October is National Depression and Mental Health Awareness and Screening Month. The implementation of National Depression and Mental Health Awareness Month has served as a vehicle to unite fighters, survivors and supporters to foster change and mental health awareness. Despite the month-long awareness campaign, the stigma surrounding mental health still persists. According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, one  in five adults experience mental illness each year. Yet, there are growing resources that aim to change that statistic. 

While attending school at UMD — most likely far from your hometown and your usual health resources — it can be overwhelming trying to access the various mental health resources accessible on campus. Luckily, there are several options that don’t require any venturing off-campus: 

Counseling Services 

•  One of the most well-known resources for mental health help at UMD is the counseling services located in the Health Services building, just a short walk from Lake Superior Hall. 

• Easy to schedule, all you need is to call their number and set up a time for an appointment. 

• They offer 12 sessions over the course of the Academic School Year 

•  If you wish to schedule a session please call 218-726-7913 or 218-726-8155. 

Grief Support Group 

• The Grief Support Group is a wonderful chance to process the multifaceted sides to grief with members of the UMD community going through similar struggles. The group meets in KSC (RDC) 301, across from the Dining Center at the following times: 

• Wednesdays, 4:00pm to 5:30pm, and also at 6:00-7:30pm 

• The Grief Support Group is also available online! 

• Grief group continues to meet using an online platform (Zoom) on 

Wednesdays from 4:30-6:30. If you would like to be added to the meeting invite contact the facilitator Barb Titus via email btitus2@d.umn.edu. 

Let’s Talk 

• Let’s Talk is a drop-in consultation to relay anything that’s on your mind in a free, uncommitted discreet format. 

• Counselors will be available for brief, informal, free and confidential, drop-in consultations at the following locations and times (Sept – May) 

  • Mondays, 10am-12pm in Kirby Student Center 361 

  • Tuesdays, 5-7pm in Lake Superior Hall 175 

  • Wednesdays, 11:15am-12:45pm, SpHC 193 

  • Thursdays, 1-3pm in Kirby Student Center 361 

  • Anyone can come and no topic is off limits!

 Disability Resources 

• Disability Resources recognizes mental illness as a barrier for academic achievement and are more than happy to offer accommodations to make your educational experience successful 

• Reach out to one of the Disability Advisers and provide proof of your mental illness to access accommodations such as extended time on tests and assignments 

•  Disability Resources staff are still available to consult on accessibility needs and connect students with disability accommodations. Virtual meetings are available via email, phone, Zoom or Google Hangout during normal business hours Monday – Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. 

  • To schedule your virtual appointment email umddr@d.umn.edu, or call 218-726-6130 

Women’s Resource and Action Center (WRAC) 

• WRAC seeks to provide support to everyone in the UMD community, which includes offering drop-in hours located in the Multicultural Student Center to discuss issues pertaining to your safety and well-being on campus 

• Every staff member is required to go through PAVSA training, as providing support for survivors of sexual violence is one of the primary cornerstones for the group 

• You can contact them by email at wrac@d.umn.edu and Susana 

Pelayo-Woodward: swoodwar@d.umn.edu

If you feel that off-campus mental health clinics are better suited for your needs, there are plenty of resources throughout the city of Duluth that you can look to. Here are some options to examine when searching for a private clinic that is right for you: 

St. Luke’s 

• St. Luke’s is close to campus and has a plethora of resources they offer for mental health assistance. 

• They provide treatment for depression, anxiety, emotional trauma/abuse, family issues, and many other mental illnesses. 

• St. Luke’s has in-depth mental health services available such as Eye 

Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) as well as inpatient care and other various forms of therapy. 

• Contact Information: 

  • Located: 915 E. 1st Street, Duluth, MN 55805 

  •  Phone Number for New Patients: 218-249-4000 

  • General Questions: 218-249-5555 

Birch Tree Center 

• As described on their website, Birch Tree Center provides “short-term and recovery focused services” 

• Here of a few of the resources they provide: 

  • Psychiatric medical assessment 

  • Crisis assessment, support and intervention 

  • 24-Hour nursing care 

  • Short-term problem solving and rehabilitative services 

  • Discharge/aftercare planning with referrals to further aftercare treatment 

Contact Information: 

• Located: 4720 Burning Tree Road, Duluth, MN 55811 

• Phone Number: 218-623-1800 

North Shore Mental Health Services 

• Run by predominantly women, North Shore Mental Health Services provides a wide range of resources in an intimate and confidential setting. 

• The resources offered include treating a variety of mental illnesses and numerous obstacles that can hinder mental stability. Treatment for the following conditions include: 

  • Depression & Mood Disorders 

  •  Anxiety & Related Disorders 

  • Queer Issues 

  •  Eating Disorders 

  • Career Questioning 

  • Relationship Issues 

  • Trauma & PTSD 

•  Contact Information: 

  • Located: 324 W Superior Street, Suite 911, Duluth, Minnesota 55802 

  •  Phone Number: 218-270-5055 

Hopefully this list provided some clarity on the resources available at UMD and in the city ofDuluth. As awareness and advocacy grows for mental health, ideally, as will this list. If you do find yourself struggling, please feel free to connect with these resources!