How Pepperdine Supports Student Mental Health and Wellness
College is an exciting time full of new experiences and growth. It can also bring new challenges that can impact well-being. But, Pepperdine students are not alone! Pepperdine prides itself on providing a more holistic care to its students through both mental, spiritual, and physical health programs.
From the moment students arrive in Malibu, they’re welcomed into a community that
values the whole person.That’s why Pepperdine offers a range of wellness resources
for college students, some of which are highlighted below.
The RISE Program: Building Resilience in Every Student
One of Pepperdine’s most impactful wellness initiatives is the Resilience-Informed Skills Education (RISE) Program. The program focuses on six dimensions of resilience–physical, social, cognitive, spiritual, service, and life skills, equipping students with practical tools to navigate challenges and thrive. Key elements of the RISE Program include: a Residential interest community in Seaside Hall, free RISE coaching to help students set and achieve personal wellness goals, wellness events like yoga, crafting sessions, and talks, and the annual RISE summit.
While RISE coaching is not a substitute for mental health counseling, it serves as
a bridge, promoting healthy habits and guiding students to professional help when
needed.
Accessible Counseling
Pepperdine’s Counseling Center offers and engages in individual therapy, group therapy, outreach and prevention, support group, psychiatry, crisis support, and mental health workshops.
The Counseling Center’s professional therapists provide a confidential space for students
that is completely separate from their academic records at Pepperdine. They offer
support for a wide range of concerns, from developmental challenges like homesickness
or relationship stress to urgent situations such as trauma or sexual assault.When
students have an urgent need or are experiencing a mental health emergency, counselors
are available 24/7. Counseling, consultation, and psychiatric services are free for
all students.
Support Groups
Beyond individual therapy, Pepperdine offers support groups to help students connect with peers who may share similar experiences. These groups provide safe, confidential spaces for students to give and receive encouragement.
Past examples of support groups have included: Holding Hope Grief Support Group, Black
Student Support Group, Just Be: LGBTQ+ Student Support Group, and Recovery Peer Support
Group. These groups remind students that they don’t have to face challenges alone
and that healing often happens in community.
Wellness Education and Prevention
Pepperdine takes a proactive approach to college student mental health. Programming
includes nutrition education, sleep workshops, exercise opportunities, mindfulness
sessions, and spiritual growth activities. During high-stress times like finals week,
the university hosts events to encourage rest, connection, and balance.
The Hub For Spiritual Life
The Hub for Spiritual Life serves as a center point for students to grow spiritually throughout their college
journey and walk alongside students as they navigate both the joys and challenges
of college. Through the Hub, students can connect with pastoral care, get mentorship,
attend worship gatherings, join Bible studies, and serve the community with the goal
of encouraging deeper faith and authentic community.
A Culture of Care
While college mental health statistics highlight growing concerns nationwide, Pepperdine strives to create a campus where students feel seen, supported, and valued. Pepperdine faculty and staff are involved in students' lives in a number of ways which give them the opportunity to hear about, or directly observe, students in distress. They are encouraged to refer students to the Counseling Center or to call for a consultation to discuss the situation and determine the most supportive plan.
Pepperdine also provides support through Spiritual Life Advisors (SLAs), student leaders
who live in the residence halls and walk alongside their peers in faith and life.
SLAs foster community, provide encouragement and mentorship, and connect students
with additional resources when needed.
Campus Recreation
Pepperdine encourages students to care for their bodies as part of their overall well-being.
The Campus Recreation programs offer a wide variety of ways to stay active, reduce stress, and build community.
Students can participate in fitness classes, intramural and club sports, and outdoor
adventure trips, as well as take advantage of on-campus gyms and recreational facilities.
Final Thoughts
Through professional services, preventive education, and community-based programs like RISE, Pepperdine sets itself apart among colleges for mental health—proving that wellness is woven into the heart of the student experience.