Supporting Student Well-being at West Virginia University

Supporting student well-being is a shared priority across West Virginia University (WVU). The Carruth Center for Counseling and Psychological Services serves as WVU’s primary resource for student mental health support. Located in the Student Health Building on the Evansdale campus, the Carruth Center provides confidential counseling and psychological services that help students manage academic pressures, personal challenges, and everyday stress.

Available Services

Licensed clinicians function with students to build coping skills, address concerns early, and connect them with additional resources when needed. A variety of programs, events, and trainings are also available across campus to promote well-being and support students.

Individual Counseling

Students can meet one-on-one with a counselor in a confidential setting to discuss personal, academic, or emotional concerns and develop strategies for managing challenges that may affect their well-being or academic success. Even as individual counseling is offered short-term through the Carruth Center, clinicians can help connect students with community providers for longer-term or specialized support.

Let’s Chat

Let’s Chat offers informal drop-in consultations where students can speak with a Carruth Center counselor about concerns such as stress, relationships, or academic challenges. This service provides a quick, low-pressure way to ask questions, get guidance, and learn about available mental health resources without scheduling a formal counseling appointment.

Group Counseling

Group counseling sessions bring together students experiencing similar concerns in a supportive setting led by a trained clinician. These groups help students share experiences, build connections, and learn practical coping strategies.

Urgent and Crisis Support

The Carruth Center Urgent/Crisis Clinic is available for students experiencing a psychological emergency Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. To 5 p.m. Students can access the clinic by visiting the Carruth Center or by calling 304-293-4431 and informing staff they are experiencing a psychological emergency. The clinic provides same-day, in-person visits for students who need immediate support.

An after-hours counselor is also available by phone at 304-293-4431 for emergencies that occur after 5 p.m. Or on weekends. If a student is experiencing a mental health emergency that requires immediate attention, they should call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.

BetterMynd Virtual Counseling

WVU students have access to BetterMynd, an online therapy platform that connects students with licensed mental health counselors. Through the program, students can receive up to six free virtual counseling sessions and access online workshops focused on emotional well-being.

Substance Apply Counseling

Through the Student Assistance Program, the Carruth Center provides confidential counseling, assessments, and educational support for students seeking help with alcohol or other substance-related concerns.

Self-Guided Mental Health Resources

Students who want to build skills or learn more about mental health can explore several self-guided resources offered by the Carruth Center. These include the From Comfy to Cringe program, educational videos on the Carruth Center website, and mental health tips shared through the Carruth Center Instagram page.

Carruth Center Satellite Services

Carruth Center clinicians also support several student populations through satellite locations across campus:

• BeWell: Provides behavioral wellness services for students on the Health Sciences Campus, offering brief counseling, consultations, workshops, and referrals.
• WVU College of Law Counseling Services: Connects law students with counseling support and mental health resources in partnership with the Carruth Center.
• Healthy Minds University (HMU): A collaborative program that provides outpatient psychiatric treatment for WVU students who may need longer-term care than the Carruth Center typically provides.

Upcoming Wellness Events

• Speed Friending: Tuesday, March 24 | 5 – 6:30 p.m. | Mountainlair, Shenandoah Room
• Wellness Resources and Student Organization Fair: Wednesday, March 25 | 12 – 5 p.m. | Mountainlair Ballrooms
• Thursday Socials with WVU Collegiate Recovery: Every Thursday | 5 – 7 p.m. | Serenity Place at Maple House (724 College Ave.)
• Well-Being Adventure Series: Offers opportunities for students to explore different dimensions of well-being through relaxed activities and guided discussions.
• Mountaineer Connections: A series of events hosted by the Division of Student Life that encourages students to explore campus, meet new people, and try new experiences.
• Unplugged Workshop: Wednesday, April 1 | 3:30 – 5 p.m. | Wise Library, Student Lounge, 2nd Floor
• ChillFEST: Wednesday, April 29 | 4 – 7 p.m. | Student Recreation Center

Mental Health Trainings

• Mental Health 101 Training: Monday, April 6 | 5 – 6 p.m. | Mountainlair, Mountaineer Room. Participants will learn about national mental health statistics, WVU-specific trends, effective listening skills, services offered by the Carruth Center and CARE Team, warning signs of suicide, and how to safely support students who may be in distress.

The Carruth Center is located in the Student Health Building (STH) on the Evansdale campus, across from the Student Recreation Center. Check-in is on the top floor in Room 227.