What brings you here today?
🆘 I need immediate support (24/7)
Husky Helpline
24/7 Mental Health & Crisis Support
The Husky Helpline provides same-day, 24/7 mental health and crisis intervention for all UW students. Trained counselors are available any time you need immediate support.
What to Expect: When you call, you’ll speak with a trained mental health counselor who can provide immediate support, safety planning, and connect you with ongoing resources.
National Crisis Line: Call or text 988. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
💭 I'd like to talk to someone about mental health
Choose your preference:
🎓 Foster-Specific: Emma Buchanan, LICSW
Emma is the UW Counseling Center embedded counselor exclusively for Foster students. She provides confidential mental health support for anxiety, relationship stress, feelings of inadequacy, and life challenges.
How to Connect:
✉️ Email: emmahope@uw.edu
🚪 Weekly Let’s Talk drop-in hours available
Services are free and confidential for all Foster undergraduate, graduate, and PhD students.
🏛️ University-Wide: UW Counseling Center
The UW Counseling Center provides comprehensive mental health services including drop-in hours, individual counseling, group therapy, workshops, and psychiatry for all UW students.
How to Connect:
📞 Call: 206-543-1240
After hours, contact Husky Helpline at 206-616-7777.
🏥 I have physical health needs
Husky Health Center
Physical Health & Medical Services
Husky Health provides comprehensive health services including primary care, sexual health, immunizations, and more. Same-day urgent care is available.
Room 101 also provides free supplies like condoms, dental dams, and more. Husky card acccess is required.
How to Connect:
📞 Call: 206-685-1011
🌐 Visit Website & Schedule Online
📍 Location: 4060 E Stevens Way NE, Seattle, WA 98195. Closed on UW Holidays, check hours on website
What to Expect: You can schedule appointments online for routine care or call for same-day urgent care needs. Services include physical exams, illness treatment, sexual health, and immunizations.
🌱 I want to improve my overall wellbeing
LiveWell
Health Promotion & Wellness Programs
LiveWell offers peer-led health programs focused on health promotion, prevention, education, and advocacy. Connect with peer health navigators, wellness coaches, and substance use recovery support.
How to Connect:
What to Expect: LiveWell provides free support through peer educators who understand student life. Access wellness coaching, health navigation, and community programs.
All services are free for UW students.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do these services cost?
It depends. Many core wellness services are free or covered for enrolled students. For example, there is no out-of-pocket cost for counseling services, as it’s already paid the Services & Activities Fee (SAF) as part of tuition and fees. Your insurance may be billed by the UW Counseling Center unless you’re uninsured or don’t want your insurance involved; in that case, services are still free!
However, specialty services (such as psychiatry) or off-campus referrals may involve insurance billing or out-of-pocket costs.
Bottom line: Many services are free or very low cost, but always check for any extra costs depending on your situation.
Are the services confidential and will people know I used them?
It depends. Most communications with a licensed professional/counselor are confidential. Information about students who are seeking counseling is never shared with faculty or administrators unless a Release of Information is provided and such communication requested.
If you have concerns, you can ask your provider about confidentiality policy, including any exceptions (such as serious harm to self or others).
What kinds of issues can I bring to wellness services?
A wide variety. Providers like the UW Counseling Center offers support for managing mood and thoughts, navigating life transitions, relationship support, managing time and academic stress, identity development and self-advocacy.
You don’t have to wait for a crisis too; Services can help with many challenges, from everyday stress to more serious concerns.
How do I get started — do I need a referral or can I just walk in?
Typically you can access services without a referral. The UW Counseling Center allows scheduling a first-time visit via their student portal.
If you’re unsure, reach out to the wellness service or provider and ask: “What is my first step?” They’ll guide you.
Are wellness resources only for crises?
No! Taking care of yourself should happen at all times, and if using a wellness resource (ex. counseling) helps with that, then please take advantage of it. UW’s resources may also lead to longer-term referrals, which you are free to utilize or turn down.