When it comes to mental health resources, many of us may think of things like therapy sessions or meditation apps. (Did you know CU Denver students get 10 free sessions a year at the Student and Community Counseling Center and free, 24/7 access to the Telus Health Student Support app?) But research demonstrates there are many other facets of our well-being that contribute to our mental health, as well.
For example, numerous studies have found a relationship between financial challenges and mental health. When you’re stressed about money, it’s hard to feel joyful or calm. The same goes for having enough food to eat, getting physical activity, and feeling connected to social, cultural, and identity-based groups.
CU Denver aims to make education work for all by supporting all aspects of students’ well-being. In addition to mental health services like therapy sessions, there are resources available to support students in the areas of their lives that can impact their mental health and their ability to thrive as university students. Read on to learn more about some of them.
Financial Well-Being and Basic Needs
- Milo’s Market: This free food and hygiene item pantry is an effort to make sure that all students have access to what they need, free of stigma. You can find Milo’s Market on the third floor of the Lola & Rob Salazar Student Wellness Center in the Wellness Suite. During the academic year, it’s open Monday through Friday from noon to 6 p.m. Summer hours are Monday through Wednesday from noon to 3 p.m. Learn more about the food and hygiene options they offer for free here. Be sure to bring your Lynx card and a reusable bag.
- Loving Lynx: This is an emergency funding resource to help CU Denver students cope with unanticipated events like accidental, medical, or dental emergencies, or temporary housing needs. Though they are not currently accepting funding request applications, you can contact lovinglynx@ucdenver.edu to discuss your situation and other resources that might help you.
- Financial Wellness Workshops: The CU Denver Health Promotion team partners with ENT Credit Union to provide financial wellness workshops during the academic year. Each workshop focuses on a different theme, from living on your own to how to make financial decisions. Check this page in the fall for the 2025-26 workshop calendar.
Physical Health
- Auraria Health Center: This on-campus heath center offers both mental health and medical services, including immunizations, reproductive healthcare, minor surgeries, and transgender care. They have no-insurance pricing for those who need it (check if they accept your insurance here.)
- Lola & Rob Salazar Student Wellness Center: This campus resources takes a holistic approach to wellness and offers services ranging from personal training (students get a complimentary first fitness session) to Mental Health First Aid training. Lynx can also take advantage of group fitness classes, like cycle, circuit training, dance fitness, yoga, barre, and more—not to mention open gym access that includes weights and fitness machines, a rock-climbing wall, and a lap pool.
Social Connections, Identity-Based Communities, and Belonging
- With more than 100 student organizations, CU Denver may have a student group related to an identity that’s important to you. Some examples include the Black Students Union, Auraria Catholic, Ethiopian Eritrean Student Association, Hillel at Auraria, and the Vietnamese Student Association, and many more. (If you don’t see a group you’re looking for, you can start one of your own.)
- CACE: The Center for Campus Access and Engagement is dedicated to empowering undergraduate students to achieve academic success by offering support and resources that enhance the educational experience at CU Denver. The center aims to create a sense of community while offering students practical resources. Students are encouraged to use the computer lounge and study space where you can find like-minded peers working on classwork and participating in professional development activities. Find them in the Student Commons Building.
- Ombuds Office: The Ombuds Office provides free, confidential, voluntary services to assist people with disagreements and conflict-related issues, like grades, working conditions, policies and procedures, sexual harassment, discrimination, and disciplinary actions. They can help you navigate and find resources if you’re dealing with one of these major challenges but do not want to initiate a formal or legal process.
Mental Health and Safety
CU Denver offers numerous resources that are specifically targeted to supporting our community’s mental health and safety—from free and confidential mental health support to a team you can call if you’re a student worker and concerned about a colleague’s behavior. Find more information about what’s available for students, faculty, and staff here.