Stay Healthy
Health Services for University of Arkansas Students in Arkansas Who Study Exclusively Online
The University of Arkansas cares about your health and wellness. The Pat Walker Health Center provides medical, mental health, and substance use and support services for on-campus students in Fayetteville. Beginning in fall 2023, the health center will begin a pilot program to offer some of its services to students located in Arkansas who are studying exclusively online.
These online students can access medical providers, mental health clinicians and mental health practitioners either by telephone, computer or in person (for those who live near Fayetteville).
Telehealth Services Quick Links
Medical Telehealth Services
The health center’s medical clinics bill a patient’s insurance for all medical services (including psychiatry services) or the patient can choose to self-pay. The medical clinics can file claims with most health insurance plans, and patients have the option to self-pay, if desired. Learn more about billing and insurance on the health center’s Billing and Insurance page.
Schedule a TeleVisit Appointment
- Schedule via the Patient Portal
(log in with your UARK credentials) - 479-575-4451, option 1
- Schedule via the Patient Portal
(log in with your UARK credentials) - 479-575-4478
Using HIPAA-compliant video conferencing, TeleVisits let you access health care services while in the comfort of your own home or other private location. Established patients of the Pat Walker Health Center are eligible for visits, but you must be in the state of Arkansas at the time of your TeleVisit to be eligible. HIPPA is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which includes privacy rules.
Mental Health Telehealth Services
Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) offer critical mental health services such as short-term individual counseling, psychiatry, 24/7 emergency mental health services, and case management. Most services are covered (no out-of-pocket expense) for students. Group counseling is available to online students who can meet in person with others at the clinic.
The health center offers:
- Short-term individual counseling
- Psychiatry (billed to insurance or self-pay)
- 24/7 mental health emergency services
- Case management
Getting Started with CAPS
At CAPS, we strive to facilitate the total development of students by reducing psychological problems and distress and by enhancing mental health, well-being, quality of life, and supporting aspirations to “be well to do well.” Our primary focus is on providing short-term, confidential counseling aimed at helping students succeed academically and interpersonally.
To do so, CAPS utilizes a Care Matching Model that is designed to identify an individualized plan to promote student autonomy and empowerment in their care.
The options provided to students are tailored to meet their specific needs using a diversity of resources offered by the counseling center, campus partners, and community providers.
Students who are interested in getting started with CAPS:
- Call 479-575-5276 to discuss options or
- Walk in during business hours (if near Fayetteville)
Emergency Services
CAPS also offers 24-hour emergency mental health services by calling 479-575-5276.
Substance Use and Support Telehealth Services
PWHC’s Substance Education, Assessment and Recovery (SEAR) program provides direct individual and group interventions to university students with alcohol, cannabis, and other substance related concerns. Email sear@uark.edu to schedule an appointment with SEAR for alcohol and drug abuse assessments and more.
Services include:
- Substance education and prevention
- Confidential brief individual interventions
- Information about peer support and on-campus support meetings
In-Person Services for Northwest Arkansas Online-Only Students
Medical Services
- Call 479-575-4451
- Schedule via the Patient Portal
(log in with your UARK credentials) - Walk in to set up an appointment to be seen at one of the medical clinics.
Mental Health Services
- Walk in or call 479-575-5276 to get started with Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS).
Substance Use & Support Services
Email sear@uark.edu to schedule an appointment with Substance Education, Assessment and Recovery (SEAR) for alcohol and drug abuse assessments and more.
Need Help?
You can reach out to an online student liaison or you can contact the Pat Walker Health Center:
