Counseling Center and Resources

The MERP Counseling and Psychological Services Center is dedicated to students and their families’ health and wellness. The Center provides psychological assessment, individual therapy, family and/or relationship counseling, career guidance, crisis intervention, medication evaluation/management services and referral services for students and their family members.

In addition to our clinical services, we also provide workshops and outreach programs regarding substance use, medical student impairment, relationship and stress management, coping with grief and loss and other relevant professional development areas:

Relationships with peers, faculty, family, or significant others

Living with depression and/or anxiety

Stress of being a student

Professional identity development

Living with grief and loss

Trauma recovery

 Anger Management struggles

Use of tobacco, alcohol or drugs

Struggles with compulsive behaviors such as gaming, internet usage, gambling, pornography, shopping, etc.

Relationship with food, eating and exercise

Issues related to cultural, gender and/or sexual identities

Academic success

Accommodations needs

There are no additional fees for sessions with the counselors and the sessions are strictly confidential except in cases of potential harm.  The counseling staff is available to discuss any personal, academic or professional concerns for a student.

The counseling staff is experienced in serving the particular needs of medical students from diverse backgrounds. The counseling center is an independent entity, distinct from the academic program. Counselors are not involved in the academic assessment or promotion of students, and counseling records are not part of any academic file. Personal information is not shared with faculty or administrators unless the student/client authorizes a specific written release of information or there is a threat of harm to a student or community member. Student privacy is highly respected in the counseling center.

Additional Resources

Below are resources students can use to learn more about mental health and well-being:

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is the largest scientific organization in the world dedicated to research focused on the understanding, treatment and recovery of mental health concerns.

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DRUG ABUSE

NIDA's mission is to support and conduct research across a broad range of disciplines and ensure the rapid and effective dissemination significantly improve prevention, treatment and policy as it relates to drug abuse and addiction.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

SAMHSA works to improve the quality and availability of substance abuse prevention, alcohol and drug addiction treatment and mental health services.

NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK    

NATIONAL SEXUAL ASSAULT HOTLINE

The Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1.800.656.HOPE