Ready, Set, Thrive: Guides for New Students & Families
Welcome to Oregon State University! As you get ready for this exciting next chapter, it’s important to care for your mental well-being alongside your other preparations. We’ve gathered resources to help you and your family plan a smooth transition—whether that means continuing care with a current provider, finding support near campus, or learning about the services and opportunities available once the academic year begins. Your journey is just beginning, and we’re glad to be part of it.
Summer Resources for a Strong Start
Starting the Conversation: College & Your Mental Health
This guide offers information for students and their families about mental health during college. We encourage you to read it together, reflect on what it brings up, and use it as a starting point for open, ongoing conversations about well-being and support.
Thriving Campus
Thriving Campus is an online directory that makes it easy to find off-campus mental health providers who work with OSU students. You can filter by location, specialty, insurance, and more—so you can find the right fit, whether you're planning ahead for fall or continuing care from home.
Transition of Care Guide
If you received mental health care during high school or earlier, the Transition of Care Guide offers steps you can take to support your well-being as you transition to college and settle into life at OSU.
Tools for Transitioning to College
While high school builds academic knowledge, thriving in college and beyond takes more than what’s learned in the classroom. Jed Set to Go offers helpful tools, tips, and guidance to support your transition and set you up for success in this next chapter.
Our Counseling Options
New students can begin accessing the following counseling services starting September 22. If you're interested in short-term counseling or want to talk with a triage specialist to find the best option for your needs, you can schedule a phone consultation online beginning September 8.
For support during the summer, options include using Psychology Today or Thriving Campus to browse therapists in your area.
Anytime Anywhere
Starting college comes with big changes, and support is just a tap away with Anytime Anywhere. Through our partnership with TELUS Health, you have free 24/7 access to mental health support by phone or chat—no matter where you are. You can talk to someone right away in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, or French. Students on enrolled at the Corvallis campus may also schedule short-term teletherapy in 150+ languages. You can even request a counselor who shares your background or identity. The app also includes self-guided tools on topics like stress, sleep, academics, and relationships—all designed with college students in mind.
Crisis Support
If you're in immediate distress, your needs are our highest priority. You can visit us in person on the 5th floor of Snell Hall during our on-call hours, or call 541-737-2131 any time, day or night. After hours, select option 1 to connect with a crisis counselor.
You can also use this service if you have an urgent concern about someone else or if you want to bring another student who is in crisis to us during on-call hours. No matter what’s going on or when it happens, you don’t have to face it alone.
Group Counseling
Group counseling is a great way to find support in a welcoming, confidential space. By connecting with other students who are navigating similar experiences, you’ll gain new perspectives, learn helpful coping strategies, and feel a stronger sense of community.
Whether you’re working through personal challenges, building skills, or just looking for a supportive environment, our groups can help you manage stress, care for your mental health, and strengthen your resilience as you adjust to college life.
Individual Counseling
We offer two different individual counseling options designed to meet different needs:
- Short-term counseling focuses on effectively addressing concerns and achieving specific goals. Students come to us for a variety of reasons. Whatever your reason, we’re here to listen, to understand, and to assist you in your path toward resilience and well-being. If you're interested in this option, you may schedule a short phone consultation with a triage specialist who will help you get started. Scheduling for fall term phone consultations will begin on September 8.
- The Single Session Clinic offers a one-time counseling session for a non-urgent current concern or issue. Together, you and an SSC counselor will explore solutions and craft an action plan suited to your needs.
Community & Belonging
We know that finding your place in college isn't always easy. From supportive peer-led spaces to events and leadership opportunities, we can help you meet people, share experiences, and get involved.
Beavers Belong Support Network
Connect weekly with fellow students in a supportive, peer-led space where you can build meaningful connections and have real conversations about college life, identity, and more. Beavers Belong is a welcoming community where you can share support and thrive together.
Campus Events
We host fun and meaningful events designed to help you connect, recharge, and feel supported. From fall term Speed Friending, study breaks with therapy dogs, pop-up calm rooms, and more, there's something for everyone. Stay up to date by following us on the OSU events calendar.
Group Counseling
Groups are a powerful way to build connection and belonging while getting support. Whether you're processing similar experiences, building skills, or connecting around shared identities, our groups offer a welcoming space to share, grow, and feel less alone.
Volunteering & Leadership
Get involved, make connections, and support student mental health. We offer options from one-time activities and event committees to longer term term leadership roles and employment opportunities. Meet others who care about mental health and feel a stronger sense of belonging in your new community.
Well-Being Resources
As you start your journey at OSU, visit our Mental Health Promotion resources on building resilience, identity-specific support, relaxation techniques, suicide prevention, and more to help you support yourself and others.
You can also learn more about our Mind Spa—a private relaxation room where you can take a break in the massage chair and use other tools to help you unwind.