University of Arizona Offers Free Counseling Services to Students

The University of Arizona will eliminate session fees for on-campus counseling and psych services beginning July 1. Campus Health made the announcement as part of efforts to remove financial barriers to care.

Scope of the change

Counseling and Psych Services, known as CAPS, will provide individual counseling at no cost. The move covers routine counseling and many psych services offered through Campus Health.

Services that still carry fees

Certain specialty services will continue to charge patients. Psychiatry appointments, the ADHD Clinic and the Intensive Outpatient Program remain fee-based.

Why the university acted

Aaron Barnes directs Campus Health’s Counseling and Psych Services. He said removing cost improves early help-seeking and supports student wellbeing.

Previous charges and insurance

Until now, students paid $25 per individual counseling session. CAPS accepted student health insurance for many visits.

Students on the Student Health Insurance Plan paid a $20 per-session copay. The university also offered financial assistance for those in need.

Student response

Adriana Grijalva leads the Associated Students of the University of Arizona. She said students had long requested more accessible mental health care.

Grijalva added that the change shows student voices influenced campus policy.

Implications for campus care

Free counseling services remove a direct cost barrier for many students. The change aims to increase early engagement with mental health resources.

Filmogaz.com reported on the campus announcement and its expected effects on student access to care. The university will implement the policy on July 1.