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Student Health, Counseling, and Well-Being

MindSpa

The MindSpa is an independent and accessible relaxation space designed to help you unwind, practice coping skills, and rejuvenate. Here, you'll find a variety of amenities to support your well-being. This unique campus experience is available for free to students, staff and faculty. Whether you need a quick break to de-stress or want to intentionally carve out time for your mental health. the SCU CAPS MindSpa is here for you.

 

What amenities are in the CAPS MindSpa?

  • Zero-Gravity Massage Chair: Stress can contribute to muscle tension that we may not always notice. The zero-gravity massage chair provides a relaxing way to unwind, ease muscle tension, and give your body a chance to rest and reset. 
  • Virtual Reality Headset: Explore a variety of immersive experiences designed to support relaxation, mindfulness, and creativity. Take a virtual trip to a tropical rainforest or beach, participate in a meditation exercise, try relaxing activities like fishing or tai chi, focus on a 3D puzzle, or explore creative experiences.
  • Mendi Biofeedback System: Mendi reads your brain activity in real time and can help you improve focus. It measures blood flow and oxygenation in the brain to track attention, decision-making, and executive function in real time.
  • Yoga Mats & Meditation Pillows: Use the yoga mats and meditation pillow for stretching, mindfulness exercises, meditation, breathing exercises, prayer, or simply finding a comfortable position to relax.
  • TV with Guided Meditations: Access guided meditations and other wellness content through the MindSpa TV. Follow along with a yoga session, listen to relaxing audio, or take a mindful break.
  • Red Light Therapy: Take time to relax while using red light therapy as part of your MindSpa experience. This amenity is intended to reduce inflammation, increase blood circulation, and improve muscle recovery.

And more, including self-help resources, coloring materials, weighted blanket, and thumb drum.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The MindSpa is located inside of the Cowell Center on campus. After you check in at the lobby, front desk staff will walk you back to the room.

The MindSpa is reservable from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM.

MindSpa appointments are 45-minutes long and start on the hour. This allows enough time for cleaning amenities and preparing the space for the next person after use.

Individuals can book the MindSpa for up to two sessions per week. To ensure availability for all students, staff, and faculty, appointments are limited to one 45-minute session per day.

The MindSpa is available to all Santa Clara University faculty, staff, and enrolled students by appointment only. You do not need to be a client of CAPS to use the MindSpa. Please bring your SCU ID for verification.

Students can book an appointment online through their Student  Health Portal. You can also call the Cowell front desk at 408-554-4501 or walk-in during business hours (8:30 AM - 5:00 PM) to schedule a session. 

Faculty and staff, who do not have their own health portal accounts, can call the front desk at the Cowell Center (408-554-4501) or visit the Cowell Health Center in-person to schedule an appointment. Please bring your SCU ID for verification.

Please come to your appointment 10-15 minutes before it starts to fill out a consent form for the space. Visitor parking is available -- ask front desk staff for a free parking permit if you plan on driving. Also, eating and drinking in the MindSpa is prohibited, so please take care of your needs prior to the appointment. There is a restroom and water station available nearby which can be accessed at any time during your appointment.

The MindSpa is user-friendly and designed for independent use. Step-by-step instructions for biofeedback, massage chair, virtual reality, and TV are provided in the instruction manual. Front desk staff are available if additional assistance is needed, and if you are a current client, you are welcome to ask your CAPS provider questions about the MindSpa.