Learn About How WGU Supports Mental Health Awareness
Every student is unique, and so are the circumstances they may face. Your educational experience should be as unique as you are. We value our students' differences because we recognize that diversity breeds strength, which is why we strive to be the world's most inclusive university. WGU is bridging the gap between opportunity and talent.
We work to recognize, promote, and amplify voices, while also expanding opportunities for students across the country. This objective motivates us to provide high-quality, equitable higher education to all people, regardless of their background or location. We achieve equity for all students by making degree possibilities more accessible and enhancing learning access.
Join us as we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, and see how students and employees are supporting their communities around the country.
"OM for Wellness aligns with and fully embraces WGU’s cultural values: Advance Equity; Own It; Engage Respectfully; One-by-One; Aim True; Trust Generously; and Achieve Together. Together, we stand behind these values, serving as another layer of support for each other as we navigate challenging times."
––Open Minds (OM) for Wellness at WGU
Student Wellbeing Services
Our passion is to help you thrive! By curating a holistic approach to your wellbeing, connecting you with professional resources that are local and personal, and amplifying the powerful relationships that you build, we advocate for your personal wellbeing throughout the entirety of your academic journey.
Advance Equity Speaker Series
Dior Vargas is an award-winning intersectional mental health activist delivering education and resources to all communities. A native New Yorker, growing up in Spanish Harlem, Dior identified as an activist in high school after facing her own mental health issues and realizing the gap in mental health resources for people of color and the QTBIPOC community. She is a self-proclaimed storyteller bringing warmth, humility, and vulnerability to the conversation. For more information about Dior’s work, publications, research, and recognition, visit her website.
“Understanding Mental Health Stigma: Perspectives from a Queer Latina Feminist Mental Health Activist”
Dior Vargas, MS, MPH (she/her/hers)
"Seeking out counseling was one of the hardest decisions, but it was also one of the best decisions of my life. I sought counseling for over a year while obtaining my degree. Throughout this process, I was able to come out of my deep depression and get back on track with school, completing 13 classes in my second term. Not only did counseling help me get back on track at school, but I was able to get back on track in my personal life."
–Alex B., WGU Business Graduate
Breaking Down Mental Health Stigmas
Here is a discussion from the 2019 SHRM Conference among Aaron Silverman - Lead Communications Representative at WGU, Andrew Morton - Director of Social Engagement for SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) and Becky Melton - Senior Course Instructor in the WGU School of Business.
"I have the ability to do anything I set my mind to, and with time and practice, I do it very well. I have my ADHD to thank for that ability. I have learned to turn ADHD into my superpower, giving me the ability to multitask and produce high quality, high speed productivity."
–Jody H., WGU Alumna
Interested in working in the mental health field?
Health & Nursing
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (BSN-to-MSN) – M.S. Nursing
This program for BSNs who have an active, unencumbered RN license prepares...
This program for BSNs who have an active, unencumbered RN license prepares you to become a board-certified Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
- Locations: Due to the clinical requirements of this degree program, the PMHNP program at WGU is currently NOT open to students who have a permanent residence in the following states: Arizona, California, District of Columbia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Tennessee, Washington, and Wisconsin.
- Time: It takes 2.5 years to complete the coursework and clinical components of this degree program.
- Tuition and fees: $6,955 per six-month term.
- Courses: 17 total courses in this program.
This program is for current RNs who have earned their BSN and are ready to move forward in their career. This MSN program prepares students to become licensed as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in select states.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Assessment and Diagnostics
- Behavioral health
- Advanced Pharmacology
Students must have a permanent and active license from a state that is not listed above, must complete the internships in that state, and intend to obtain initial APRN licensure in that state. See more state-specific information related to nursing licensure. Compact licenses must be endorsed by your state of residence. More about compact licenses.
Health & Nursing
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – Post-Master's Certificate
This program is for current RNs who already have earned an MSN and are...
This program is for current RNs who already have earned an MSN and are wanting to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner through a post-master's certificate program.
- Locations: Due to the clinical requirements of this degree program, the PMHNP post-master's certificate program at WGU is currently NOT open to students who have a permanent residence in the following states: Arizona, California, District of Columbia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Tennessee, Washington, and Wisconsin.
- Time: This program can be finished within 1.5 years, depending on transfer credit and how quickly you move through core coursework. Please note the clinical components of this program are set.
- Tuition and fees: $6,955 per six-month term.
- Courses: 11 total courses in this program.
This program is for current RNs who have earned their MSN but are wanting to add a specilization to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. This post-master's certificate program is only available in select states.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Assessment and Diagnostics
- Behavioral health
- Advanced Pharmacology
Students must have a permanent and active license from a state that is not listed above, must complete the internships in that state, and intend to obtain initial APRN licensure in that state. See more state-specific information related to nursing licensure. Compact licenses must be endorsed by your state of residence. More about compact licenses.
Scholarships Available for Affordable Education
Scholarships are one of the many ways in which WGU removes obstacles from your path to achieving your education goals and improving your career opportunities.
