Counseling and Mental Health Resources

As a student, you have access to free mental health services and resources. If you’d like additional information, please contact the Mental Health Program Manager at 952-885-5405 or studentaffairs@nwhealth.edu.

StudentLinc offers 24/7 access to a licensed mental health professional for immediate support, and options to schedule subsequent in-person or virtual counseling appointments wherever you are in the U.S. Additionally, you will retain access to in-the-moment clinical support by phone, as well as text therapy services, when outside of the country.

Accessing StudentLinc Services

  • In-the-moment services: simply call 1-888-893-5462
  • Set up your profile on the StudentLinc web portal & download the mobile app
    • Use code nwhealth to get started
  • All requests for information or assistance are free of charge and completely confidential. You can contact the StudentLinc program 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Access support whenever needed, wherever is most convenient for you.

Program Features include:

  • In-the-moment support. A licensed clinician answers 24/7/365 when you call for assistance with school-related pressures, depression, stress, anxiety, grief, relationship problems, substance abuse or other emotional health concerns.
  • Short-term counseling. students receive up to six (6) counseling sessions per presenting issue, per year, in-person or via video.
  • Legal consultation. Receive a free, 30-minute legal consultation per issue with a local attorney, by phone or in-person.
  • Financial expertise. Consultation and planning with an experienced financial professional, providing pressure-free, personalized guidance until your issue is resolved.
  • Convenience resources. Knowledgeable specialists provide referrals that help address a wide range of challenges such as child or elder care, adoption, pet care, home repair, education and housing needs.
  • Web platform. Your one-stop shop for program support, resources, information and more. Discover on-demand training to boost wellbeing. Find discounted gym memberships, financial calculators, self-assessments and career resources. Visit the Savings Center for a variety of discounts. Or complete a search to explore articles and tip sheets.
  • Mobile app. Get confidential support and guidance on the go from a licensed counselor via live chat, as well as expert content and resources – all from the convenience of your phone or tablet.
  • Text-based coaching. Exchange text messages, voice notes and resources Monday – Friday with a licensed counselor through the Textcoach® mobile and desktop app.
  • Strengthen your mental health and overall wellbeing at your own pace using Animo’s self-guided content, practical resources and daily inspiration to foster meaningful and lasting behavior change.
  • Virtual Support Connect. This digital group support platform offers moderated sessions hosted by licensed counselors on topics such as grief, mindfulness, preventing burnout and more.
  • Take the guesswork out of your emotional fitness! Click the Mental Health Navigator icon on the web portal or mobile app, complete a short survey and receive personalized guidance for accessing program support and resources.

There are a number of community organizations which provide services. Below is a list of community resources students can access for mental health support.

Suicide prevention hotlines/helplines

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273‐TALK (8255) Hours of operation 24/7

Additional helplines for crisis situations

  • The Trevor Helpline / LGBTQ Helpline: (866) 4U‐Trevor (866)‐488‐7386; Hours of
    operation 24/7
  • Military Crisis Line: 1‐800‐273‐8255 (press 1) Hours of operation 24/7

Community Outreach for Psychiatric Emergencies – 612-596‐1223
Call Community Outreach for Psychiatric Emergencies (COPE) when a severe disturbance of mood or thinking threatens a person’s safety or the safety of others. COPE professionals are available to manage the immediate crisis and provide a clinical assessment. Telephone consultations also are available. This service is available to all adults 18 and older, in Hennepin County.

Hamm Clinic – hammclinic.org
Provide services on a sliding fee scale for those that qualify.

Headway Emotional Health Services – headway.org/adults
Provide services on a sliding fee scale for those that qualify.

MPSI PSYCHOTHERAPY CENTER MPSI Psychotherapy Center – mpsi‐pc.org
The MPSI Psychotherapy Center was founded in 2009 by a group of mental health clinicians and community leaders with a vision to make psychoanalytic psychotherapy more accessible and affordable for underserved populations. Services are provided on a sliding fee scale.

Open Path Psychotherapy Collective – openpathcollective.org
A non‐profit nationwide searchable network of mental health professionals whom are able to provide therapy services on a sliding fee scale. Individual therapy services are provided for $30‐60 per session.

St. Thomas Interprofessional Center for Counseling – stthomas.edu/ipc/psychservices/aboutpsychologicalservices
All services are provided by doctoral and master’s level psychology students. Services are provided under the supervision of the center’s Director of Psychological Services ‐ a licensed professional with background in the provision of competent and professional clinical services. All services are provided free of charge.

Walk In Counseling Center – walkin.org
This organization provides free, walk‐in (no appointment) counseling and therapy for individuals, couples and families.

Students who are experiencing food and housing insecurities, interpersonal violence, warm clothing needs, or students who need guidance in addressing concerns with their landlord, can obtain assistance through the following organizations.

On Campus Resources:

NWHSU Food Pantry located in the Student Organization Center

Off Campus Resources:

Food assistance

Minnesota Food Help Line – 1-888-711-1151
This Help Line helps enroll people who qualify for SNAP (food stamps and food support) and helps callers find emergency food assistance close to their home.

Hunger Solutions – hungersolutions.org
Hunger Solutions works with both state and federal government to advance programs that tackle hunger on the large scale and with food banks and shelves to distribute food on the smaller scale. You can find a food pantry locator service on their website.

VEAP – veap.org
VEAP provides food, emergency financial assistance, transportation assistance and social services for residents of Bloomington, Richfield, and Edina.

Housing assistance

Twin Cities Housing Hotline – 1-888-234-1329
This is the place to start if you are looking for shelters and housing help in Hennepin, Ramsey, Dakota, Anoka, and Washington counties.

HOME Line Minnesota – 612-728-5767
HOME Line provides free and low-cost legal, organizing, education, and advocacy services so that tenants throughout Minnesota can solve their own rental housing problems. More information can be found at homelinemn.org.

Day One Emergency Shelter and Crisis Hotline – dayoneservices.org
Day One is a network of domestic violence, sexual assault community programs in Minnesota. Emergency housing assistance is also available.

Cornerstone Advocacy Services – cornerstonemn.org
Cornerstone is a network of domestic violence, sexual assault community programs in Minnesota and provides comprehensive services for victims/survivors experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and exploitation and general crime victim services. Emergency housing assistance is also available.

Warm clothing assistance 

Joseph’s Coat – www.josephscoatmn.org
Joseph’s Coat is a free store and community support organization located.  Seasonal clothing and winter coats available.

Closet Of Hope – www.bcov.org/closet-of-hope
The Closet of Hope is a free clothing store that is available for anyone in need who live in Bloomington and Richfield (ID required). Clothing available for all ages, footwear, coats, bedding and towels.

Bridging – bridging.org
Bridging provides donated furniture and household goods to families and individuals  transitioning out of homelessness and poverty.

Faculty and staff of Northwestern have the unique opportunity of having ongoing, direct contact with students and can identify students who are struggling. To support your efforts, here are helpful practical tips about assisting students most effectively and referring them to the university counselor when needed.

Identifying a student who is struggling

Stress is a natural part of life and no stranger to college students. Most students cope successfully with the rigors of college life. Those who don’t tend to show signs that they are struggling in some way. You will often see these signs below in the classroom or on campus.

  • Significant change in academic performance, preparation, and behavior in class
  • Excessive absences and tardiness
  • Repeated requests for special consideration due to life events
  • Unusual change in mood, demeanor or hygiene
  • Listlessness or falling asleep in class
  • Inappropriate remarks or outbursts
  • Aggressive behaviors
  • Signs of drug or alcohol usage that is noticeable in class
  • Disorganized thoughts or speech
  • Inability to concentrate on conversation or activity
  • Increasing dependency upon you
  • Reports of death or difficult relationship
  • References to suicide
  • Social isolation
  • Statements of hopelessness or prolonged observable unhappiness

Early intervention is almost always best. It is beneficial to the student if you can refer a student to our counselor before they’re in crisis.

Guidelines for talking to a student who may need referral to counseling:

  • Talk to the student in private
  • Listen carefully and express your concern
  • Repeat back the essence of what the student tells you
  • Avoid criticism or judgment
  • Suggest the student seek counseling
  • Assure the student the counseling is free of charge
  • Encourage the student to “try it and see how it goes”

Resources: