Resources

The Office of Wellness and Mental Health strives to provide education, tips, and current resources to assist and inform members of the NOVA community. Check out the Virtual Self-Care Kit and Self-Care Booklet for wellness strategies, e-resources, NOVA services, and counseling referral information to help you feel and be your best self in school and beyond.

This resource section offers a wealth of information about numerous topics; however, The Office of Wellness and Mental Health only endorses NOVA services included on this website. Reference in this site to any specific commercial product, process, or service, or the use of any trade, firm or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the public. It does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by Northern Virginia Community College.

Resources

  • Visit the Advising and Counseling page for support with career planning, transfer guidance, academic success, and disability services.
  • Campus Counseling Services: Counselors are available to guide new and returning students through administrative requirements and academic planning. You can meet with counselors by appointment or walk-in on all NOVA campuses.
    • Academic advising helps you develop a program of study to achieve your educational goals.
    • If you cannot visit a campus, Virtual Advising is available.
  • Speak With a Virtual Advisor: Virtual advisors are available via chat or email. Please have your NOVA Student ID number ready.
  • NOVA Tutoring Services: Access free tutoring and paper review services on campus or online through Tutor.com. Log in to your CANVAS account for Tutor.com access.
  • StudentLingo: On-demand workshops to help students succeed academically.
  • Chegg Tutors: Offers 24/7 tutoring on a variety of subjects, available per session or by monthly subscription.

Northern Virginia Community College and the Office of Wellness and Mental Health are committed to creating a culture of care by supporting the wellness and mental health of all students. If you or someone you know has been a victim of bullying or hazing, please know that support is available, and this behavior is not acceptable.

Below are helpful resources to support you. You can also make a report at any time. For more information about recent Virginia legislation on bullying and hazing, visit the Higher Education Institutions Supporting Students Experiencing Bullying and Hazing page.

Helpful Resources

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges.

While there is often nothing visibly different about individuals with ASD, they may communicate, interact, behave, and learn in ways that are distinct from most other people. A diagnosis of ASD now includes several conditions that were previously diagnosed separately: autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and Asperger syndrome. These conditions are now all categorized as autism spectrum disorder.

Helpful Resources

NOVA is committed to ensuring all students can pursue a college education, regardless of disability status. We provide reasonable accommodations, including course modifications, program adjustments, building access, and auxiliary aids or services, in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008. No academically qualified student with a disability will be denied access to or participation in the College’s services, programs, and activities.

Helpful Resources

Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) and the Office of Wellness and Mental Health are committed to creating a culture of care by supporting the wellness and mental health of all students and staff. If you or someone you know has experienced bullying, hazing, or mental health challenges, support is available!

Make a Report at any time. For information about Virginia legislation on bullying and hazing, visit the Higher Education Institutions Supporting Students Experiencing Bullying and Hazing page.

Employee Wellness Resources

If you are covered by work-provided insurance, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free and confidential assistance. Visit the site to find the contact number for your insurance provider.

The Office of Employee Wellness and Wellbeing (OEWW) collaborates with partners to promote employee wellness and create an environment where all members of our NOVA community can thrive.

Helpful Mental Health Resources

Tips and Resources on Classroom Management

Working With Students in Distress

Nighthawk Nest Food and Personal Care Pantry

The mission of NOVA’s Food and Personal Care Pantry is to provide students, faculty, and staff with easy, on-campus access to free food and personal care products. Learn more about available resources and pantry locations by visiting the Nighthawk Nest Pantry site.

For more information, please contact the Financial Stability and Advocacy Centers at financialstability@nvcc.edu.

Additional Food and Community Resources

Understanding Grief and Self-Care

Grief is a normal and multifaceted response to loss. While grief can often feel overwhelming, it is a natural emotional process that allows us to realize and (eventually) accept the loss of someone or something dear to us.

Everyone grieves differently, and your reaction to loss will be as individual as you are. There is no "right" or "wrong" way to grieve, and no timeline for when you should feel “better.” The most important thing is to honor your emotions and connect with someone who can listen. Suppressing or ignoring feelings often prolongs the grief process.

Grief can affect us emotionally, physically, and cognitively. Below are some common grief responses:

Emotional Responses

  • Shock and disbelief: Feeling numb or like you are in a dream, especially after sudden loss.
  • Sadness or depression: A deep sense of emptiness or sorrow.
  • Guilt: Regret over things unsaid or undone.
  • Anger or irritability: Directed at anyone, including yourself, others, or the situation.
  • Fear: Worry about your ability to handle emotions or fear about mortality.
  • Mood swings: Emotions may arise unexpectedly, which is a natural part of grieving.

Physical Responses

  • Common physical reactions include fatigue, nausea, insomnia, changes in appetite, and physical aches or pains.

Cognitive Responses

  • Confusion, forgetfulness, trouble concentrating, or experiencing bad dreams.

Positive Coping Strategies

  • Give yourself time to grieve and acknowledge the loss.
  • Talk to understanding and compassionate people about your feelings.
  • Avoid individuals who minimize your grief or pressure you to "move on."
  • Take care of yourself: express your needs, adjust plans, and prioritize self-care.
  • Express your feelings creatively: write in a journal, write letters to the deceased, or create a memorial.
  • Be kind to yourself. Grief cannot be "fixed" but responds to self-compassion and attention.

If you feel isolated, overwhelmed, or unable to cope, reach out for support through NOVA's Office of Wellness and Mental Health.

Grief Support Resources

If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless, emergency shelters and community resources are available to provide support and assistance.

Human Trafficking Facts From The Virginia Office of the Attorney General

National/Federal Resources

Support/Advocacy Groups

International Organizations

State Resources

Legislation: Human Trafficking Laws & Regulations

Foreign-Born/Multicultural Services

Phone Numbers

Lawyer Referral Services

Pay $35–$50 for a 30-minute initial consultation:

NOVA is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and diverse environment for our students to achieve their academic goals. We encourage students and staff to take advantage of LGBTQ support and resources both on and off campus. For information about LGBTQ student clubs at various NOVA campuses, please contact your campus Student Life Center.

National Resources

Virginia Resources

Medical

  • Black Women's Health Imperative: Advancing health equity and social justice for Black women through policy, advocacy, education, and leadership development.
  • HealthWorks for Northern Virginia: Provides medical care in a supportive environment for patients with limited or no insurance in Sterling, Reston, Herndon, and Leesburg.
  • Getting to Zero Initiative: Alexandria Health Department program focused on achieving zero HIV infections and deaths through testing and support services.
  • Healthcare.gov: Learn about qualifying health coverage options for college students, including affordable plans.
  • AlphaTelemed: Affordable 24/7 health and mental health care available on your smartphone, computer, or tablet.
  • VDH Health Department Finder: Locate your local health department in Virginia for health services.
  • NOVA Pregnancy Help Centers: Offers free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and confidential consultations. Text line: 703.782.9877.
  • Young Invincibles: ACA and Medicaid application assistance, plus health insurance literacy resources.

Multi-Specialty

Dental

Northern Virginia Community College cannot provide campus-based mental health services for students, but we offer a NOVA Mental Health Provider Referral Database. This tool allows you to search for licensed providers in the Northern Virginia, DC, and Maryland areas by discipline, specialty, gender identity, insurance, location, and public transportation access. We encourage you to review providers' personal statements to find the best fit for your needs. The database also offers resources for grief, substance abuse, veterans' concerns, and LGBTQ support.

Providers: Some may offer free services or sliding-scale fees.

Local Resources

Stress Management Basics

Stress is a normal psychological and physical reaction to life's ever-increasing demands. Many people face challenges with stress throughout the year. Your brain is equipped with a natural "alarm system" for protection. When a threat is perceived, your body releases hormones to fuel a "fight-or-flight" response. Once the threat is gone, your body is meant to return to a relaxed state. However, the constant stress of modern life can keep this alarm system active.

Why Stress Management Matters: Without stress management, your body stays on high alert, leading to serious health problems over time. Don’t wait until stress impacts your health, relationships, or quality of life. Start practicing stress management techniques today.

Helpful Resources for Stress Management

Stress Relief Apps

These apps are educational suggestions for stress relief. NOVA does not endorse any specific app.

  • TimelyCare: Offers 24/7 access to virtual care, self-care, and well-being tools.
  • The Mindfulness App: Provides guided meditation tools, which are free for the first month.
  • Calm App: Features 10-minute daily calm sessions and nature sounds for unguided meditation.
  • Insight Timer: A free meditation app with over 2 billion minutes of guided meditation. Optional offline access is available with a paid upgrade.
  • Smiling Mind App: Offers age-specific meditation programs, including for young children.

Learn about substance abuse, its impact, and resources to find help and recovery options for yourself or others.

General Resources

Treatment and Recovery

Alcohol Education and Treatment

Marijuana, Opioids, and Other Drugs

Informational Videos

If you or someone you know is in crisis now, please call NOVA Police at 703.764.5000 or dial 911 if you are off campus. NOVA Police Officers are trained to respond safely and respectfully to assist suicidal individuals.

For Staff/Faculty providing assistance, refer to the Staff/Faculty Protocol for Contacting Emergency Personnel for a Student in Crisis.

National and Regional Crisis Support

Community Services Boards

Other Support Resources

NOVA is committed to serving our veteran students and their families by ensuring they can access a wealth of support. Virginia Veteran & Family Support (VVFS), formerly known as the Wounded Warriors Program, provides each campus with peer specialists who can meet with students individually on or off campus.

Veteran Services and Resources