TAMPA, Fla. — As students move back onto campus this week, they will now have 24/7 access to free mental health support.

The change comes as colleges nationwide are seeing an increase in students seeking help for depression and anxiety.

The University of Tampa (UT) has teamed up with Christie Campus Health in order to staff a 24/7 clinical support line.

The service will be available to all roughly 11,000 students whether they are on campus or studying abroad.

“We’re living in some chaotic times,” said Gina Firth, the assistant Vice President of Wellness at UT. “Post COVID, we have students who have different types of issues now than they did five to ten years ago, and we have to meet students where they’re at.

"It is very important for our students to get the the support and assistance when they need it so they can focus on the reason they are here.”

The 24/7 support line is staffed by licensed mental health counselors and brings students in-the-moment support as well as connects them with a University of Tampa counselor or outside provider if continuing care is needed.

Firth says the first few months of school always bring an uptick in students seeking counseling.

“We’re gonna have homesickness, we’re going to see transition issues, we’re going to see students that feel very stressed and that are lonely,” Firth said.

Students are asked to access the support line by calling (833) 755-0484.