UND Bolsters Student Mental Health with Free Counseling, 24/7 Crisis Line

GRAND FORKS, N.D. — The University of North Dakota launched its expanded mental health program this semester, providing free individual counseling sessions, group therapy and 24/7 crisis support to all enrolled students. Services are delivered through the UND Department of Counseling Psychology & Community Services and Department of Psychology, where Ph.D. and master's students under licensed North Dakota faculty supervision handle cases ranging from anxiety management to family counseling.[2] The Student Health Services also offers evaluation for conditions including depression, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia by licensed professionals.[5] Key resources include the Northern Plains Counseling Center at Columbia Hall, reachable at 701-777-3745, alongside tele-counseling, anger management training and play therapy options.[2][5] For ADHD testing required for accommodations, students must submit records from age 15 or older, with local providers like Susan J. Thompson, PhD, at Midwest Neuropsychology in Grand Forks (701-780-9700) or the University Counseling Center at McCannel Hall (701-777-2127).[5] The Wellness Center supplements with apps like Daylio for mood tracking, self-compassion meditations and My Anxiety Plan, a 10-hour cognitive-behavioral therapy program.[1] This expansion responds to North Dakota's mental health challenges, where rural isolation and long winters exacerbate student stress. UND's initiatives build on its robust training programs, including a 49-credit online Master's in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (7 semesters part-time) and a 60-66 credit M.A. in Counseling (2-3 years, on-campus or online).[3][4] School of Medicine & Health Sciences faculty in Psychiatry & Behavioral Science provide additional oversight.[9] As Grand Forks' flagship university serves over 13,000 students, these free services aim to reduce barriers and promote resilience in the Peace Garden State.