Mental Well-being
Programs to support USC students this Spring.
The latest news and service updates from USC Student Health
March 2022 Counseling and Mental Health Edition
Have questions? Suggestions? Topics you would like to see covered? Drop us a line at studenthealth@usc.edu.
Staying connected and supported.
Text "TROJAN" to
741741 on your mobile phone
For texting-based support from the trained volunteers at the Crisis Text Line. Support is also available from this service through WhatsApp.
Crisis Text Line (CTL) is a national non-profit testing line that provides 24/7 support for anyone in crisis; services can be used anonymously. CTL is a recognized support partner of USC Student Health, but is not a psychotherapy service. No individual patient data is collected or shared through this line.
Mental Health Services Update
"We have an understanding of mental health that ranges from self-guided, asynchronous information for students to connection with a professional to get their needs met.
Our leadership team has been meeting with third-party companies to really vet the kind of services that they offer. We are talking with our peers at other universities to see their experiences with external service delivery, and we are making sure their offerings fit within what we're hoping for the students, as well as fit what the students are seeking. As we are going through that process, we are really making sure that we're making wise decisions and connections, both clinically and logistically for our student population."
—Dr. Broderick Leaks, Director of Counseling and Mental Health Services, and Vice Chair, College Mental Health, Dept. of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences, in a recent conversational update with undergraduate student leaders.
Accessing Services
Insurance-based TeleHealth Services
USC students have the option of using telehealth for mental health services, via the contract that the USC Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP, provided through Aetna) has with Array Behavioral Health Services (formerly Inpathy.) This is a virtual service that allows you to videochat with board-certified medical/mental health professionals about your health/mental heath needs and receive prescriptions.
Array services are covered by USC SHIP/Aetna and may also available to students on other plans—check their current accepted plans information. Connect with Counseling and Mental Health Services for a referral via MySHR (Appointment > Counseling and Mental Health > Referral) or by calling 213-740-9355 (WELL)—to discuss your concerns and arrange for a referral.
Supporting Black Men at USC
This event is currently sold out for pre-registration; for information about waitlist or virtual attendance, contact the organizing team at blackhealthiswealth1@gmail.com
UPDATE: See the event recap for this first-ever event.
The "USC Black Men Will" summit emerged from the recognition of the lack of restorative and healing spaces for Black male identified students at USC and in the larger community. This event aims to have provoking conversations and impart practical skills to participants regarding mental wellbeing, relationships, leadership, and more.
What Does It Mean To Be A Black Man? (small group discussion) facilitated by Dr. Matthew Brinkley, Dr. Broderick Leaks, and Dr. Dakari Quimby. Facilitators are mental health professionals and clinical faculty of the Dept. of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences, Keck School of Medicine of USC.
Well-being Wednesdays
Sometimes a gentle reminder to be good to yourself, take breaks, or just breathe...can be exactly what you need to get through the week. Sign up for a weekly positive mental health reminder to lift your well-being.
Text "Healthyminds" to
877-540-0674 to sign up!
You will receive the confirmation message "Thanks for signing up for USC Student Health Wellbeing Wednesdays!
Mental Health and Healing
"Let's Talk" sessions available every week
What is Let's Talk? It is a 30 min drop-in service that provides USC students an easy and confidential way to speak with a counselor. You can discuss concerns or get support on anything that is on your mind.
*Let's Talk is not a substitute for psychotherapy.
Appointments are available every week. Sign up on MySHR!
Paid Research Opportunities
The Dept. of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences is seeking study participants related to mental health among young adults.
The Cognition and Affect Regulation (CAR) Study is recruiting adults aged 18-30 years with or without a history of depression. The study is online and involves 2-3 remote visits, a week of data collection in daily life, and a follow-up phone call.
The Proximal Affect Regulation and Cognition (PARC) Study is recruiting adults aged 18-30 years. The study is online and involves 2-3 remote sessions, a week of data collection in daily life, and a follow-up phone call.
Health Update on Immunizations
For students who have not yet completed a required TB (tuberculosis) screening, or other non-respiratory required immunizations for measles, mumps (MMR), varicella ("chicken pox"), and meningococcal disease, please contact the Immunizations Department through Appointments > Immunizations in MySHR. Your cooperation helps protect the public health of our communities--thank you for keeping our campuses safer!
All clinical services, support programs, public health education and related activities are made possible through your USC Student Health Fee (SHF).
All mental health providers are clinical faculty in the Dept. of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences in the Keck School of Medicine of USC.