Struggling or feeling stressed? Resources, support available for UK community

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 6, 2023) — The University of Kentucky is committed to taking care of our people, and that means ensuring all members of our community — inclusive of all identities, perspectives and experiences — have the support needed to overcome challenges and cope with stress.

If you’re experiencing feelings of anxiety, sadness or uncertainty, or struggling with any aspect of your health and well-being, UK has resources available for you. A non-exhaustive list of key resources is below.

For undergraduate and graduate students

• TRACS (Triage, Referral, Assistance and Crisis Support): A one-stop shop where students can find support services or receive direct clinical support for a range of mental health needs and crises. Open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays.
• 218-YouK: A helpline for student questions — no matter how big or small. Available 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays.
• Talkspace: Access mental health clinicians through this confidential and secure online text and video chat therapy platform. All currently enrolled UK students have access free of charge.
• Let's Talk: Brief, confidential conversations with a UK Counseling Center clinician, available virtually and at different locations on campus. No appointment necessary.
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Resources: Diversity, equity and inclusion resources, organizations and units on campus.
• Academic Support: Free tutoring and coaching resources, first-generation student services and more.
• Academic Ombud Services; A confidential setting in which to ask questions, discuss problems and seek assistance with academic-related issues and conflicts. The Ombud ensures fair academic policies, processes, and procedures are equitably implemented.
• Big Blue Pantry: Located in the basement of White Hall Classroom Building (Room 025) next to the Post Office, the Big Blue Pantry is open to any UK student with a valid UK ID experiencing food insecurity or hunger.
• UK Counseling Center After Hours Support: If you need to talk with a mental health clinician after business hours or on the weekend, during holidays or during university closings, you can call 859-257-8701 and select option #1.
• Crisis Text Line: Text the word “Start” to the number 741-741. A live, trained crisis counselor receives the text and responds from a secure online platform.
• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (formerly the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline): Call 988 to access free and confidential support 24/7 for people in distress.
• New Vista 24-Hour Helpline: Call 800-928-8000 to speak with crisis counselors trained to ensure prompt attention to your situation and explore possible solutions.

For faculty and staff

• UK Human Resources Work-Life and Well-Being: Holistic mental health and wellness support for UK employees, including free therapy options, as well as physical health and financial wellness resources.
• Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching (CELT): Resources on how to navigate difficult conversations in the classroom and more services to support engaging, inclusive and innovative learning.
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Resources: Diversity, equity and inclusion resources, organizations and units on campus.
• Crisis Text Line: Text the word “Start” to the number 741-741. A live, trained crisis counselor receives the text and responds from a secure online platform.
• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (formerly the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline): Call 988 to access free and confidential support 24/7 for people in distress.
• New Vista 24-Hour Helpline: Call 800-928-8000 to speak with crisis counselors trained to ensure prompt attention to your situation and explore possible solutions.