Find your calm: Campus resources for mental wellness

While dealing with anxiety is a completely normal part of being a student, Auburn has plenty of resources available when the burden of college life gets to be too much.  

Student Counseling and Psychological Services (SCPS) offers a wide range of services on campus, from individual counseling and group sessions to mindfulness resources and therapy dogs. With locations in the Auburn University Medical Clinic and on the ground floor of Haley Center, SCPS has something for everyone wanting to care for their mental health. 

In-person individual counseling 

Short-term individual counseling is available to all undergraduate and graduate students dealing with issues like stress management, mood changes, relationship issues, adjusting to college life and alcohol and substance abuse.  

Meeting with a counselor can help students explore their concerns confidentially and uncover resources to make positive changes in their lives. Counselors help each student determine the best treatment options for their situation and can refer to community providers if longer-term counseling is necessary. 

Online workshops  

For students who would rather work on their mental health alone, SCPS provides online workshops complete with quizzes, handouts and practice exercises. These prerecorded workshops are accessible on the “While You Wait” page, in areas that include dealing with change, building and maintaining relationships and lowering anxiety symptoms.  

Student Christian Lomack is a big fan of the nap pod, a specialized capsule in SCPS' Zen Den where students can grab a quick nap or guided meditation.

Visit the Zen Den 

Also located in Haley Center, the Zen Den is SCPS’ dedicated room for practicing mindfulness and meditation. The space includes a light therapy lamp for treating seasonal affective disorder, a computer for practicing biofeedback and a nap pod, a specialized capsule where users can grab a quick nap or practice guided meditation. 

Any student who has completed a Zen Den orientation session can reserve time in the room from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on weekdays. 

Mindful Mondays  

In collaboration with the Recreation and Wellness Center, SCPS hosts “Mindful Mondays” every week at 4 p.m. in the Mind/Body room. This event is open to all students, and no group fitness pass is required. It’s a great opportunity for students to practice mindfulness and improve mental well-being in a supportive group setting. 

Get Mov’in with Moose  

Students can enjoy the company of therapy dogs through the “Get Mov’in with Moose” program. This activity takes place twice a week, on Mondays at 8 a.m. and Thursdays at 4 p.m., starting at the Aubie figure outside the Melton Student Center. Participants join the walk around campus and even collect therapy dog trading cards. 

Group counseling  

SCPS’ group therapy provides students the opportunity to gain support from peers facing issues similar to their own. Groups of 10 students and one trained group therapist meet in a confidential setting to discuss specific topics ranging from grief and social anxiety to healthy eating, sexual assault and family relationships. 

There are three different types of groups:  

• Process groups, where students focus on improving relationships; 

• Therapy support groups, where members in similar situations offer empathy and support to one another; 

• Educational groups and workshops that arm participants with skills and knowledge.  

Students can join a group, or request a new group focused on a different topic, by contacting SCPS. 

Get a massage  

Students can find free massage chairs on the lower level of the Recreation and Wellness Center and in the Zen Den in Haley Center.