Supporting Student Mental Health and Academic Success
by JULI OBERLANDER
Mental health plays a critical role in student success at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO). Through Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), the campus community has access to resources that support well-being and personal growth.
Nate Bock, a therapist and director of CAPS, says many students experience depression, anxiety and stress that can affect far more than academics.
“It’s going to really interfere with not just school, but life in general,” Bock says. “One of our goals is not only to help students with what might be going on when they come in and talk to us but also helping them with coping strategies to be preventative for the next time that this might start coming up.”
CAPS prioritizes early intervention and long-term skill building to help students manage challenges. Staffed by master’s-level therapists, the office addresses immediate concerns while also equipping them for the future. Therapists consider thought patterns, environment and lived experiences to develop individualized treatment plans.
Additionally, CAPS works to foster resilience, stability and a sense of belonging. Nationwide, many college-aged adults struggle with loneliness and difficulty forming connections. Counselors help students examine relationship patterns, social behaviors and self-esteem to identify areas for growth.
“Sitting with someone that you trust is huge, and someone that you understand cares and is listening,” Bock says. “That’s a major aspect of the counseling process.”
While mental health awareness increased during COVID-19, many people still hesitate to seek help, often fearing judgment or misunderstanding. Counselors work to reduce stigma by encouraging students to utilize campus resources and seek connection.
The team collaborates with Nebraska Medicine’s Student Health Clinic to provide coordinated care when needed. At UNO, services include Mental Health 101 training, crisis intervention, workshops and alcohol and drug counseling.
CAPS also offers University Gatekeeper Program Suicide Prevention Trainings, which equip students, faculty and staff to recognize and respond to warning signs.
Caz Lowe, a UNO student and resident assistant, says the gatekeeper training was beneficial and eye-opening.
“I really appreciated the specific language we were taught to use at the training,” Lowe says. “I’ve dealt with mental health situations in my personal life from my friends and family, but I never knew exactly how to handle them. Gatekeeper training taught me the explicit language and questions to ask to make sure a person is safe, and what resources to offer to make sure they get help.”
Through outreach efforts, CAPS supports UNO’s mission to enhance quality of life on and off campus. Staff members regularly visit classrooms to present information about available services, increasing awareness and reducing barriers to care.
For many, seeking counseling can feel intimidating. CAPS therapists acknowledge that discomfort and often follow up after initial sessions. Over time, Bock says staff frequently witness meaningful improvements in confidence, relationships and overall well-being, which can positively influence students’ grades and motivation.
“I love seeing that happen,” Bock says. “It happens often, and that’s what keeps us motivated, too. It’s an amazing part of our work. It’s super rewarding.”
