University of California Irvine Parent Guide
Managing Mental Distress
UCI Counseling Center
824-6457
Student Services I, Room 203
Students may experience stress in the transition to college life. While most students adjust well to the change, some may become depressed, anxious and abuse alcohol and drugs. All of these problems can interfere with academic performance and seriously threaten student health. The UC Irvine Counseling Center offers services and referrals to help distressed students gain confidence and manage life changes.
While many students recognize warning signs and seek help on their own, families can help. Be aware of:
- Deterioration of personal hygiene
- Unsettling changes in behavior
- Angry or threatening outbursts
- Talk of suicide
- Incoherence
- Evidence of drug or alcohol abuse
- Paranoia
- Anxiety, nervousness and agitation
- Forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating
- Low energy level and continuous sadness
- Irritability and low tolerance of frustration
- Insomnia
- Extreme weight gain or loss
- Excessive procrastination and poor work habits
- Extreme dependency on one person
All UCI students are eligible for evaluation and psychotherapy services at the UCI Counseling Center. Students in crisis can receive triage screening on a walk-in basis. Urgent care is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
If you believe a student would be helped by therapy, a good way to suggest a counseling visit is to simply listen, express concern and recommend a Counseling Center appointment.
UCI educates faculty, staff and families about the signs of distress to help guide students to useful services and support.
The Counseling Center staff includes clinical and counseling psychologists and doctoral interns and fellows. The center’s Predoctoral Internship Program is accredited by the American Psychological Association.
