WVU resources available to support student mental health

Supporting student well-being is a shared priority across West Virginia University. The Carruth Center for Counseling and Psychological Services serves as WVU’s primary resource for student mental health support.

Located in the Student Health Building on the Evansdale campus, the Carruth Center provides confidential counseling and psychological services that help students manage academic pressures, personal challenges and everyday stress. Licensed clinicians work with students to build coping skills, address concerns early and connect them with additional resources when needed.

Students can also access a variety of programs, events and trainings across campus that promote well-being and help connect students with support.

Resources available through the Carruth Center

Individual counseling

Students can meet one-on-one with a counselor in a confidential setting to discuss personal, academic or emotional concerns and develop strategies for managing challenges that may affect their well-being or academic success.

Individual counseling is offered short term through the Carruth Center. When students need longer term or specialized support, Carruth Center clinicians can help connect them with community providers and guide them through the referral process.

Let’s Chat

Let’s Chat offers informal drop-in consultations where students can speak with a Carruth Center counselor about concerns such as stress, relationships or academic challenges. The service provides a quick, low-pressure way to ask questions, get guidance and learn about available mental health resources without scheduling a formal counseling appointment.

Group counseling

Group counseling sessions bring together students experiencing similar concerns in a supportive setting led by a trained clinician. These groups help students share experiences, build connections and learn practical coping strategies.

Urgent and crisis support

The Carruth Center Urgent/Crisis Clinic is available for students experiencing a psychological emergency Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Students can access the clinic by visiting the Carruth Center or by calling 304-293-4431 and informing staff they are experiencing a psychological emergency. The clinic provides same-day, in-person visits for students who need immediate support.

An after-hours counselor is also available by phone at 304-293-4431 for emergencies that occur after 5 p.m. or on weekends.

If a student is experiencing a mental health emergency that requires immediate attention, they should call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.

BetterMynd virtual counseling

WVU students have access to BetterMynd, an online therapy platform that connects students with licensed mental health counselors. Through the program, students can receive up to six free virtual counseling sessions and access online workshops focused on emotional well-being.

Substance use counseling

Through the Student Assistance Program, the Carruth Center provides confidential counseling, assessments and educational support for students seeking help with alcohol or other substance-related concerns.

Self-guided mental health resources

Students who want to build skills or learn more about mental health can explore several self-guided resources offered by the Carruth Center. These include the From Comfy to Cringe program, educational videos on the Carruth Center website and mental health tips shared through the Carruth Center Instagram page.

Carruth Center satellite services

Carruth Center clinicians also support several student populations through satellite locations across campus.

• BeWell provides behavioral wellness services for students on the Health Sciences Campus, offering brief counseling, consultations, workshops and referrals to additional care when needed.
• WVU College of Law counseling services connect law students with counseling support and mental health resources in partnership with the Carruth Center.
• Healthy Minds University (HMU) is a collaborative program that provides outpatient psychiatric treatment for WVU students who may need longer term care than the Carruth Center typically provides.

Upcoming wellness events

Speed Friending

Tuesday, March 24 | 5 – 6:30 p.m. | Mountainlair, Shenandoah Room

Speed Friending provides students with a fun and structured way to meet new people and build connections on campus.

Wellness Resources and Student Organization Fair

Wednesday, March 25 | 12 – 5 p.m. | Mountainlair Ballrooms

Hosted by the Wellbeing and Mental Health Student Advisory Board, this resource fair connects students with campus programs and student organizations that support physical and emotional well-being. Students can explore mental health resources, meet campus partners, access peer support opportunities and learn about ways to stay connected and supported at WVU.

Thursday Socials with WVU Collegiate Recovery

Every Thursday | 5 – 7 p.m. | Serenity Place at Maple House (724 College Ave.)

Join WVU Collegiate Recovery for substance-free activities and opportunities to connect with other students in a supportive community environment.

Well-Being Adventure Series

The Well-Being Adventure Series offers opportunities for students to explore different dimensions of well-being through relaxed activities and guided discussions. Programs are led by Adventure WV student staff with support from Carruth Center clinicians and are open to currently enrolled WVU students.

Mountaineer Connections

Mountaineer Connections is a series of events hosted by the Division of Student Life that encourages students to explore campus, meet new people and try new experiences. Programs are held throughout the academic year and help students build community and connection at WVU.

Unplugged Workshop

Wednesday, April 1 | 3:30 – 5 p.m. | Wise Library, Student Lounge, 2nd Floor

ChillFEST

Wednesday, April 29 | 4 – 7 p.m. | Student Recreation Center

Mental health trainings

Mental Health 101 Training

Monday, April 6 | 5 – 6 p.m. | Mountainlair, Mountaineer Room

Participants will learn about:

• National mental health statistics and WVU-specific trends
• Effective listening skills
• Services offered by the Carruth Center and CARE Team
• Warning signs of suicide
• How to safely support students who may be in distress

Mental Health First Aid Training

Offered by the Division of Student Life, Mental Health First Aid training teaches participants how to recognize and respond to signs of mental health challenges. Led by WVU-certified instructors, the program includes two hours of online pre-work followed by a full training session offered in virtual or in-person formats. Students interested in participating can indicate their preferred option through the Qualtrics interest form.

Vector Solutions Mental Well-being Modules

Vector Solutions offers self-paced mental well-being modules designed for undergraduate students, graduate students and student-athletes. All WVU students, faculty and staff have access, and the modules provide helpful insights for understanding and supporting student mental health. Departments interested in assigning the modules to a group can contact Courtney Weaver for assistance.

Additional mental health resources

CARE Team

The WVU CARE Team helps connect students experiencing challenges with campus support and resources. The multidisciplinary team works across campus to assess concerns, coordinate support and provide early intervention for students whose well-being may be at risk. Anyone in the WVU community can submit a referral if they are concerned about a student.

The CARE Team also provides the Red Folder, a quick reference guide that helps faculty, staff and students recognize signs of distress and connect students with appropriate campus resources.

Need help now?

Students experiencing a mental health crisis have several options for immediate support.

Carruth Center crisis support

Call 304-293-4431 anytime. During business hours, staff can connect students with immediate support. After hours, press 1 to reach an on-call counselor.

Visit the Urgent/Crisis Clinic

Students can visit the Carruth Center Urgent/Crisis Clinic on the second floor of the Student Health Building for same-day support during weekday hours.

Text for support

Text WVU to 741741 to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor 24 hours a day.

Call or text 988

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential support 24/7.

If you are in immediate danger

Call 911, contact WVU Police at 304-293-3136, or go to the nearest emergency room.