The University of Arizona’s Campus Health will offer counseling and psych services for no cost to students starting July 1, to remove financial barriers and expand access to mental health care.
However, psychiatry services, the ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) Clinic and the Intensive Outpatient Program will continue to charge fees, the university said.
“This is an exciting and meaningful milestone for our campus,” Aaron Barnes, director of Campus Health’s Counseling and Psych Services, said Wednesday. “We know that when cost is no longer a barrier, students are more likely to reach out early and engage in care when they need it most. This change strengthens our ability to support students in thriving both academically and personally.”
Students have been charged $25 per session for individual counseling services, Barnes said, adding that Counseling and Psych Services, or CAPS, also accepted student health insurance. He said most students paid the $25 per-session fee or used insurance, while students on the Student Health Insurance Plan paid a $20 per-session copay.
He said financial assistance has been available for students who need support.
Adriana Grijalva, president of the Associated Students of the University of Arizona, said students have been asking for this because mental health care should be accessible to everyone. Seeing it happen shows that student voices matter, she said.
Mourad Abdennebi, president of the Graduate and Professional Student Council, said this is a win for students and for the university as a whole.
“When students feel genuinely supported, the entire campus community becomes stronger, more connected and better positioned to succeed,” Abdennebi said. “Investments in student well-being and belonging create a more vibrant, resilient and successful university for everyone.”
While counseling services will be available at no cost starting July 1, students will be offered “assistance funding” to offset the costs until then.
“Investing in accessible mental health services is an investment in the future of our students and our community," said Amanda Kraus, vice president for Student Affairs.
