Personal Counseling & Wellness
The volume and intensity of medical school requirements demand adjustments in relationships, social, and recreational pursuits. The School of Medicine recognizes that the availability of mental health counseling can be helpful to students and house staff in meeting their educational goals.
To find counseling at a specific campus, see » Personal Counseling by Campus Location.
Emergency Intervention
When a student or house staff experiences an emergency such as suicidal thoughts, panic/anxiety attacks, or physical or sexual assault, an emergency counseling session appointment or telephone contact will be scheduled the same day as the emergency call.
Any student/resident/fellow or significant other may call the Counseling Services and Wellness, located in Indianapolis, at 317-274-1224 during normal business hours. To find Emergency Services at a specific campus, see » Personal Counseling by Campus Location. Note after hours coverage information at each campus site.
Individual Counseling
Services are available for individual counseling for a variety of difficulties experienced by medical students and house staff. Typical concerns presented for counseling include:
- adjustment
- alcohol or drug-related difficulties
- anxiety/stress management
- body image
- depression
- eating disorders
- emotional response to physician responsibilities
- harassment
- individual difficulties
- self-esteem
- sexuality
- sexual victimization
- suicidal thoughts
- test anxiety
- Individual Counseling |
- Couples/Family Counseling |
- Group Counseling
- Consultation |
- Educational Programming |
- Emergency Intervention |
- »Top
Couples/Family Counseling
Affectional and family relationships frequently suffer due to the demands and stresses of medical education. Counseling is available to assist couples and families with those stresses.
Group Counseling
Time-limited psychotherapy groups, typically involving 11-13 sessions, are offered by Counseling Services. Groups are open to individuals with a variety of concerns and goals. Occasionally, structured, topic focused groups are offered. Individuals interested in group counseling should call Counseling Services to schedule an individual appointment and express their interest to the counselor or administrative assistant.
Fees
There is no charge for counseling provided by Counseling Services. Fees may be charged for psychiatric evaluations, medications evaluations, and long-term counseling provided by either on- or off- campus professionals.
Consultation
- Individual Counseling |
- Couples/Family Counseling |
- Group Counseling
- Consultation |
- Educational Programming |
- Emergency Intervention |
- »Top
In a university community, there are times when community members are concerned about the mental health and well-being of students and house staff. Counseling Services provides consultations to faculty, staff, students, and house staff to discuss questions/concerns about students' and house staffs' mental health and well-being.
Educational Programming
Counseling Services may organize, assist in organizing, and/or present educational programs depending on advance notice and availability. Examples of program topics are:
- alcohol and drug abuse
- assertiveness and/or communication skills
- body image and eating disorders
- diversity
- introduction to counseling services
- self-care/stress management
- sexual assault
- team building
- test anxiety
Referrals
At times, students and house staff require mental health evaluation and/or long-term counseling. These individuals are referred to mental health professionals both on- and off-campus offices such as Indiana University Psychiatric Management, Indiana University Physician Assistance Program, Indiana University Hospital, Student Support Programs, Student Financial Services, the Office of Affirmative Action, or the Teacher-Learner Advocacy Committee. The counselor forwards student or house staff information only with an individual's written permission.
Confidentiality
Counseling is confidential in accordance with state laws and ethical guidelines. Communication between a counselor and a client is released only in cases of immediate danger or serious harm to the individual or someone else, or when the individual signs a written permission form.
Counseling records are maintained in files separate from the student/house staff files and cannot be accessed by faculty, staff, administrators, parents, or other students and house staff without the individual's written permission. Students and house staff are encouraged to address any questions or concerns about confidentiality with the counselor during the first appointment.
Commitment to Diverse People
Indiana University School of Medicine and Counseling Services has a strong commitment to meeting the needs of diverse people. In all counseling activities, programs, and outreach services we strive to create an environment where all people feel welcome. As a staff, we attempt to facilitate mutual respect and understanding among people of diverse characteristics such as age, color, ethnicity, gender, language, marital/parental status, mental and physical ability, national origin, race, religion, socioeconomic status, sexual/affectional orientation or veteran status.