University of Arizona students now have access to a new mental health program on campus. This option allows them to get intensive help without putting their studies on hold.
The university’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) teamed up with Sierra Tucson to create Sierra on Campus. This outpatient program is perfect for students who need more care than weekly counseling but don’t need to be hospitalized.
Classes for this program take place at the CAPS NorthREC location on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m. Each student also gets an individual counseling session each week. If they’re enrolled in the United Student Health Insurance Plan, there are no out-of-pocket costs.
CAPS director Aaron Barnes has been working on this project for almost two years. They looked at how other schools handle similar programs. “I visited Sierra Tucson and saw how aligned we were in supporting student mental health,” he shared.
Barnes noted that only about 8 to 10% of students use CAPS annually, but many need additional help. “We want to provide a way for those who need more support to avoid hospitalization,” he said.
The first cohort started in early November. Dr. Jasleen Chhatwal, Chief Medical Officer at Sierra Tucson, emphasized how this program lets the university assist students earlier. “Weekly therapy isn’t always enough. Sometimes, students need something more structured but without leaving school,” she explained.
Chhatwal described intensive outpatient care (IOP) as a more consistent support system than traditional therapy. “It’s both therapeutic and practical. Students learn skills they can use in their daily lives,” she said.
CAPS assistant director Leslie Ralph mentioned that traditional off-campus options can be tough for students. “We wanted a program specifically designed for them. Meeting later in the day on campus helps students feel at home,” she explained.
Ralph added that timely intervention can make a big difference. “Every year, some students need to leave school or go to the hospital for their mental health. We want to provide care early to prevent this,” she noted.
Groups in the program will have two to 15 participants and enrollment is ongoing. Their success will be assessed through student participation, academic retention, symptom improvement, and feedback.
Barnes highlighted the importance of balancing mental health and education. “You don’t have to choose; you can work on both,” he said.
Chhatwal believes the outcomes here could reshape mental health care at other universities. “If we meet student needs, this can be a model for other campuses,” she said.
The launch of this program is a positive step in addressing mental health on college campuses, aiming to provide accessible care that supports academic success.
