The University of California, Riverside (UCR) has opened a stunning new Student Health and Counseling Center, a game-changer in campus wellness. This two-story facility, boasting mountain views, offers a complete range of services in a modern, inviting setting. Think modern hotel lobby meets health clinic – complete with a food pantry, pharmacy, and even an outdoor meditation balcony.
More than just a building upgrade, UCR’s new center is poised to become a national model for holistic student well-being in the post-pandemic era. experts believe this approach to integrated physical and mental health services is a crucial step forward.
The 40,000-square-foot center offers “one-stop shopping for wellness,” integrating physical and mental health services, according to Denise Woods, UCR’s Associate Vice Chancellor for Health, Wellness, and Safety. Woods envisions a streamlined experience, making it easier for students to access the support they need.
This new facility replaces a 60-year-old building, half the size and built for a significantly smaller student population (currently around 27,000). Funded through UC bonds and other sources, the center centralizes previously scattered services, bringing them closer to student residences for enhanced convenience.
Student Senator Nadia Colón, a fourth-year psychology and law and society double major, expressed the excitement of the student body. “I think it will be perfect for students who need medical or counseling help,” Colón shared. While appreciating the older building’s amenities, Colón added, “the new building, from what I’ve seen, is updated and has more resources.”
The first floor houses the clinic and pharmacy, alongside a convenient satellite food pantry. Upstairs, soundproofed counseling rooms offer privacy and address the stigma often associated with mental health services.
Experts highlight this center as a significant shift in higher education’s approach to student well-being, especially in the wake of the pandemic’s challenges. The long-term benefits extend beyond student health, impacting recruitment, graduation rates, and alumni relations.
Dr. Michael Huey, former interim CEO of the University Health Association and former CEO of Emory University health and Counseling Services, emphasizes the connection between well-being and academic success. “For a long time, we have known that physical and mental health and well-being are an vital part of academic success, retention and graduation. It has been shown that when students are physically and emotionally well, they perform better,” Dr. Huey stated.
Dr.Huey also notes the trend of universities modernizing thier health facilities and consolidating services. He points out that a “modern, spacious, clean and professional-looking” center can ease anxieties for students seeking help for the first time, while privacy in counseling rooms helps reduce stigma.
Richard Shadick, a member of the Association of University Counseling Center Directors and director of the counseling center at Pace University, underscores the impact on enrollment. “I think having a new building that addresses the needs of the students, the physical and psychological needs of the students, is a great idea. More and more families are considering the wellness services provided by schools when making a decision about which college students attend. It has become quite common for it to be a selling point for a university,” Shadick observed.
National data reveals a concerning trend: College Health Association surveys show a drop in students rating their health as “very good” or “excellent” (47% in recent surveys compared to 55% in 2020). Though, the most common ailments are generally non-life-threatening, such as allergies, back pain, and common colds.
Regarding mental health, a growing number of college students arrive with prior counseling or medication experience. Research from Pennsylvania State University’s University Mental Health Center indicates that approximately 60% of students using college counseling services had prior mental health treatment, up from 48% a decade ago. Social anxiety, exacerbated by social media and the transition back to in-person learning, is also on the rise.
UCR’s new center’s design, with its separate counseling floor, prioritizes privacy while allowing for collaboration between medical and counseling staff when needed.
UC Riverside Opens Cutting-Edge Student Health Center
The University of California, Riverside (UCR) has unveiled a brand-new student health center, designed to provide comprehensive physical and mental healthcare services in a modern and welcoming surroundings. The facility represents a significant investment in student well-being, addressing the evolving needs of today’s college students.
Last year, the campus saw approximately 1,840 students per month utilizing medical services and around 590 seeking counseling and psychological care. The new center aims to increase these numbers, particularly in mental health services, which saw a dip during the pandemic despite a rise in reported mental health issues among students nationwide.
The center offers a wide range of services, including treatment for routine illnesses and injuries (flu, utis, sprains, etc.), vaccinations, and birth control. While the center handles most non-emergency situations, students requiring specialized care, such as bone resetting or complex wound suturing, are referred to local hospitals. A 24/7 nurse line and access to off-campus urgent care centers ensure round-the-clock support.
Allison Escobar, a fourth-year psychology student, shared her enthusiasm for the new facility: “It’s a big improvement over the old one, which had a lot of things wrong. Students especially appreciate the upgraded, soundproofed counseling rooms. Students care about their privacy during what they are going through. The consideration of privacy is something very important.”
Addressing the mental health crisis on college campuses, UCR is also launching a new mental health emergency response team. Composed of mental health professionals,this team will be the first responders to mental health emergencies,such as suicidal ideation or severe depression,replacing the previous practice of sending campus police in many instances. This change aligns with UC system-wide policies implemented two years ago to de-escalate possibly volatile situations.
“That is now the preferred option to sending uniformed police in patrol cars whose presence sometimes escalates a situation, although police are available to counter any violence, officials say,” a UCR spokesperson stated. The Riverside campus averages approximately four such emergencies per month.
Designed by HGA Architects and built by Turner Construction,the center boasts a thoughtful design that prioritizes student well-being.Kevin Day, lead project architect at HGA, explained the design philosophy: “connecting the clinic to the natural landscape becomes part of the healing process. It’s realy about creating a welcoming environment. Knowing that going to a doctor’s appointment can be stressful, his team’s goal was to design a building that would help ‘lower blood pressure.’ ”
The building incorporates features designed to enhance both physical and mental health. The 28 counseling rooms are larger than average to ensure patient privacy and comfort, and several exam rooms feature specialized ventilation systems to minimize the spread of airborne illnesses. Soundproofing in the counseling rooms is a significant improvement over the previous facility, and a new mobile check-in system will allow students to bypass the lobby and proceed directly to their appointments.
While online counseling remains an option, UCR hopes the new center’s amenities will encourage in-person visits. UCR students pay approximately $2,100 annually for campus health insurance (unless they opt for alternative coverage), which covers most medical services. All students receive free, unlimited counseling sessions, funded by a separate $410 annual student services fee.
UC Riverside Unveils New Student Health Center: A Model for Holistic Wellness
UC Riverside’s stunning new Student Health and Counseling Center is generating excitement for its emphasis on integrated care and modern amenities.Senior Editor Sarah Jones speaks with Dr.Evelyn Ramirez,a leading expert in college student health and wellness,about the center’s impact on student life and the future of university health services.
Sarah Jones: Dr. Ramirez, the University of California, Riverside’s new Student health and Counseling Center is grabbing headlines for its innovative approach to student well-being. what makes it so unique?
Dr. Evelyn Ramirez: This center goes beyond simply providing medical care. It embodies a holistic understanding of student well-being by integrating both physical and mental health services under one roof. This collaborative approach makes seeking help more accessible and reduces the stigma frequently enough associated with mental health services.
Sarah Jones: We’ve seen a growing emphasis on mental health in higher education. how dose this center address those evolving needs?
Dr. Ramirez: the dedicated counseling floor, with its soundproofed rooms, prioritizes privacy and confidentiality. It sends a powerful message that mental health is a priority. Also,having counselors and medical professionals work side-by-side fosters better communication and ensures students get the complete care they need.
Sarah Jones: The center also features amenities like a food pantry and outdoor meditation balcony. How do those kinds of features contribute to student well-being?
Dr.Ramirez: They address the needs of the whole student. Food insecurity is a real issue for some students,and having a pantry on-site removes a barrier to nourishment. The meditation balcony provides a space for stress reduction and mindfulness. These thoughtful details demonstrate that the center understands the multifaceted nature of student wellness.
sarah Jones: UCR’s center is being hailed as a potential model for other universities. What are the broader implications for the future of college health services?
Dr. Ramirez: This center reflects a shift in recognizing the direct link between student well-being and academic success. when students feel supported physically and mentally, they are better equipped to thrive academically. As more universities prioritize these holistic models, we can expect to see improved academic outcomes, increased student retention, and a more positive campus climate.
