Athens Student Resources
Assistance to Support Basic Needs
- Ohio University has resources available for students to meet gaps in basic needs that may arise. View basic needs programs
- The Dean of Students Office at the main campus has emergency microgrants that any student can apply to.
- Email HCOM Financial Aid Office
Confidential Mental Health Resources
Counseling and Psychological Services:
- For counseling services, please call CPS at 740.593.1616 and identify yourself as an HCOM student. You can ask to be scheduled with Dr. Richa Bhatia, the embedded counselor with Athens HCOM who has an office in MEC and can see clients via Zoom if they are located within Ohio. You also have access to all counseling services at CPS and are not limited to working with Dr. Bhatia – you can request another counselor to be seen at Hudson Health Center 3rd Floor or via Zoom. CPS services are covered by the Wellbeing Fee ($45/semester).
- 24/7 Crisis Support If you are experiencing acute distress or have an urgent need to speak with a counselor. Call CPS at 740.593.1616 (24/7). After business hours and on weekends or holidays, press 1 to speak with a counselor. Visit the Mental Health Crisis and Emergency Support page for additional crisis hotline and textlines.
- Drop-In Hours: CPS staff are available for same-day drop-in appointments with new or returning clients Monday through Friday from 9:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. at Hudson Health Center 3rd Floor or by calling 740.593.1616.
- Let's Talk: During the fall and spring semesters, students may drop-in at the Living Learning Center, Room 160, Sunday to Friday between 5-10 p.m. for Let's Talk Hours - no appointment necessary.
- BetterMynd is an online therapy platform available to Athens 3rd and 4th year students. The platform is designed specifically for college students and offers 24/7 access to free and confidential mental health care from a network of licensed mental health counselors. Join BetterMynd
Other College Resources
The Medical Student Assistance Program (MSAP) is available on all 3 campuses to help students who may be struggling with personal issues, mental health concerns, or impairments. The contact for Athens is Joseph Bianco, PhD.
- We listen non-judgmentally
- Empathize, validate, encourage
- Provide resources, coping strategies, and tools for stress management
- Provide referrals for mental health services if needed
Online Self-Help Resources
Crisis Support
- Athens County Crisis Hotline 740-593-3344
- National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline call or text 988
- Veterans Crisis Line call 988 and press option 1 or text 838255
- LGBTQ Youth Crisis Hotline - (Trevor Project available 24/7) call 866-488-7386 or text “START” to 678-678
- TransLifeline (Available 24/7) 877-565-8860
- Crisis Text Line HOME to 741741 in the U.S.
- 2-1-1 Services to connect anyone in Ohio with resources call 211
What to Do in an Emergency
If you are concerned about the immediate health or well-being of a student in an emergent situation, you should call 911 and explain the situation to the dispatcher. Please call with as much information as possible including the location of the student, their situation, and any safety concerns. You can also direct a student to go to their closest emergency room. If a student has been non-responsive to communication and there is concern over their well-being you can contact Student Affairs, who can reach out to Emergency Contacts. If you need further direction, you can contact Student Affairs on any campus during office hours and they will be able to discuss the situation with you and determine a course of action. Administration may be included in these conversations for support.