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Thea Woodruff

The Counseling and Mental Health Center’s Well-being in UT Learning Environments project collaborates with The University of Texas at Austin faculty to embed well-being practices in learning environments. Well-being is an essential element for effective learning. Engaging in practices that promote student wellness is the responsibility not just of one department on campus but the entire campus community. Students at UT Austin indicate that faculty are often seen as the “missing link” when it comes to their personal well-being, and this project helps faculty develop methods for supporting student well-being. CARE is a program of the Counseling and Mental Health Center that was created in collaboration with the Office of the Provost. CARE counselors are located within the colleges they serve. They are licensed mental health professionals and work with students who have been referred by faculty and staff. CARE’s primary mission is to provide access to mental health support for students who are struggling emotionally and/or academically. Our presence normalizes the counseling process and makes us readily available for services. We decrease barriers by assisting students in a location that is familiar and convenient for them. CARE counselors get to know the concerns that are unique to their college’s students. They integrate in the college and provide support and consultation on mental health issues for advisors, faculty and dean’s staff.