Counseling and Psychiatric Services

The University of Northern Iowa offers counseling and psychiatric services to students. Read more about each of the services to determine which would be best for you.

At UNI, we provide comprehensive counseling and psychiatric services designed to support students' mental health and well-being. Our team of licensed psychiatrists and mental health professionals offers individualized assessments, medication management, and therapy options tailored to meet your unique needs. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, or other mental health challenges, our services aim to promote emotional resilience and academic success. We understand the pressures of college life and are committed to providing a compassionate and confidential space where you can seek help. Your mental health is a priority—let us support you on your journey to wellness.

UNI Psychiatric and Counseling Services is now offering Alpha-StimⓇ AID. This is a non-invasive, drug free treatment option for anxiety and insomnia. Alpha-Stim works by utilizing a mild, low level electrical current to the brain via electrodes placed on the earlobes. This current helps to stimulate brainwave activity, promoting relaxation and balancing neurotransmitter levels, which can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and enhance sleep quality.

Counseling Services

Psychiatric Services

Alpha Stim

What is the difference between Counseling and Psychiatric Services?

At UNI Counseling and Psychiatric Services, we recognize that mental health care is not one-size-fits-all. Two key components of our approach are counseling and psychiatric medication management, each serving distinct purposes.

Counseling focuses on providing a safe space for self-exploration, coping strategies, and emotional support. Through talk therapy, trained professionals help you address life challenges, develop skills, and foster personal growth. This process emphasizes understanding your thoughts and feelings to promote mental well-being.

Psychiatric Medication Management, on the other hand, involves a clinical evaluation by a licensed psychiatrist who can prescribe and monitor medications. This service is aimed at addressing specific mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or mood disorders. Our providers ensure that medications are tailored to your individual needs, with ongoing assessments to track effectiveness and adjust as necessary.

While counseling and medication management can be used independently, they often complement each other for a more holistic approach to mental health care. Together, they empower you on your path to wellness.

No Show Fees

UNI Psychiatric and Counseling Services will charge a no show fee for missed appointments or arriving more than 15 minutes late without notification. The fee will be charged to the student’s U-Bill. Fees for no shows with counseling are $25 and with psychiatric services are $45.

Emergency Services

After Hours Crisis/Emergency

In case of immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
For urgent situations outside of office hours, call the Counseling Center at 319-273-2676 and press 2 to speak to a crisis counselor.
Download the TELUS Health Student Support app for iOS or android then search for the University of Northern Iowa
Statewide Crisis Line 1-800-332-4224
988 Suicide & Crisis Line: Call OR Text 988
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Your Life Iowa Text Line: Text TALK to 855-895-8398

Private Spaces for Teletherapy

On Campus

Rod Library Study Rooms: Available by reservation on website
Schindler Hall Study Rooms: Walkiin availability
Towers Center: First come, first served availability
Bartlett Hall Study Rooms: Walk-in availability
The Quads Private Study Rooms: Walk-in availability
Student Health Center: Walk-in availability (ask front desk for a room for teletherapy)

Off Campus

Cedar Falls Public Library
- Monday - Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
- Thursday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Sunday: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Waverly Public Library
- Monday - Thursday: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
- Friday: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Sunday: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
- *A $10 fee is requested at booking but will be refunded provided the room is returned in the same condition as received.

Substance Abuse Services

Who

Access Evaluations and Education, an off-campus state certified organization, provides on-campus substance abuse services. They also provide off-campus services as well. The mission of Access is "...to provide prompt, thorough, objective and professional services using a non-judgmental, compassionate approach while collaborating with other entities if needed to provide the best possible outcome for our clients." For more information, please visit www.accessevals.com.

What

Access provides substance abuse services on campus, including consultations regarding drug/alcohol-related concerns, as well as private substance use evaluations and sessions for those who need to comply with any academic or legal issues. Their off-campus services include OWI classes, OWI evaluations, .05 education and individual therapy.

When

Wednesdays (on campus); other days (off campus)

Where

UNI Counseling Center (Wednesdays); 3640 Canterbury Court Waterloo, IA (other days)

How

To schedule an appointment, please call 319-252-4631. If interested in on-campus services, say you would like to schedule an appointment for when they are at UNI. If you are interested in off-campus services, you can schedule for whenever works best for you.