Health and Wellness at Edwards

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). All Edwards Campus students are eligible to use this service. 

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).

Visit the Student Health Insurance Summary Brochure on the UnitedHealthcare StudentResources website for specific and updated details on when each plan's Open Enrollment begins and ends.

For the standard, non-Health Science student, non-international student plan, Open Enrollment begins on the 1st of the month before each Fall, Spring, or Summer semester starts; it then closes at the end of the month in which the semester begins. For example, if the fall semester begins in August, then enrollment will open July 1st and close August 31st. 

To get general answers about setting up health insurance and how to use your insurance, visit the Health Insurance 101 page, the FAQ page, and the Video Library of United Healthcare Student Resources. Found an insurance term you don't understand? Find answers in the Glossary.

If you have a specific situation that can't be answered with the resources above, reach out to Jen Katzer at jennifer.katzer@ku.edu and she will track down the right person to answer your question.

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/

Other crisis lines can be found here.

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.

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, the Health Education and Resource Office (HERO), 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.

Students can initiate services in two ways:

1. Call to make an appointment that works with your busy schedule! Call 785-864-2277 and identify yourself as an Edwards student who would like to make an appointment. Clarify whether you would prefer telemental health or in-person appointments.
2. Ready to talk today? Jayhawk Check-Ins are first-time appointments for students who are not current clients and would like to meet with a clinician immediately to make a plan. 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.  Jayhawk Check-Ins are not for crises or urgent needs. See below for more information regarding crisis or urgent appointments. 

CAPS therapists are available for urgent appointments on weekdays from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM. If you need immediate help, visit our office and request an urgent appointment. There may be a slight wait, but we will make every effort to see you as quickly as possible. If we are unable to accommodate you, we will make other arrangements.

Some examples of urgent concerns include:

• Experiencing elevated levels of distress
• Thinking about suicide
• Thoughts or desire to harm someone else
• Recent traumatic event
• Recent death of a loved one
• Hearing voices or seeing things that others are not

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

If you are driving to the Lawrence Campus for a CAPS appointment, parking in front of the building is reserved for you. If you park in one of these spots and receive a parking ticket, please turn the ticket in at the front desk; you will not have to pay for the ticket. If you are unable to return to the front desk to turn in the ticket, 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.

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.

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:

• 24/7 Nurse Helpline: Call 785-864-9583 to get free non-emergency advice any time of day or night. Whether you use the Watkins Clinic for your general health care or if you have your own local doctor, the Nurse Helpline can assess and provide treatment options for common illnesses or help you decide what level of care to seek.
• General medicine clinic
• Immunizations
• Laboratory
• Pharmacy: Get your prescriptions filled at an incredibly affordable rate. Additionally, over-the-counter medications are sold at a very low cost, making even pricy medications much more affordable. Get antacids, birth control, cold medicine, Plan B, and many more over-the-counter medications on a student budget! Call 785-864-9531 with any questions.
• Walk-in clinic

If you are driving to the Lawrence Campus to use Watkins Health Services, parking in front of the building is reserved for patients. If you park in one of these spots and receive a parking ticket, please turn the ticket in at the Watkins front desk; you will not have to pay for the ticket. If you are unable to return to the front desk of Watkins to turn in the ticket, 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

Students must pay the Wellness Fee to use Health Education Resource Office (HERO) 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 Health Education Resource Office (HERO), 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.

Navigate to the webpage for the service desired. The link to book an appointment through Microsoft Bookings/Outlook will be linked toward the bottom. If you have questions about the appointment booking process, email hero@ku.edu or call (785) 864-9570.

Judgement-free, no-cost coaching sessions include topics such as:

• Healthy Choices: Cessation from alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. These coaching sessions can also include the KanUquit program, a 6-week vaping and nicotine cessation program with a certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist.
• Sexual Health & Healthy Relationships: 
  • Sex-Positive Program: Have sexual health or relationship questions? Start here! These sessions are typically 45-60 minutes. Ask questions around birth control, dating, ethical polyamory, LGBTQIA+ health, pregnancy and postpartum, PrEP and PEP, relationships and healthy communication, sexual experiences, STIs, and more! 
  • Free HIV Testing: Do you know your status? Testing is completely confidential and completed via cheek swab (no blood or needles!). Results are available within 20 minutes. If a test is positive, a blood test is needed to confirm and a referral will be made for additional services and support.
• Daily Life: Schedule 3 one-on-one sessions with a Health Educator who will help you learn to recognize stressors, develop coping skills, practice time management, set boundaries, and identify support systems. (Please note: this program is not therapy.) 
• Nutrition & Food Security: Learn how to improve your eating habits and meet your personal goals, or get help identifying food resources that meet your needs!
  • Ask A Nutritionist: Ask a nutritionist about nutrients, MyPlate guidelines, fueling up for academic success, eating on a budget, food preparation, how to read a food label, storing food successfully, identifying food security resources, fad diets, and so much more! One session lasts 30-45 minutes.
  • Eat Well, Live Well: Learn to eat healthier! This is a 6-week individualized nutrition program that assists with meeting personal goals as well as developing tools for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Weight, body fat percentage, waist circumference, and other body measurements are available upon request but are not required.

Use the Microsoft Bookings link offered on the webpage of the service desired and select the (Virtual) service option. Then, select the date and time that you desire. Fill in your information at the bottom. It doesn't hurt to add to the Notes section anything you'd like your coach to know ahead of time, such as a specific need you have or topic you wish to cover.

If you would prefer to meet with a coach in person, you can either drive your own vehicle or catch the K10 Connector bus.

HERO is located in the Watkins Memorial Health Center. Parking in front of the building is reserved for patients. If you park in one of these spots and receive a parking ticket, please turn the ticket in at the Watkins front desk; you will not have to pay for the ticket. If you are unable to return to the front desk of Watkins to turn in the ticket, please notify the Watkins Health Clinic within ten days for further guidance. 

You 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.

HERO is located at:

Watkins Memorial Health Center
1200 Schwegler Drive
Lawrence, KS 66045
Bus Routes: 27, 42

All eligible participants must present a valid KU (or ASRFC) photo ID to the Facility Assistant at the Welcome Center of the ASRFC. If you forget your ID at home, you can gain access three times per calendar year with the use of a government-issued photo ID. No ID, no entry.

If you choose to drive: students must have a valid parking pass to park on the Lawrence Campus. Visit the KU Parking Home Page for more information. If you don't plan to park on the Lawrence Campus regularly, a short-term permit may be what you need.

Ambler Student Recreation Fitness Center
1740 Watkins Center Dr.
Lawrence, KS 66045

If you choose to take the bus: Students who live in either Lawrence or the KC Metro area but are taking classes or accessing services at the other campus can hop on the K-10 Connector bus! This is a free bus provided by RideKC to connect the Lawrence Campus to Edwards Campus and Johnson County Community College (JCCC). Students can park their vehicles at the Edwards Campus or JCCC to travel for free to the Lawrence Campus and back.
 

Yes!

You can call ahead of time at 785-864-3546 or stop in and ask someone in a STAFF shirt for a free tour any time the building is open.

Before making the trip to the gym, take a look at their online Facility Usage Tracker to see if the recreation center is at a comfortable busyness level for you.

KU Recreation offers some amazing opportunities, and a few of these are listed below:

• Outdoor equipment rentals
  • Camping equipment, watersports and watercraft equipment, cooking supplies, coolers, sleeping bags, climbing gear, hammocks, and more!
• Personal training, alone or with a buddy
• Fitness classes
• Intramural sports
• Sport clubs

Take a peek at the KU Recreation home page for more information!