Health and Wellness at Edwards
A variety of amazing support systems are in place at KU Edwards Campus. From our own psychological clinic available to all Edwards Campus and Edwards program students to the health systems available in the community, students have a range of resources available to them. Explore this page to learn more about each health and wellness opportunity.
Health and Wellness Services at Edwards:
- KU Edwards Campus Psychological Clinic
- Mantra Health
- Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)
- Watkins Health Services
- Suggestions for resources in the KC Metro community
What is the Wellness Fee?
One of the fees charged to students enrolled in most KU programs is the Wellness Fee, which gives access to the Watkins Health Clinic, Ambler Student Recreation Center, and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). Most academic programs at KU add this fee to your tuition and fee statement to ensure you have access to as many support systems as possible.
However, if your program is listed on the Non-Standard Programs list, you were not charged student fees, including the Wellness Fee. Students in these programs are often distance learners who can’t use the services listed above due to location or time restraints. For students in Edwards-based non-standard programs, other opportunities have been created to meet needs, such as the KU Edwards Campus Psychological Clinic. However, if you would like to use services through CAPS, the Ambler Student Recreation Center, and the Watkins Health Clinic, you can opt-in to pay the fee and gain access by filling out the form at the following link: Opt-In to the Wellness Fee.
You can determine whether you were charged and have paid the Wellness Fee by checking your tuition and fee statement in Enroll & Pay.
KU Edwards Campus Psychological Clinic (KUEC-PC)
On both an in-person and online basis, Dr. Alexander Williams offers evidence-based, outpatient therapy for KUEC students. From test anxiety to serious mental illness, the KU Edwards Campus Psychological Clinic (KUEC-PC) welcomes the full spectrum of student concerns and tailors services accordingly. Potential concerns might include:
- Juggling family, life and school commitments
- Experiencing anxiety
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Finding it difficult to transition back to school
- Managing diagnosed mental conditions
Clinic staff can also help connect students with local services from groceries, clothing and housing to health care, transportation, emotional support, etc., through My Resource Connection.
For more information about services and the origins of the KU Psychological Clinic, visit the KU Psychological Clinic.
To use the KU Edwards Campus Psychological Clinic (KUEC-PC), students must meet both of the eligibility requirements listed below:
- Enrolled in a program that is Edwards-based (listed on the Edwards Campus list of programs) or who has an Edwards Subplan on their degree plan
- Physically located in Kansas, Missouri, or one of the states indicated on the PSYPACT Map
Payment of the Wellness Fee is not required to use the KU Edwards Campus Psychological Clinic (KUEC-PC).
Potential clients can call 785-864-4121 and leave a message requesting to start the intake process and/or find out the current wait time to begin services. Please indicate during your message that you are a KU Edwards Campus student.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and stress
- Interpersonal therapy for depression
- Exposure-and-response prevention for obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Cognitive processing therapy for PTSD
The initial consultation session is free. Beyond that, students pay a flat rate of $12 per 50-minute session.
The KU Edwards Campus Psychological Clinic (KUEC-PC) does not process insurance.
While the cost per appointment is $12, this rate can be adjusted based on financial need.
The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and are the Title IX coordinators for their respective campuses: Director of the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY (for the Lawrence, Edwards, Parsons, Yoder, and Topeka campuses); Director, Equal Opportunity Office, Mail Stop 7004, 4330 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Fairway, KS 66205, 913-588-8011, 711 TTY (for the Wichita, Salina, and Kansas City, Kansas medical center campuses).
Mantra Health
The University of Kansas has partnered with Mantra Health to expand access to mental health and wellness support for students. Mantra Health is your digital gateway to flexible, school-sponsored care — available at no cost to KU students.
Through the Care Hub, students can access:
- ConnectNow: Get in-the-moment support via phone or text 24/7, or by video from 11am–11pm CT — no appointment needed.
- Self Care: Access short, self-guided courses for managing stress, building better habits, and improving emotional wellness.
- Therapy: Connect with licensed therapists for one-on-one virtual sessions.
- Note: Therapy services through Mantra Health are only available to students who have paid the Wellness Fee.
Download the Mantra Health mobile app or navigate to the website at the button below!
Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)
Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) is the University of Kansas's main student mental health provider. It is physically located on the Lawrence Campus, but teletherapy can be available upon request.
Students who visit Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) have a variety of interests and concerns. Many students seek help for psychological, interpersonal, family problems and other issues related to succeeding at the university. Individual and group sessions are available.
Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) staff are also available for consultation to students who may have concerns about another student or friend, or about a particular situation. Staff members are also available to consult with faculty and staff regarding such issues.
Traveling to Lawrence is not always necessary: telemental health appointments are often available by request.
Students must pay the Wellness Fee to use Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) services. Find out whether you have already paid this by viewing your tuition and fee statement. If you have been charged this fee, it will be listed there.
If you would like to opt-in to this fee in order to use the Watkins Health Clinic, Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS), and the Ambler Student Recreation Center in Lawrence, KS, fill out the following form: Opt-In to the Wellness Fee Form.
Learn more about eligibility for services regarding teletherapy, after graduation, and students under 18 here: CAPS Eligibility.
Jayhawk Check-Ins are first-time appointments for students who are not current clients and would like to meet with a clinician to start services at CAPS. Jayhawk Check-Ins are consultation appointments with a clinician to determine what services or resources would best meet your needs.
Good news, no need to schedule. All Check-ins are same-day drop-in, M-F 10am-3pm! Upon your arrival we will ask you to fill out some initial questions, but you will be able to see a clinician soon after that.
For current clients, please call 785-864-2277 or stop by to schedule.
Jayhawk Check-Ins are not for crises or urgent needs. If you are in crisis or your needs are urgent, please come into CAPS. See below for more information regarding crisis or urgent appointments. The CAPS office is located on the second floor in Watkins Health Building.
If you are unable to make it to the Lawrence Campus for the initial Jayhawk Check-In, please call 785-864-2277 to inquire further.
The list of fees for Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) services can be found here: CAPS Fees.
- Therapy and counseling
- Crisis support
- Psychiatry (medication)
- Group therapy
- Workshops
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Diagnostic Clarification assessment
- Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) does NOT currently provide assessments for Autism
Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) is located in the Watkins Memorial Health Center:
1200 Schwegler Dr., Room 2150
Lawrence, KS 66045
Bus Routes: 27, 42
For more information on insurance, please navigate to the Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) Fees page.
Watkins Health Services
Located in Watkins Memorial Health Center, Watkins Health Services (WHS) provides comprehensive medical care and outreach programs through a team of dedicated professionals. As a student-focused, student-friendly center, our mission is to advance the quality of life for university students, improving academic performance and increasing retention.
Students who have paid the Wellness Fee are eligible to use Watkins Health Services (WHS). Students who have not paid this fee are still eligible to use the services, but they will pay a higher rate for each service. Learn more at the Watkins Health Services website. Watkins Health Services (WHS) does accept your health insurance, but health insurance is not required to use services.
Appointments are scheduled via the Patient Portal--which all KU students have access to--or by calling 785-864-9507. Learn more about making, canceling, and preparing for your appointment on the Appointments webpage.
The full list of services can be found here: Services at Watkins Health Clinic. Below are just a few:
- General medicine clinic
- Immunizations
- Laboratory
- Nurse helpline
- Pharmacy
- Walk-in clinic
If you are driving to the Lawrence Campus to use Watkins Health Services (WHS), free parking is provided outside the building for patients. If those free spots are full and you receive a ticket for parking nearby, please notify the Watkins Health Clinic within ten days for further guidance.
Students may also choose to use the free K10 Connector bus to get to Lawrence. Please allow about 1.5-2 hours before your appointment for travel by bus to allow time for potential bus delays in addition to either the walk or bus ride from Central Station to the clinic.
Watkins Health Services (WHS) is located at:
Watkins Memorial Health Center
1200 Schwegler Drive
Lawrence, KS 66045
Bus Routes: 27, 42
Some KU students need to purchase health insurance while they attend school. The Kansas Board of Regents has partnered with the public universities in Kansas to sponsor a voluntary health insurance plan designed for students called UnitedHealthcare StudentResources.
To find more information on this KBOR plan and to enroll, visit UnitedHealthcare StudentResources.
When to enroll?
Open enrollment for student health insurance occurs at the beginning of each semester. For each semester, enrollment starts on the first of the month prior to the start of the semester and ends on the last day of the month after the start of the semester (e.g.: open enrollment for Fall 2025 was from July 1 through August 31).
KU CARE Services
KU CARE Services provides support for students affected by sexual violence & disrespect, relationship harm, dating violence, and/or stalking. While they are physically located on the Lawrence campus, virtual appointments are available.
Services can include but are not limited to:
- Emotional support and confidential listening (supportive counseling)
- Helping identify and build coping skills that work for you
- Providing information about options and available resources
- Providing information on "what happens next" or what to expect from a process
- Personal advocacy and help accessing supportive measures at KU (such as academic assistance, KU Housing relocations, etc.)
- Info about post-assault medical care options and referrals to mental health care
- Info and support before/after or during reporting or other processes (KU, police interviews, protection orders)
- Going with and support during related meetings and appointments
Support from KU CARE Services staff is free, confidential, and voluntary and is available to students of all identities and experiences. Visit their website at the button below.
Community Health and Wellness Resources
Health and Wellness support in the KC Metro area is extensive, and the list below is not exhaustive. Use this list to get you started, but a quick internet search will bring up a long list of additional resources and practices, both community and private. The list of resources below does not indicate an official recommendation or endorsement by the University of Kansas. Good mental and physical care is extremely personal and unique to each individual; please do your own research to find the best fit for you.
Community mental health services are a different experience than private practice, and for some, may be a great solution. Often, community services operate on a sliding scale, making accessing care more affordable depending on your personal financial situation. Additionally, a high concentration of providers in one organization makes it easier to switch providers if the first one is not a good fit. On the other hand, due to high demand, getting your first appointment can sometimes take many weeks.
Johnson County Mental Health Center (JCMHC) provides a wide range of mental health and substance abuse services, from therapy and counseling, psychiatric services, emergency services, prevention services, deaf services, and more. After your initial appointment, you will either be connected to an in-house therapist or connected to a provider in the community.
Find out how to access services at JCMHC at the following link: Johnson County Community Mental Health Center (JCMHC).
Metropolitan Organization Countering Sexual Assault (MOCSA) provides counseling services free of charge to all survivors of sexual violence and their families and significant others. In addition to counseling services, clients can access their range of services from advocacy with hospitals, court systems, Title IX, and law enforcement to legal services and support groups.
Find out more on their website: Metropolitan Organization Countering Sexual Assault (MOCSA).
Mental Health KC is a network of local community behavioral health centers within the KC Metro area. Their website lists the mental health centers within their organization, making it easy to find a community mental health center near you.
Use their list of members to find mental health care or use their resources such as coping tips, mental health first aid, and list of local and national free crisis hotlines. https://mentalhealthkc.org/local-agencies/
My Resource Connection is a website run by Johnson County that connects you to hundreds of KC Metro area agencies and services. Navigate to this database to find state and local service agencies, treatment programs and counseling, utility and rent assistance, public transportation, current job listings and employment preparation, local events, and much more.
To find resources, click the drop-down menu next to Category and select the type of service you need (e.g. "Education"). Then, click the drop-down menu next to Description and choose the subcategory that you are looking for (e.g. "Educational Grants"). Clicking on the name of each resource in the chart below will reveal that service's details and contact information.
Much like My Resource Connection listed above, 211.org connects you to resources across the United States. Click on or hover over Get Help, then choose the subcategory that fits your needs.
Navigate to 211.org to get started.