Mental Health Information bout Mental Health Service Our professional staff members work with students to resolve personal and interpersonal difficulties, many of which can affect their academic experience. These include conflicts with or worry about friends or family, concerns about eating or drinking patterns, and feelings of anxiety and depression. Although some concerns are more frequent than others, students' experiences are as varied as the students themselves. Staff members help each person figure out her or his own situation. Student Health Services provides on and off campus psychological counseling. Please review the complete list of providers. You do not need to see a Student Health Services physician for a referral to see a psychologist or counselor, but you do need a Student Health Services physician’s for a referral to see a psychiatrist. If on-going counseling is needed, you will be referred to an off-campus provider. Student Health Services provides coverage for off-campus counseling equal to 70% of the reasonable and customary charges for up to 24 sessions per academic year. The initial assessment session is provided free of charge. For subsequent visits, you are responsible for a $10 co-payment payable directly to your provider. (Research demonstrates that some financial contribution increases a student’s investment in counseling. Exceptions maybe discussed where there are financial barriers.) Students will be charged $40.00 for any appointments missed without proper notice. The maximum lifetime benefit per student is $15,000. Inpatient hospitalization, if required, typically is provided off campus for confidentiality and coverage is described in the “Inpatient Services” section of this booklet. Coverage for services related to an alcohol or drug dependency is the same as any other hospitalization. Priority for counseling services is given to students whose problems may result in poor academic functioning. If you are referred by a CAES Committee or by an academic advisor, you will be seen as soon as possible. Your written HIPAA compliant authorization is required for communication between the University and Student Health Services on any issue regarding your mental health. Please refer to the HIPAA Privacy Notice provided by the Student Health Service for specific information regarding HIPAA compliant authorizations. If you are having difficulty making an appointment or are not pleased with your evaluation and/or treatment, please make an appointment with one of the physicians at Student Health Services or talk to one of the nurses. Psychological concerns may be treated with counseling, medication alone, or both in combinations. Primary care physicians at Student Health may evaluate the appropriateness of medication. Students are also encouraged to seek the support of peer groups such as Student Support Services and the Student Advisory Committee. These groups seek to provide an avenue by which students can learn to balance their own needs in the midst of their graduate training. STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Student Health Service provides a Student Assistance Program (SAP) for all enrolled students and their immediate family members. This prepaid benefit is offered as a way to help our Students resolve issues that may have an impact upon their personal lives and their school performance. Program Summary The SAP provides confidential, professional assistance to full-time enrolled students and their family members to help resolve problems that are affecting their personal life or school performance. The program is managed by ENI, a nationally known professional consulting firm specializing in SAP services. Students can contact ENI 24 hours a day, seven days a week to arrange a confidential appointment with an SAP specialist. SAP specialists have professional training and expertise in a wide range of issues such as academic problems, eating disorders, credit problems, adjusting to school, marriage and family problems, alcohol and drug abuse, emotional and psychological concerns, financial difficulties, stress and much more. The SAP can be reached by calling 1-800-327-2255 then press prompt #3. A detailed description of the plan is available at the medical campus Student Health Service.