By William Butler
Last week I discussed healthcare basics for UCF Students. Due to the stress, anxiety, and development that happen during the college years, perhaps mental health is even more relevant. Many refer to the college years as the most important in a young person’s life. Let’s hope not. For many, college is a very difficult time and an awkward adjustment. When the challenges of this transition seem to be too much, talking to a trained professional may help you sort out a host of concerns.
- UCF Counseling and Psychological Services: A lot of people complain about the size of UCF and the constant rise in tuition. Given that the tuition rises don’t seem to retracting anytime soon, it may be best for students to at least utilize all that they are paying for. One of those services is the UCF Counseling and Psychological Services. CAPS provides free counseling for all UCF students through their office on the main campus. They have about 30 mental health professionals that can serve a host of issues ranging from interpersonal turmoil, couples therapy, and support groups. They are an evidence-based clinic with a very diverse host of professionals.
- College of Education Community Counseling Clinic: Another free service for students, this center provides additional services for students. The providers include masters and doctoral students that are finishing their educational requirements. This clinic provides free services for students and free training for these students. They state that they serve a range of issues from attachment issues, codependency, depression, fear and anxiety, marriage issues, sexuality, stress, and more. This center is underutilized by students as an alternative to CAPS.
- UCF Anxiety Disorders Clinic: This clinic is housed within the psychology department. The UCF Anxiety Disorders Clinic provides free therapy for students in exchange for free research for the department. Their services include specific treatments including trauma management therapy, exposure therapy, social skills training, relaxation therapy, and programmed practice.
- UCF Relaxation Training with Biofeedback: This biological approach uses machines to monitor physiological responses to stress. Individuals are then coached through visualization and other relaxation techniques and taught how to recognize their anxiety and treat it in a behavioral way. The first session is free to students and the program is 15$ a session for up to 6 sessions. They also provide their services to non-students.
- UCF Massage Therapy: Massage therapy is an evidence-based approach to managing stress and anxiety. They are located in the CAPS office and provide their services for UCF students. Their techniques range from Swedish massage, deep tissue, stone, sports, pregnancy, and seated messages. They can schedule for groups and events. Their student rates start at 40$ a session and increase as additional techniques are added.
- University Behavioral Center: This center is a psychiatric hospital located in Research Park next to the University of Central Florida. They claim to provide psychological services ranging from individual treatment, psychiatric evaluations, group therapy, individual therapy, educational services, and problem-based programs. They accept most insurance and treat on an inpatient or outpatient basis.
So if your symptoms are stress, depression, or perception disturbances, there are professionals that commit their lives to discuss these problems with you. I ask that you reach out to one of these services at least once in your life. At the very least, it’ll change the way you think.
UCF Counseling and Psychological Services
4000 Central Florida Blvd. Orlando, FL 32816
Counseling Center 101
M-R 8:00AM-6:00PM
F 8:00AM-5:00PM
408-823-2811
College of Education Community Counseling Clinic
4000 Central Florida Blvd. Orlando, FL 32816
College of Education, 192
Appointments Vary
407-823-2052
UCF Anxiety Disorders Clinic
4000 Central Florida Blvd. Orlando, FL 32816
Psychology Building, Room 133
M-F 9:00AM-5:00PM
407-823-3910
University Behavioral Center
2500 Discovery Drive Orlando, FL 32826
24-Hour Services
407-281-7000
William Butler is a psychology and pre-medical student at the University of Central Florida. He works as a receptionist for UCF Health Services at the College of Medicine in Lake Nona, Fl. He also volunteers for the MIT-2 lab, IMAlive suicide hotline, and UCF Counseling and Psychological Services Student Advisory Council. He is interested in neuroscience, music, and spending time with his friends and family. Despite his wide range of interests, William is NOT a medical or mental health professional and all attitudes expressed are opinions and are not intended to be used as medical advice.
