Through collaboration with The Ohio State University, Chris Clough (Division of Student Life IT Director) and Harrison Gladden (Lead Application Developer in Custom Solutions and Integrations) helped University Counseling Service (UCS) launch an online Community Provider Database (CPD) last fall. This initiative aims to help our campus community connect more easily with local mental health providers.
While many students find care at UCS, others prefer to connect with a therapist in the community. Students can schedule a Referral Support appointment at UCS to get more guided help with this, but now they can also search online using a streamlined search engine specific to the surrounding campus area. The CPD makes the process of finding a provider much easier based on the many filters it allows, including providers’ current availability status. We’ve all heard that therapists are full or booking out forever, but with the CPD, you can find someone who is available in a timelier manner.
Additionally, UI faculty, staff, and campus partners often find themselves in conversation with students about personal mental health concerns. Now, they can provide this resource directly to interested students.
This is a great resource for students who are looking for ongoing or longer-term individual therapy or those who just want to work with someone not affiliated with the UI.
Provider profiles are completed and updated independently of UCS (by the community providers themselves) and are not endorsed by The University of Iowa.
Check out what UCS Student Advisory Board members have to say about the new UI CPD:
I found that the CPD provides many benefits to finding a mental health professional. It’s a tool that can be used whether you know exactly what you’re looking for or have never pursued therapy; the CPD can guide you through the process. You can specify what you’re looking for in a provider by their gender identity, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, and religious beliefs. Additionally, the CPD allows you to specify challenges you may be experiencing, such as trauma, body image, or identity exploration.
For many students, especially those who don’t have a personal vehicle on campus, accessibility can be a barrier to seeking mental health care. You can filter providers for distance, ensuring you would be able to walk or take public transportation to any appointments (or stay home and seek therapy online).
However, with so many options, being too specific might limit your results. To avoid this, it would be good to select only the traits and challenges most important to you. This way, you have more options to explore.
The CPD is a valuable tool for wherever you are in your mental health journey. This system will continue to benefit UI students looking for community resources by simplifying the process.
-- Bella Vondracek, 3rd year Psychology major, Resilience and Trauma certificate, UCS Student Advisory Board Member
From a student perspective, I could not believe the variety of what the CPD offered with search options. The distance, availability, competency, approach, gender, reduced rate, and appointment type filters are extremely helpful. The CPD will allow people to be much more comfortable taking the initiative to receive care for mental health. Within my three years at UI, I have talked to numerous peers who have expressed concerns such as not being able to find the right person. But with the CPD, you can find providers who are most likely to match what you’re looking for.
The database also contains a filter that lists 20+ insurance options so you can find a provider who takes your insurance. This filter also includes a “no cost” option. So, if you have insurance or financial barriers to care, there is still an option for you! You can even select preferences for in-person or teletherapy. Teletherapy could be great if you struggle with transportation or just prefer the online option.
The CPD offers an excellent first step towards finding unique care options specified for you.
-- Cole Carper, 3rd year Psychology major, Lifestyle Medicine minor, UCS Student Advisory Board Member
