Prioritizing Mental Health

Playing a crucial role in supporting academic, social and emotional well-being, the University of Pikeville is committed to making mental health services easily accessible for its students.

The THRIVE Counseling Center, implemented in 2018, was the university’s first on-campus mental health resource. THRIVE offers students a wide range of confidential clinical services at no cost or session limit. Assistant Dean of Health and Wellness Marty Green has more than 30 years of experience in mental health support and is one of two licensed behavioral health clinicians available for students seeking help. Teletherapy services became available to students in the fall of 2022, thanks to the university’s partnership with Uwill, the leading mental health and wellness solution for colleges and students. Uwill is an interventional program that provides students with immediate access to licensed counselors via video, phone, chat or text. As companion programs to Uwill, students can also access Uhelp, a 24/7 crisis support line, and Uwellness, mental health support materials.

“We want students to have the ability to connect with a therapist who they might identify with on a deeper level, someone who speaks the same primary language or who matches their ethnicity,” said Green. “Students have diversity of choice when it comes to therapists who meet their needs and have the flexibility to work with their schedule and talk in the privacy of their own space.”

KOOTH is a preventative, instantaccess digital mental health support program available to all students at UPIKE, offering safe and anonymous help at any time, day or night. Students have access to three service options where they can engage in chat-based therapy with a licensed clinician, access a self-care hub with mental health resources and connect with a community peer support service. This platform targets students who may never utilize a therapist’s office but may feel more comfortable resolving issues through an anonymous chat.

Offering these services helps students identify and address concerns early and can help prevent more significant issues from developing. The goal is to promote overall mental health for students on campus.

Chief Bear, the campus therapy dog, is UPIKE’s latest endeavor aimed at connecting with students and is a welcome addition to the extensive lineup of mental health services available. Director of UPIKE Public Safety Lee Upchurch believes the newest member of his team is already making a valuable difference for students struggling with homesickness, social anxiety and even trauma.

“He is being trained to recognize trauma and comfort students who need it,” said Upchurch. “The hope is that Chief Bear can help erase the stigma and open the door to other mental health services on campus.”

The labrador mix came to the university late in the fall 2022 semester and was an immediate student favorite. He gets many snuggles daily from students who need emotional support or are just missing their own dogs. He also visits different classrooms to help students relax and focus before major exams.

“The nursing program has said they notice a definite improvement in student performance after a visit from Chief Bear,” said Upchurch. “KYCOM and KYCO reported that Chief Bear has had a calming effect on their students and reduced their stress levels before exams.”

Since his arrival, he has completed basic puppy training and advanced boarding and direct pressure therapy training. In September, when he turns one, Chief Bear will begin his final training toward becoming an American Kennel Clubcertified trauma and therapy dog.

By Amy Charles, MBA '23