Support Resources
This page provides a guide to resources and support groups at KU, within the Lawrence community, and nationwide for specific concerns and specific populations.
Need help now? Crisis resources can be found here.
KU Academic Learning Center
- Tutoring Services
- Students may request a tutor in disciplines that include Math, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Languages. Other courses may be offered based on student demand and the availability of tutors.
- Academic Consultations
- One-on-one sessions to help you succeed at KU. They can help you with time management, establishing successful study skills, preparing for tests or exams, developing strategies for reducing stress, or with other concerns you might have related to your success
- Academic Success Guides
- Time Management
- Test Taking
- Effective Study Skills
- Managing Stress
KU Career Center
- Career Exploration
- Career Pathways
- Career Advising
- Job Search Prep
- Experiential Learning
- Search for Jobs & Internships
KU Student Access Center
- The Student Access Center assists students with disabilities by facilitating accommodations that remove barriers to their academic success
KU Writing Center
Helplines & Treatment Referral Resources
National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)
NEDA is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders. NEDA supports individuals and families affected by eating disorders, and serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures and access to quality care.
Helpline available Monday - Thursday 11:00am - 9:00pm (EST) and Fridays 11:00am - 5:00pm (EST): 800-931-2237
ANAD provides free, peer support to anyone struggling with an eating disorder. Offer peer mentors and peer support groups.
Helpline available Monday - Friday 9:00am - 9:00pm (CST): 888-375-7767
Support Groups
ANAD Online Support Groups
Online support groups led by trained volunteers who have recovered from their own eating disorder, or volunteer professionals in the eating disorder field. Support groups are open to anyone, at any stage in their recovery. Meet weekly for 75 minutes on Zoom.
LGBTQ+ Eating Disorder Support Group - Monday @ 4pm CST
Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Support Group - Wednesday @ 6:30pm CST
Teens and Young Adults - Tuesday @ 6pm CST
People in Larger Bodies - Wednesday @ 6:30pm CST
Older Adults - Thursday @ 12:00pm CST
General Eating Disorder Support Groups:
Monday @ 5pm and 7pm CST
Tuesday @ 11am and 8pm CST
Wednesday @ 5pm and 7pm CST
Thursday @ 11am and 8pm CST
Center for Discovery - Eating Disorders
Center for Discovery and Discovery Mood & Anxiety are proud to offer free online support groups for anyone who has been impacted by an eating disorder or mental health.
Individuals in Recovery Support Group: 2nd & 4th Monday of every month @ 7:00pm CST; Thursdays @ 3:00pm CST
Binge Eating Disorder Support Group: Wednesdays 6:00pm CST
Community Meal Support Groups: Mondays @ 5:00pm CST
Loved Ones of Individuals in Eating Disorder Recovery: 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month @ 7:00pm CST
National Alliance for Eating Disorders
Virtual Support Groups:
Pro-Recovery: Tuesday 6:00pm CST, Thursday 6:00pm CST, and Saturday 10:00am CST
Family & Friends Group: Thursday 6:00pm CST
LGBTQ+ Pro-Recovery: Wednesday 6:00pm CST
The Lawrence Public Library has a Community Resource Specialist who can help guide you in connecting with community resources that meet your unique needs. They are equipped to provide information about the following topics:
- Health Insurance
- Medical / Dental / Behavioral Health Care
- Food - Financial Assistance & Food Pantries
- Housing
- Legal Assistance
- Applying for benefits
- Rent & Utility Assistance
- Pet Assistance
- Employment
- Parenting
- Affordable Clothing
- And more!
A searchable guide can be found here.
Campus and Lawrence Community Resources
The CARE Coordinator is here to support student-survivors and help them navigate university and community systems. CARE Coordinator services are free, confidential, and optional. Support is available to students of all identities and experiences. The CARE Coordinator is not mandated to report incidents to university officials or the police.
CARE services are generally available Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (Summer 2023).* If you have questions or want to set up a time to talk, don’t hesitate to email care@ku.edu or call 785-864-9255.
Additional resources can be found here.
The Sexual Trauma & Abuse Care Center
Provides 24/7 support to people of all ages and genders affected by sexual trauma & abuse in Douglas, Franklin, and Jefferson Counties.
24/7 Advocacy & Response: 785-843-8985
Walk-ins Welcome: 10am-4pm Mon-Fri
330 Maine Street
Lawrence , Kansas 66044
Support groups offered, find more information here.
Willow Domestic Violence Center
The Willow strives to build safer communities through shelter, services, and support to survivors of domestic violence, intimate partner violence, stalking, and human trafficking. Their services include advocacy, support groups and a 24/7 support phone line.
24/7 Support: 785-843-3333
For survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. These online groups provide resources on healing, an opportunity to share experiences, and help each other moving forward.
Be The Change- Mondays - for youth ages 16-24 who identify as a minority, or foster youth, or an adoptive youth. It's based on empowerment, healing, and combating prejudice in our day to day lives.
Healthy Relationships and Positive Parenting -Mondays - Open to all survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking in our communities.
Elevate Ad Astra - Tuesdays - Open to discussing any relevant issues, but there is always a planned curriculum with interactive activities
Parent Group -Tuesdays - support group for parents dealing with violence or abuse from a child living in their home. It consists of a weekly support/skills group and a once a month zoom support group.
Other 24/7 Helplines
RAINN: National Sexual Assault Hotline
Call or chat online with a trained staff member who can provide you confidential crisis support.
Call: 800-656-4673
24/7 safe, confidential, and anonymous domestic and sexual violence helpline for Native Americans and Alaska Natives, offering culturally-appropriate support and advocacy. (Online chat also available).
24/7 Helpline: 844-762-8483
Offers 24/7 information, support, and advocacy to young people between the ages of 13 and 26 who have questions or concerns about their romantic relationships. They also provide support to concerned friends and family members, teachers, counselors, and other service providers through the same free and confidential services via phone, text, and live chat.
24/7 Hotline: 866-331-9474
Text "LOVEIS" to 22522
or Chat online here.
Hotlines, Referral Resources, and Support Groups
SAMHSA: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association
Free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service
Call: 800-662-4357
Self Management and Recovery Training (SMART) supports individuals who have chosen to abstain or are considering abstinence from any type of addictive behavior, such as substance abuse or gambling addiction. Meets at the Lawrence Public Library and online.
Wednesdays 5:00-6:30pm - Meeting Room C & Zoom
Fridays 5:00-6:30pm - Zoom
Douglas County AA Hotline (Alcoholics Anonymous)
24/7 Hotline that will connect you with a local community member who can answer questions or assist you.
Call: 785-842-0110
Full list of meetings can be found here.
Narcotics Anonymous - Lawrence, KS
Full list of meetings can be found here.
Addiction.com List of Local Substance-Abuse Treatment Centers
Addictions.com lists a network of local substance-use treatment centers and facilities in Lawrence, KS
Campus Resources
TRIO SES & STEM offers a variety of free resources including: advising, tutoring, scholarships, career exploration, graduate school preparation, printing, laptop checkout, and financial literacy training.
The mission of the KU TRIO McNair Scholars Program is to diversify the academic and research fields by preparing low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented college students for the Ph.D. They provide engaged and experiential learning through research and scholarly activities to produce lifelong learners and leaders who represent the diversity of our society at large.
Nationwide Resources
I’m First! — I’m First! is an online community where first-generation college students can share their stories.
FirstGEN Fellowship — The First Generation Civil Rights Fellowship Program is a paid summer program for first-generation undergraduates who are pursuing a social justice career path.
Center for First-Generation Student Success — An initiative of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) and the Suder Foundation, the center advocates for first-generation students’ success in higher education.
College Advising Corps — The CAC supports low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented college students to help them succeed in higher education.
First Generation Foundation — The First Generation Foundation supports students and their families with information and resources, focusing on encouraging enrollment in elite institutions.
Rise First — This organization provides resources to high school students aspiring to go to college, first-gen college students, and professionals.
America Needs You — ANY provides students with mentoring services, professional networking opportunities, internship support, and career development resources.
Opportunity Nation — Comprising more than 350 organizations, Opportunity Nation works to expand economic mobility in the U.S., with a focus on youth development.
Helpful Articles:
Online Guide for First Generation College Students
First in Your Family to Go to College
First Generation College Students: Changing Relationships
Tips and Resources for First-Generation College Students - Forbes
Campus Resources
International Support Services
International Support Services provides comprehensive international and immigration support to the KU community. A comprehensive list of services offered can be found here.
Helpful Articles
Attending College in the U.S. as an International Student - The JED Foundation
6 Things You Need to Know as an International Student in the USA - The JED Foundation
24/7 Hotlines
24/7 support for LGBTQ young people.
Call: 866-488-7386
The Trans Lifeline connects trans people to the community support and resources they need to survive and thrive. The Hotline is a 24/7 peer support phone service run by trans people for our trans and questioning peers. Resource list can be found here.
24/7 Hotline: 877-565-8860
Love is Respect Hotline
Offers 24/7 information, support, and advocacy to young people between the ages of 13 and 26 who have questions or concerns about their romantic relationships. They also provide support to concerned friends and family members, teachers, counselors, and other service providers through the same free and confidential services via phone, text, and live chat.
24/7 Hotline: 866-331-9474
Text "LOVEIS" to 22522
or Chat online here.
Campus Resources
Center for Sexuality and Gender Diversity
- The Trans Closet
- Chest Binders
- LGLF Resource Library
- QT Scholarships
- SGD Groups & Reoccurring Events
- Wellness Webinars
Gender Affirming Care @ Watkins Health Services
- Hormone treatment is available to KU students at WHS
Name Change Resources @ KU
- A free 45-minute coaching session is a chance for KU students to meet with a sexual health educator. You can ask questions about sexual health and sexuality so you can make informed decisions when making changes to your lifestyle or sex life. Partners are welcome. For questions, email Rachel Gadd-Nelson at rachelgn@ku.edu.
Lawrence & Kansas Community Resources
The Kansas Name Change Project
- Provides free legal support to transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse Kansans seeking name changes and ID corrections
- PFLAG is a national organization providing support, education and advocacy for LGBTQ+ people and their families. PFLAG has links to online resources for the LGBTQ+ community, educational webinar sessions for friends of LGBTQ+ individuals, and resources to help start conversations between families. PFLAG is a trusted online resources for information on how to support the LGBTQ+ community, including loved ones who identify as queer.
- Lawrence PLAG chapter will begin offering monthly meetings from 6 to 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month beginning in February 2023. Please contact them directly for the location of the meeting or check out their Facebook page for information. They can be reached at LawrencePflag@gmail.com
- The Haus of McCoy is a community hub for queer and trans youth of Lawrence, KS. Founded by black and brown community leaders and allies.
- We are an organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for the LGBTQ+ community. Our mission is to create a safe and inclusive space for all individuals to celebrate their identities and empower them to live their truth.
- We are a non-profit organization looking forward to a world where Trans people are treated as humans, youth can compete in sports regardless of gender, gender-affirming care is not only accessible but affordable, and where someone uses the bathroom isn’t a debate. Also offer:
- Peer support groups
- Scholarships
- Mutual Aid
- Trans Santa
- The Transgender Institute (TTI) is a collaborative and comprehensive center that with its partners, offers a full spectrum of therapeutic, psychiatric, psychological, medical, surgical, and endocrine care. They also offer vocal training, movement, social presentation, including fashion and many other forms of aesthetic care for the transgender person. (Kansas City, MO)
Kansas City Center for Inclusion
- The Kansas City Center for Inclusion: an affirming and supportive space for LGBTQIA+ people. We offer community resources, peer led support groups, events and programs, education, and a welcoming space for queer folks to have fun, learn, grow, connect, build community, and live authentically. Our center is located in the midtown neighborhood of Kansas City, MO.
Helpful Articles
The Coming Out Handbook - The Trevor Project
Black & LGBTQ: Approaching Intersectional Conversations
Where to Find LGBTQIA+ Support When You Can't Find Therapy
Finding Your People in the LGBTQIA+ Community
How to Find a Queer-Friendly or Gender Affirming Therapist
Taking Care of Your Mental Health When You Are Deciding About Coming Out
24/7 Hotlines
The Steve Fund Crisis Text Line
24/7 support for young people of color.
Text "STEVE" to 741-741
StrongHearts Native Helpline
24/7 safe, confidential, and anonymous domestic and sexual violence helpline for Native Americans and Alaska Natives, offering culturally-appropriate support and advocacy. (Online chat also available).
24/7 Helpline: 844-762-8483
Campus Resources
Office of Multicultural Affairs
Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
Numerous student groups can be found on Rock Chalk Central in the "Identity/Multicultural" category.
Resource Libraries & Helpful Articles
- The JED Foundation Resource Center
- NAMI Identity & Cultural Dimensions: Guides to seeking mental healthcare, self-help resources, educational resources on racism and inequality, and ways to take action as an ally or champion for people of color.
- The Loveland Foundation Therapy Fund: Provides financial assistance to Black women and girls seeking therapy nationally.
- Black Emotional and Mental Health Toolkit & Resources: Library of interactive handouts, journaling prompts, and social media posts to destigmatize mental illness in the Black community
- Sista Afya Resources: Library of mental wellness resources centered on Black women, including strategies for healing, building social support, and finding mental health services
- Asian American Health Initiative Resource Library: Library of mental health resources, including accessible stories and videos, available in English, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Hindi
- 44 Mental Health Resources for Black People: List of resources including links to influential thinkers and organizations focused on mental health in Black communities, directories for Black mental health practitioners, and helpful tips for seeking support
- COVID-19 Resources from the Asian American Psychological Association: List of resources for Asian American individuals including mental health self-care, responding to racism/harassment and COVID-19 stress, potential resources for assistance, and a list of culturally relevant mental health organizations
- Native & Indigenous Peoples Addiction & Mental Health Support from Live Another Day: List of resources to support Native and indigenous mental health with a focus on suicide prevention and substance use
- Institute for Muslim Mental Health: Muslim mental health directory, resource directory, and blog.
- Mental Health 101: An Islamically Integrated Perspective
- Black & LGBTQ: Approaching Intersectional Conversations
Campus Resources
The Student Access Center assists students with disabilities by facilitating accommodations that remove barriers to their academic success.
You can find the virtual student handbook here that describes how to obtain your academic accommodations and the policies and procedures for using accommodations at KU.
Nationwide Resources
US Department of Education - Resources For Students with Disabilities