Mental Health Resources for CU Boulder Students
You’re Not Alone.
College is a lot. Between classes, new routines, and being away from your usual support system, it’s easy to end up more stressed than you expected to be. If you’ve been feeling anxious, overwhelmed, homesick, or just not like yourself lately, that’s a normal response to a genuinely big transition. It doesn’t mean something is wrong with you, and it doesn’t mean you have to figure it out alone.
This page rounds up the mental health resources available to CU Boulder students — from free on-campus support to local Boulder County organizations — so you know where to start.
If You Need Help Right Now
If you’re in crisis or worried about your safety, don’t wait for an appointment — reach out immediately using one of these:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988, available 24/7
- Colorado Crisis Services — Call 1-844-493-8255 or text “TALK” to 38255, 24/7
- Colorado Crisis Walk-In Center (Boulder) — 3180 Airport Rd, Boulder — open 24/7, no appointment needed
- Crisis Text Line — Text HOME to 741741
- CAPS 24/7 Crisis Line — 303-492-2277 (select the after-hours crisis option)
- The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ youth) — Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678
- Emergency — Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room
If you’re supporting a friend who may be in crisis, these same lines are built to help you too — you don’t have to be the one struggling to call.
Anxiety and Change Go Hand in Hand
Most students picture college as a fresh start — new independence, a clean slate, maybe even a better version of themselves. What often shows up instead is anxiety: the pressure of a packed schedule, the loneliness of a new place, or the nagging feeling that everyone else has it figured out and you don’t.
According to Jamie Brennan, a licensed professional counselor based in Boulder, Colorado, that discomfort isn’t a sign that something’s wrong — it’s usually a sign that something is changing. As Brennan puts it, “Anxiety and life transitions often go hand in hand, as change naturally brings uncertainty. What many people don’t realize is that these challenging moments can become opportunities for profound growth when approached with the right support and tools.”
Starting or returning to college is one of those transitions. The uncertainty you’re feeling is a signal that something in your life is shifting — not a problem to fix on your own before you’re “allowed” to ask for help.
Start Here: Free Support Through CU Boulder
Before looking anywhere else, know that CU Boulder already has resources built for exactly this — most of them free, confidential, and a short walk from class.
Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS)
CU Boulder’s on-campus counseling center offers short-term individual therapy, group therapy, workshops, psychiatric services, and 24/7 crisis support — at no additional cost to enrolled students. 📍 Center for Community (C4C), N352 📞 303-492-2277 (24/7) 🔗 colorado.edu/counseling
BetterMynd (Online Counseling)
CAPS partners with BetterMynd to offer free, flexible virtual counseling sessions for students who want more scheduling flexibility or prefer a virtual format. 🔗 Available through the CAPS website
The Raimy Clinic
A training clinic run by CU Boulder’s Clinical Psychology PhD program, offering therapy for depression, anxiety, relationship, and academic concerns at reduced, income-based rates. Open to students, faculty, staff, and the broader community. 🔗 colorado.edu/clinicalpsychology/raimy-clinic
Wardenburg Health Center
CU Boulder’s on-campus health center for physical health concerns that often go hand-in-hand with mental health — sleep issues, fatigue, and general wellness checks.
Off-Campus & Boulder County Community Resources
If you’re looking for options outside CU Boulder — whether for ongoing care, a different specialty, or just more availability — Boulder County has an active community mental health network:
NAMI Boulder County
Local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, offering free support groups, education programs, and a resource directory for the Boulder area. 🔗 namibouldercounty.org
Clinica Family Health & Wellness (formerly Mental Health Partners)
A Boulder County nonprofit offering therapy, psychiatry, and crisis services on a sliding-fee scale for those who are uninsured or underinsured.
2-1-1 Colorado
A free, confidential referral service connecting Coloradans to local resources — including mental health providers who take your insurance or fit your budget. Available by phone or online, with multilingual support. 🔗 211colorado.org
Active Minds (CU Boulder Chapter)
A national student-run mental health awareness organization with an active chapter on campus, focused on peer support and reducing stigma around mental health.
SPAN (Support, Advocacy, Prevention)
Boulder County nonprofit offering confidential support for those affected by relationship violence or family stress — relevant for students navigating difficult relationships alongside everything else.
(Note: Boulder also has many private therapy practices — CAPS can help connect you with a local provider who takes your insurance if you’re looking for a specific fit.)
Everyday Ways to Support Your Mental Health
Therapy and campus resources are the foundation, but the day-to-day stuff matters too:
- Get outside. Boulder’s trail system is one of the best stress-relief tools you have — even a 20-minute walk on the Boulder Creek Path can reset a rough day.
- Protect your sleep. Easier said than done during midterms, but it’s the first thing to slip — and the first thing that makes everything else harder.
- Find your people. Whether it’s a club, a study group, or a regular coffee run, consistent low-stakes connection matters more than it seems.
- Notice patterns, not just moments. A hard day is different from a hard month. If low points are becoming the norm, that’s a good time to reach out to CAPS.
FAQ
Is CAPS really free for CU Boulder students?
Yes. CAPS is included in your student fees, so individual sessions, group therapy, and workshops come at no additional cost. Ongoing specialized care may involve a referral to an off-campus provider.
What if it’s outside CAPS office hours?
CAPS has a 24/7 crisis line (303-492-2277), and Colorado Crisis Services (988 or 1-844-493-8255) is available around the clock as well.
Do I need insurance to see a therapist in Boulder?
Not necessarily. Options like the Raimy Clinic and Clinica Family Health & Wellness offer sliding-scale or income-based rates, and 2-1-1 Colorado can help match you with providers based on your specific situation.
Can CAPS help me find a therapist off campus?
Yes — part of their role is helping students find community providers who take their insurance or fit their specific needs.
I’m not sure if what I’m feeling is “serious enough” for help.
There’s no minimum bar. CAPS and campus resources are built for everything from a rough week to an ongoing struggle — you don’t need a crisis to reach out.
This page is provided for informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. CUBoulderMap.com is not an official website of the University of Colorado. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, call 988 or 911 immediately.