Adjusting to life in a new country and university can sometimes feel stressful or overwhelming. Taking care of your physical and mental health is an important part of succeeding at UT Austin.
Healthyhorns is UT Austin’s student health and wellness network. It includes University Health Services (UHS), the Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC), and the Longhorn Wellness Center. Together, these programs support students’ physical health, mental well-being, and healthy daily habits.
University Health Services (UHS)
University Health Services (UHS) is the main medical clinic for UT students. UHS provides health care services, public health support, and wellness resources for the campus community.
UHS offers many different services, including primary care, allergy and immunization services, nutrition services, and more. Many services are available both in person and through telehealth appointments.
UHS Primary Care Services
Primary care appointments help students with common illnesses, injuries, preventive care, and some mental health concerns. ELC students should call in advance for primary care appointments and identify themselves as ELC students so staff can create their electronic medical record before scheduling care.
Location: SSB 1.400 and 2.302
Phone: (512) 471-4955
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
UHS Nutrition Services
UHS also offers nutrition education and appointments with registered dietitians. Students can receive support for healthy eating habits and wellness goals.
Location: SSB 3.410
Phone: (512) 475-8010
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
UHS 24/7 Nurse Advice Line
Students can call the UHS Nurse Advice Line anytime for guidance about illnesses or injuries, or deciding whether medical care is needed.
Phone: (512) 475-6877
Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC)
College life can sometimes feel stressful, especially while adjusting to a new culture, language, and academic environment. The Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC) supports students’ emotional and mental well-being.
CMHC services are private and confidential. Using these services does not affect grades, academic records, or immigration status.
CMHC offers short-term individual counseling, group counseling, psychiatric services and medication management, and more. Students can receive support in person or online through TimelyCare, a free virtual mental health and well-being platform for currently enrolled UT Austin students.
CMHC Mental Health Crisis Support
CMHC provides guidance for many crisis situations. Online resources are available for concerns such as academic distress, trauma, and loss. These resources help students find support during difficult moments.
Immediate help is also available for students in crisis or emotional distress. Students can call these numbers 24 hours a day to speak with trained counselors:
CMHC Crisis Line: (512) 471-2255
National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988
CMHC Suicide Prevention and Education
UT Austin also offers programs focused on suicide prevention and mental health education. The Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention Program helps students learn how to recognize warning signs, support friends, and connect people with professional help when needed.
The program provides trainings and educational resources for the campus community. Students can learn how to respond when someone may be struggling emotionally or experiencing a mental health crisis.
Learning to recognize warning signs and support others can help create a safer and more caring campus community.
CMHC Mental Health and Well-Being Resources
CMHC provides resources that help students manage stress and support their emotional health. Some programs include the Thrive at UT app, the Longhorn SHARE Project, MindBody Lounges, and wellness workshops.
MindBody Lounges are quiet spaces where students can practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, guided imagery, and progressive muscle relaxation.
Longhorn Wellness Center
The Longhorn Wellness Center focuses on health education, harm prevention, and wellness programs for students. The center helps create a healthier campus community through workshops, campaigns, and peer education programs.
The Longhorn Wellness Center promotes healthy habits related to stress management, sleep, nutrition, alcohol and substance safety, relationships, and overall wellness. The center also offers trainings and outreach programs that help students learn skills for healthy living.
BeVocal: UT’s Bystander Intervention Program
One important Longhorn Wellness Center program is BeVocal. This program teaches students how to recognize unsafe situations and support others when help may be needed.
BeVocal focuses on three steps:
- Recognize potential harm.
- Choose to respond.
- Take action safely.
These skills can help students support friends or classmates and create a safer campus community.
Support Is Available
Taking care of your health is an important part of succeeding at UT Austin. Whether you need medical care, mental health support, nutrition guidance, or wellness resources, Healthyhorns offers many services to help students stay healthy and feel supported.
Learning about these resources can help you feel more confident and prepared during your time at the English Language Center.
This blog post was contributed by Jack Taylor, administrative associate of global engagement at the Texas Global English Language Center.
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