UTSA supports student success through Wellbeing Services

AUGUST 23, 2022 — UTSA’s Wellbeing Services, the integrated student services area within the division of Student Affairs, brings together health education, promotion and support services to provide a comprehensive approach to student well-being. 

The program is aligned with UTSA’s Enriching Campus Wellbeing Initiative, which focuses on the health of each member of the campus community. Launched in January 2020, this presidential initiative helps the university build a foundation for healthy living for students, faculty and staff both here at UTSA and the community at large.

Students arriving to UTSA for the fall semester will have access to numerous on campus resources dedicated to their health and well-being. UTSA offers students convenient healthcare at the Wellness 360 clinic on the Main Campus, along with access to individual and group counseling. In addition, all UTSA students have access to the My Student Support Program (My SSP), a service that offers free, confidential online counseling and mental health support through real-time chat or phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“Our integrated services will ensure students will find their way to the right service.”

“UTSA provides a comprehensive and holistic set of services as well as engaging events to help enhance student well-being,” said Melissa Hernandez, interim associate dean of students for well-being. “Our integrated services will ensure students will find their way to the right service no matter which office they enter first.”

The Wellness 360 clinic on the Main Campus debuted last year, a result of a partnership between UTSA and UT Health San Antonio (UT Health) to provide comprehensive healthcare to students. The nurse practitioner-led clinic offers a holistic approach to health care with an expanded range of primary care and preventive health services conveniently located in the Recreation and Wellness Center building. Wellness and well-being are intrinsically linked to a student’s academic and personal success, and the convenience of having so many services available on campus ensures that more students can prioritize their own health.

The clinic offers comprehensive services including acute care, prescriptions, health screenings, immunizations, diagnostic bloodwork, nutrition/fitness education, annual physicals, well-women’s exams and other routine health assessments, and testing and treatment of sexually transmitted infections. Students can make in-person appointments and telemedicine visits through a patient portal, MyHealth.

The Wellness 360 counseling center provides same-day consultations, short-term individual counseling, group counseling, and psychiatry. Students can call 210-458-4140 (option 2) to learn more or set up an appointment. Students can also easily access mental health support through the My SSP app, which offers support in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese and French. Crisis assistance is available 24/7 through the UTSA Crisis Helpline at 210-458-4140 (option 3).

UTSA Wellbeing Services encompasses advocacy, prevention and education efforts through Wellbeing Education and Promotion; the PEACE Center, which provides support services and prevention education to those who have been impacted by sexual violence, and the Recovery Center, which offers students recovering from substance use disorders and/or other behavioral addictions the environment necessary to maintain their recovery while receiving an education.

A variety of programs, events and training are available to students, covering topics such as the eight dimensions of well-being, the effects of anxiety and stress, coping skills, safer sex, suicide prevention and bystander intervention.

Additionally, Student Assistance Services recently joined the Wellbeing Services organization, providing advocacy for students, allowing them seamless pathways to address concerns and grievances. Staff are available to provide students support, resources and problem-solving, assistance navigating institutional policies and processes.

As an institution dedicated to creating the leaders and mentors of tomorrow, UTSA also offers multiple ways for students who are passionate about health and well-being to get involved. Students can apply to become a Mental Health Peer Advocate or Wellbeing Peer Educator, they can join the PEACE Center efforts, or participate in the Active Minds student organization.

— Matthew Boerger