Mental Health and Wellness: Evaluation and Supportive Resources

Indiana University School of Medicine provides free and confidential counseling services to the medical students and house staff. Information can be obtained by calling Counseling Services and Wellness at (317) 278-4750 or by following the directions at http://counseling.medicine.iu.edu/. A meeting with the counselor should be available within one week. Walk-in and evening appointments are welcomed but depend on counselor availability.

Services available are individual, couples, family, group counseling; consultation; programming; and emergency intervention. Typical concerns presented for counseling include academic difficulties, adjustment to role changes/demands, alcohol- or drug-related difficulties, anxiety/stress management, body image, conflict management and resolution, depression, disordered eating, emotional response to physician responsibilities, self-esteem, sexuality, sexual victimization, suicidal thoughts and test anxiety. 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 who provide these services.

The office of Counseling Services and Wellness may assist, organize, and/or present educational programs depending on advance notice and availability. All individuals will be treated with respect regardless of age, color, counseling concern, ethnicity, gender, marital/ parental status, national origin, physical ability, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Counseling is confidential in accordance with state laws and ethical guidelines.

Confidentiality: All information is confidential in accordance with state laws and ethical guidelines and/or as required by law. Communications between counselor and client is released only in cases of immediate danger or serious harm to self or others, or with the student/resident written permission, or if subpoenaed by the Court or Homeland Security. Counseling records are maintained in files separate from the student/resident/fellow official records and cannot be accessed without the individual’s written permission. You are encouraged to address any questions or concerns about confidentiality with the counselor. If fitness to work or continuing medical education is contingent upon mental health status, the counselor may release attendance history. Additional information requires a signed written release of information.

Emergency: When a student or house staff experiences an emergency such as self or other harming 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.

After hours emergencies:

Indianapolis students/housestaff: call 911 or the Access Center for Indiana University Health, 24/7 at (317) 962-2622. Identify yourself as a medical student or resident. The operator will direct your call to the appropriate emergency care.

Regional campuses: call 911 or find Emergency Services by specific campus location at http://msa.iusm.iu.edu/StudentDevelopment/personalcounseling.htm. Note after hours coverage information at each campus site. The operator will direct your call to the appropriate emergency care.