UVA Women's Center Launched Anxiety Support Group

The new university program offers weekly peer support and counseling for students managing anxiety and OCD.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Autism

Gouache-painted illustration of two intertwined ceramic vessels, symbolizing balance and peer support, set against a muted, serene background. — The UVA Women's Center has launched a new seven-week peer support group aimed at providing students with structured resources for managing anxiety and OCD. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe university-led support groups are effective for helping students manage their anxiety?

The UVA Women's Center has introduced a new seven-week support group for students facing anxiety or OCD. These sessions provide participants with professional guidance from licensed university counselors.

Why it matters

The group provides essential resources to help students manage and treat anxiety and OCD symptoms throughout the semester. By offering peer support, the program aims to foster a collaborative environment for mental health management on campus.

The support group runs for a seven-week duration, with sessions held every Thursday at 10 a.m. at the UVA Women's Center.

The players

UVA Women's Center

This is a university-based organization that provides advocacy, education, and resources for students in Charlottesville.

The details

Open to all genders, the sessions pair students with licensed university counselors to facilitate peer-led support. The initiative is designed to provide structured mental health resources for Charlottesville residents enrolled at the university.

The first support group session meets on September 24, 2026.
The program operates throughout the Fall 2026 semester.

Health Landscape

This program extends the existing mental health framework maintained by the UVA Women's Center for students in Charlottesville. It mirrors broader trends in higher education aimed at increasing student access to clinical counseling and peer support networks.

Students can integrate these weekly meetings into their existing schedules to receive structured counseling without needing external appointments. The accessible nature of the group allows participants to build consistent self-care routines throughout the seven-week term.

The takeaway

Establishing a routine of peer support can be an effective way to manage anxiety during the academic semester. Students are encouraged to utilize these university resources to connect with counselors and peers for ongoing mental health development.