Health & Wellness

Smiling student in classroom

At RIC, we take a whole-person approach to health and wellness.

Our students aren’t one-dimensional — they’re whole people with unique needs, personal stories, and individual concerns, and we’re here to fully support them all.

At RIC, we take a whole-person approach to health and wellness.

Our students aren’t one-dimensional — they’re whole people with unique needs, personal stories, and individual concerns, and we’re here to fully support them all.

We understand that college is about more than academics and career plans — it’s about your whole life. That’s why we offer support that meets you where you are, helping you stay healthy, balanced, and navigate the challenges you're facing right now.

Health services clinicians with student in wheelchair

Culturally Responsive Care for All

51% of RIC students are first-generation college students and 48% are students of color. Providing health and wellness services that are safe, affirming, and relevant to all students is central to the medical, counseling, and personal support care we provide.

Medical/Health Services

Our team of nurses, nurse practitioners, and a physician offers high-quality, confidential primary care at no cost to students beyond their school or private health insurance. Come and see us for:

  • sick visits for common illnesses
  • physical exams – annual or sports
  • athletic clearances
  • gynecological care
  • STI screenings
  • birth control and reproductive health support
  • immunizations (vaccines)
  • phlebotomy (blood draws)
  • ear acupuncture for wellness
  • health education and wellness promotion

Mental Health/Counseling Services

All RIC students are provided with free counseling services, with no payment or insurance required, and so many students are working on their mental health with us.

Cristina Costa


"To meet rising demand, we’ve increased clinical staffing, expanded our office hours, revamped our intern training program, and continue to evolve our services to better support the RIC student community."

– Chris Costa, Counseling Center Director

Counseling for Every Need

  • Individual Counseling – Talk one-on-one with a counselor about anything you're facing.
  • Group Counseling – Connect with other students in supportive, therapist-led groups.
  • Emergency Counseling – Get immediate support in crisis or urgent situations.
  • Consultations – Receive guidance for concerns about someone else's well-being.
  • Medication Management – Access psychiatric care when medication is part of your care plan.
Student at table at fresh check day

Whole-Community Learning and Prevention

Our health and counseling offices also offer a variety of programs that promote both personal growth and community well-being. Through workshops, trainings, events, and services — including wellness fairs and on-campus flu clinics — you’ll learn strategies for managing stress, improving overall health, building resilience, and increasing mental health awareness.

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Help Available 24/7

You’ll also have 24/7 access to licensed mental health support through our emergency call line and wellness app.

We're here to help you – anytime you need it!

Personal Support/Life Challenges Guidance

Daniel Reyes greeting students in Learning 4 Life office

Learning 4 Life supports students who are pursuing their education while facing personal or life challenges. Through a team of caring staff and trained peer mentors, Learning 4 Life helps students access basic needs, manage competing priorities, and navigate campus resources. 

Students receive one-on-one guidance to overcome obstacles, build confidence, and stay focused on their goals. Whether it’s finding support, managing stress, or developing a plan for success, L4L is here to help you move forward — no matter what you’re up against.

Learning for Life Food Pantry

Combatting Food Insecurity

Our food pantry assists all RIC students with food and/or housing insecurity by providing a private and confidential opportunity to obtain food and toiletries. From canned goods to mac and cheese, peanut butter and jelly to snacks - we keep our shelves stocked for our students.

Proud of Our Progress

900+
Learning 4 Life scholars have been supported to date
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We offer in-person, telehealth, walk-in, scheduled, and evening availability for medical appointments
10+
Off-campus partnerships between local organizations and RIC's counseling services

Additional Ways We Support Your Wellbeing

Officer Coleman with police dog Elvy

Creating a Safe Campus Community

While you focus on academics and enjoying a full college experience, our Campus Police will focus on your safety. Our kind and approachable officers walk the campus and staff the Campus Police Office – readily available to anyone needing assistance.

Woman in gym spots person doing a bench press

Embracing Physical Activity and Athletics

Whether you just want to keep active or you're looking to compete, we offer updated facilities; programming aimed at improving physical, emotional, intellectual, and social well-being; and 21 NCAA Div III men's & women's varsity athletics programs.

Rhode Island College entrance

Questions? Contact Us

Jennifer Fox

Jennifer L. Fox

Director

Student Health and Wellness

Cristina Costa

Cristina M. Costa

Director - Counseling Center

Daniel Reyes

Mr. Daniel Reyes

Director - Learning for Life