy services like BetterHelp Campus or TimelyMD to provide students with quick access to licensed counselors.
• Insurance-Covered Virtual Options - Most insurance plans now cover telehealth mental health services equivalently to in-person care.

Peer Support and Campus Communities

Peer connections play a vital role in student mental wellbeing:

• Active Minds Chapters - Several Northwest Arkansas campuses have Active Minds chapters, student-led groups dedicated to raising mental health awareness and reducing stigma.
• NAMI on Campus - The University of Arkansas hosts a chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, providing peer support and education.
• Recovery Communities - Support groups specifically for students in recovery from substance use disorders are available at larger campuses and community locations.
• Identity-Based Support Groups - Resources for specific populations, including LGBTQ+ students, international students, first-generation college students, and students of color.

Academic Accommodations for Mental Health

Students experiencing mental health challenges may be eligible for academic accommodations:

• Disability Resource Centers - All Northwest Arkansas institutions have offices that coordinate accommodations for students with documented mental health conditions.
• Common Accommodations - May include extended time on tests, reduced distraction environments, flexible attendance policies, and alternative assignment formats.
• Documentation Requirements - Typically requires a formal evaluation from a qualified provider detailing the condition, functional limitations, and recommended accommodations.
• Medical Withdrawals - Procedures for taking a leave of absence without academic penalties when mental health requires intensive treatment.

Preventive and Wellness-Focused Resources

Proactive approaches to mental wellness are increasingly available on Northwest Arkansas campuses:

• Campus Recreation and Wellness Programs - Evidence shows that physical activity significantly improves mental health. All local campuses offer fitness facilities, group classes, and wellness programs.
• Mindfulness and Meditation Groups - Regular campus-based meditation sessions and mindfulness training, often free for students.
• Sleep Education Programs - Resources addressing sleep hygiene and healthy sleep habits, which research shows directly impacts mental health.
• Nutrition and Food Security Services - Programs addressing nutritional needs, including campus food pantries and nutrition counseling to support overall wellbeing.

Frequently Asked Questions from Northwest Arkansas Students

Conclusion: Creating a Culture of Wellbeing

Northwest Arkansas colleges and communities are increasingly recognizing mental health as essential to student success. The growing array of resources reflects this commitment, offering multiple pathways to support.

The most effective approach to student mental health combines formal supports with lifestyle practices that promote wellbeing. Students are encouraged to explore multiple resources to find the combination that works best for their unique needs.

At ZipHealthy, we're committed to supporting the mental health needs of college students throughout Northwest Arkansas. Our providers understand the unique challenges of academic life and offer flexible, evidence-based approaches to help students thrive during this important developmental period.