As a mental health counselor supporting outreach and community services for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Nina Onesti works closely with students to help them achieve personal goals while fostering resilience, compassion and connection across campus.
By blending her passion for mentorship with her expertise in mental health, Onesti plays a vital role in strengthening student support systems.
1. What originally inspired you to go into counseling and student support work?
I’ve always enjoyed working with students in different roles. From serving as a student leader to becoming a professor at Luddy, I was able to support a variety of students as they worked toward their personal goals. I loved the mentorship side of those roles and have always been interested in mental health, so pursuing a degree in mental health counseling felt like a natural addition to my teaching.
Ultimately, becoming a therapist on a college campus allowed me to merge my passions — working with students and supporting mental health.
2. What’s something you’ve learned from students that has stayed with you over the years?
This is a tough question because I’ve worked with so many students. Recently reconnecting with former students reminded me that having grace for yourself and others truly makes a difference. The students I’ve interacted with most have valued compassion and understanding — recognizing that sometimes life gets challenging, but we can work through it together. Offering grace often goes further than people expect.
3. When you’re having a stressful week, what helps you reset and recharge?
I value alone time when I’m feeling stressed or have had a heavy week. I usually spend at least 30 minutes in complete silence,sometimes with my cat or dog, to reset from the day.
Other times, I decompress by playing a video game. When I want to be more social, I enjoy attending concerts or live shows and spending time with family and friends creating memories.
4. What’s one misconception people have about mental health support on campus?
One common misconception is that there is always a long waitlist for mental health services. While there can sometimes be a brief wait, the majority of individuals who complete our paperwork are seen very promptly.
5. In your role, what’s one program or resource you’re most excited about? What impact do you hope it has on students?
One resource I often highlight is our Interpersonal Violence Prevention (IPV) team. They serve as confidential advocates for IU Indianapolis students, staff and faculty who experience interpersonal violence, including sexual assault, physical violence, abuse, stalking and related situations. Our advocates help community members navigate resources, understand policies and connect with other campus offices as needed.
