For students at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, starting a new school year often brings a mix of excitement and nerves. With the challenges of balancing school, work, family, social life and extracurricular activities, many may find themselves wondering where to turn for support with their mental health and well-being.
An array of programs are dedicated to serving the unique needs of UH Mānoa students. Mental health services are available through the Counseling and Student Development Center (CSDC). Services tailored specifically for student-veterans, student-athletes, and those seeking behavioral health services from an Indigenous ʻŌiwi and Pasifika framework. The university also offers access to self-help resources, as well as programs for students looking to decrease their substance use.
“We understand how challenging it can be to get an education while trying to stay healthy in mind and body,” said CSDC Psychologist Alexander Khaddouma. “Our dedicated mental health professionals at UH Mānoa are here to help you stay well, cope with challenges, and succeed in your academic journey.”
Counseling and Student Development Center
CSDC provides free, confidential brief individual, couples, group and career counseling through scheduled appointments with a mental health professional. Interested students can call (808) 956-7927 to complete a brief initial telephone appointment with a CSDC counselor who can connect them with the most appropriate service.
Group therapy is available, with groups focused on building healthy relationships, developing greater awareness and insight, and exploring personal identity.
The CSDC has crisis counselors available during business hours (Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.) to assist students needing immediate mental health support. Students can call or walk-in to attend a crisis appointment.
For faculty and staff, training opportunities and clinical and program consultation regarding student mental health are available. Faculty and staff can contact CSDC about how to refer students to appropriate resources, or to arrange topical trainings for their departments.
The CSDC hosts various events to promote mental health, such as hands-on self-care workshops and resource fairs. At these events, students can explore on-campus mental health resources and learn practical skills to enhance their well-being.
CSDC’s Testing Office serves as an authorized testing site for various standardized tests and licensure/certification examinations, including the GRE (General and Subject), Praxis, TOEFL, CLEP, and Meazure Learning testing programs, and offers individual proctoring for non-UH system distance learning courses. Inquiries regarding test availability, scheduling, fees, etc., may be directed to the Testing Office at (808) 956-3454 or uhmtest@hawaii.edu.
Ka Malu a Waʻahila
This program provides culturally relevant and responsive behavioral health services from an indigenous ʻōiwi and Pasifika framework. Counselors utilize an ‘ōiwi-informed lens to foster belonging for our UH Mānoa ʻoiwi and elevate the collective behavioral health of the lāhui. Individual therapy and workshops are provided in collaboration with campus partners, such as Native Hawaiian Student Services and Graduate Professional Access.
Register for one-on-one, free, confidential therapy services online. Clinicians are available for telehealth services and limited in-person services at Queen Liliʻuokalani Center for Student Services, third floor. Email inquiries to: kwaahila@hawaii.edu.
Rainbow Wellness
This program provides dedicated mental health and wellness services for all UH Mānoa student-athletes in the Athletic Department.
One-on-one, confidential counseling is available via in-person sessions in Nagatani Center, Room 0L25 or via telehealth sessions. No referral is required to access Rainbow Wellness services and all services are free of charge. Email ATHMH@hawaii.edu to book a session or ask questions.
Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership (VITAL)
The VITAL program is a partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help student veterans achieve academic and career goals. Student veterans enrolled at UH Mānoa and are eligible for VA healthcare and can meet with a mental health professional via VA Video Connect. Call (808) 940-9098 to schedule an appointment.
Student veterans in need of immediate mental health attention are recommended to call VA Mental Health Triage at 1-800-214-1306, option 2, option 4 (Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m.) or Veterans Crisis Line at 988, option 1 (available 24/7). For more information, go to the VITAL website.
Alcohol and Other Drugs Education Program (ADEP)
ADEP is a comprehensive initiative designed to empower students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed and responsible decisions regarding alcohol and substance use.
Students can access Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS), a free program designed to address alcohol-related (and other substances including vaping) issues among students through personalized interventions. Email inquiries to adep@hawaii.edu.
Online Self-Help Resources
UH Mānoa students can access Therapy Assistance Online (TAO), a suite of online educational programs with engaging videos, animations and interactive activities that use evidence-based content to address common mental health-related concerns. Students have free access to TAO throughout the semester using their UH email address.
UH Employee Assistance Program
Faculty and staff members seeking mental health services can contact the UH Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offered by Employee Assistance of the Pacific. All regular, temporary and exempt employees are eligible for EAP services.
