Mental Health Resources
Therapy Referrals
If we (or you) determine that our clinic is not the best fit for your needs, we want to support you in connecting with services that offer the level or type of care that’s most appropriate for your needs. Finding a counselor who feels like a good match is an important part of a positive therapy experience. Below are several reliable ways to search for mental health providers, each offering different strengths depending on your needs, insurance coverage, and personal preferences—so you may find one approach more helpful than another.
UNCW Counseling Center
UNCW students can access the campus counseling center for counseling, crisis support, and referrals to off‑campus providers.
Additional UNCW Resources for Faculty & Staff
Online Therapist Directories
Quick ways to browse licensed therapists and filter by specialty, insurance, fees, and availability.
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Psychology Today - New Hanover County Listings – Large directory with detailed profiles.
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Cape Fear Psychological Association – Local psychologist directory with broad specialties and contact info.
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TherapyDen – Inclusive directory with identity‑affirming filters.
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GoodTherapy – Focused on ethical, evidence‑based providers.
Your Health Insurance Directory
Most insurance websites have a “Find a Provider” tool that lists in‑network therapists by location, specialty, and telehealth availability—helpful for reducing out‑of‑pocket costs.
Mental Health Apps & Online Platforms
Convenient options that match you with a therapist based on your preferences.
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BetterHelp – Fully online therapy with flexible scheduling.
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SonderMind – Matches you with therapists who accept your insurance.
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Headway – Helps you find in‑network therapists and manages insurance billing.
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Grow Therapy – Connects you with therapists who accept your insurance; offers in‑person and online options.
Medical Provider Referrals
Primary care doctors, OB/GYNs, pediatricians, and specialists often provide reliable referrals—especially when mental health concerns overlap with medical issues.
Community Mental Health Centers
Local nonprofits often offer sliding‑scale or reduced‑fee therapy and specialized programs (e.g., substance use treatment, crisis counseling). Here are some examples (this list is not all-inclusive):
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Coastal Horizons Center – Promoting Choices for Healthier Lives and Safer Communities
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Chrysalis Center for Counseling and Eating Disorder Treatment
Word of Mouth
Recommendations from trusted friends, family, coworkers, or other healthcare professionals can be helpful when choosing a therapist.
CRISIS & EMERGENCY RESOURCES
GPAC does not provide emergency services and does not offer 24‑hour on‑call or phone coverage. If you are experiencing an emergency or need immediate help, please use one of the resources below:
For UNCW Students, Faculty, and Staff
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Emergencies on campus: Dial 911 from any campus phone.
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Non‑emergencies: Call 962.2222 to reach UNCW Police.
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For more information, visit Emergency & Safety | UNCW
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988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org for 24/7 support from trained crisis counselors.
For Community Members and UNCW
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Dial 911 to reach your local emergency services.
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988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org for 24/7 support from trained crisis counselors.
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Mobile Crisis Team (24/7): Call 866.437.1827. This free service will come to your location, assess your safety and needs, and provide recommendations for next steps.
ASSESSMENT REFERRALS
If you are seeking a psychological assessment that falls outside the services offered at GPAC, we can provide assessment‑specific referrals upon request. Our team will help guide you toward providers who offer the type of evaluation you need and ensure you have the information required to take the next steps. You may also find it helpful to explore the options listed in the Individual Therapy Referrals section above.
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
The following organizations offer reliable, research‑based information on mental health conditions, treatment options, wellness strategies, and national support services. These resources are helpful for anyone wanting to learn more about mental health or explore evidence‑based educational materials.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Research‑supported information on mental health topics, conditions, and treatment approaches.
🔗 https://www.apa.org/topics
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Mental Health
Public health information on mental health, stress, coping skills, and community well‑being.
🔗 https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Comprehensive information on mental health disorders, symptoms, treatment, and current research.
🔗 https://www.nimh.nih.gov
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Resources on mental health, substance use, treatment locators, and national support initiatives.
🔗 https://www.samhsa.gov
Mayo Clinic – Mental Health
Clear, accessible information on symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of a wide range of conditions.
🔗 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Education, advocacy, and support resources for individuals, families, and communities.
🔗 https://www.nami.org
Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA)
Evidence‑based resources on anxiety, depression, and related disorders, including self‑help tools.
🔗 https://adaa.org
Mental Health America (MHA)
Educational materials, mental health screening tools, and community resources.
🔗 https://www.mhanational.org
American Academy of Sleep Medicine – Sleep Education
Information about sleep health, insomnia, and sleep disorders that impact mental well‑being.
🔗 https://sleepeducation.org
The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth)
Crisis support, educational resources, and mental health information for LGBTQ+ young people.
🔗 https://www.thetrevorproject.org
Still Unsure Where to Start?
If you need guidance selecting a resource, please reach out. Even if our clinic is not the right fit, we’re happy to help point you in the right direction.
Email: gpac@uncw.edu
Phone: 910.962.7525
Please note that not all the resources on this page are affiliated with UNCW. Neither UNCW nor GPAC guarantees the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information provided, and does not endorse any particular resource listed. You are strongly encouraged to verify the information independently. UNCW and GPAC bear no responsibility for services provided by these resources.