FAQs

It is a clinical service that provides comprehensive and evidence-based care to address emotional concerns and conditions of our students.

Current UT Southwestern Medical School, School of Health Professions, and Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences students, as well as visiting medical students and postdoctoral research scholars with job codes 804, 805, PGT, PRFII, or PRHII have full access to Student Wellness and Counseling Services. A referral is not needed and appointments can be made by phone and or in person for an initial consultation.

Some students go to Student Wellness and Counseling for just a few visits while others go for ongoing therapy. Decisions about the appropriate treatment are made on an individual basis.

You may feel better simply by taking a step in the process. However, the initial assessment is intended for you to share and the clinical staff to learn about your issues and needs. Your treatment will officially begin with your designated clinician. Students are able to have an assessment in Student Wellness and Counseling without a charge to themselves or their insurance provider. Care will then be determined by a provider.

Student Wellness and Counseling staff include psychologists and psychiatrists. Psychiatrists are able to prescribe medication, if necessary.

Individual therapy is available on a short-term basis. Decisions about the appropriate treatment are made on an individual basis.

During your initial assessment, you will have the opportunity to discuss your preferences for a clinician. Depending upon your clinical needs and mutual schedules, some or all of your preferences may be accommodated.

Student Wellness and Counseling strictly observes absolute patient confidentiality as required by state law and our professional codes of conduct. There can be no instance of a clinician communicating about a student with any person, including any member of the UT Southwestern community with patient consent, with the exception of imminent risk to self or others. If it is determined that a student’s medical condition is interfering with their ability to perform academically, manage day-to-day functioning, or live safely at school, a medical withdrawal may be recommended or initiated by the student. This allows a student to receive more intensive treatment than is possible while remaining on campus. We anticipate that a student who leaves due to a medical withdrawal will return to graduate.

If you have purchased the student insurance or are covered by other medical insurance, you may see providers as outlined in your network plan.

We welcome your feedback, both positive and negative, about your experience as we are interested in making Student Wellness and Counseling work better for you. Our Patient Satisfaction Survey will only take a few minutes of your time. The more specific your comments, the more helpful they will be in our efforts to maintain and improve the quality of staff and services. You can also contact the department supervisor.

Student Wellness and Counseling records for UT Southwestern Medical Center students are separate from other medical records.

Student Wellness and Counseling will not release information about a patient to anyone – including masters, Deans, parents, family, friends, employers, or the government – without your permission.

Everything discussed with a mental health clinician is held in strictest confidence and is not communicated to anyone without your permission, except in the rare instance of a life-threatening situation.

Deans are notified only of your location in the case of hospitalization but are not given any of your medical information without your permission.

All student treatment records within Student Services will be restricted as they currently are. Only your providers in Student Health Services and Student Wellness and Counseling will have access to your full record. Student treatment records are not visible to other students, residents, attendings, or faculty.

The use of electronic medical records and billing insurance will not change or impact medical students or health profession students entering a licensed health care field to obtain licensure or residency positions.

Health insurance plans vary a great deal. Your insurance company may cover part, all, or none of the charges for your care. To find out what your plan covers, call your health insurance company’s customer service number or look on their website for details about your policy.

All students are required to have health insurance. You are responsible for charges that are not covered by your insurance. Student Wellness and Counseling will bill your insurance for any charges in excess of your co-pay. The student health insurance plan covers copayment for visits to Student Wellness and Counseling. For those with UT Select, there is no co-pay. Students with other insurance (e.g. spouse or parent) might have different out-of-pocket expenses, which are generally modest. Clinic staff members are available to assist you with understanding your cost-sharing obligations for care provided.

Student health insurance is an affordable option approved by the University of Texas System and designed specifically for UT students.

The initial session is free of charge. Students have one free session each academic year.