Personal Counseling

Many students may encounter a personal  problem at some point during medical school or become concerned about a peer who they think needs help.

Students are welcome to discuss confidential issues with staff in the Dean’s Office:

• Aurora Bennett, MD, Associate Dean for Student Affairs, at aurora.bennett@uc.edu
• Charles Collins, MD, Associate Dean for Diversity and Community Affairs, at 513-558-3011 or collincw@uc.edu
• Laura Malosh, PhD, Assistant Dean for Academic Support, at 513-558-2143 or laura.malosh@uc.edu

Information shared with Dean’s Office staff, or counseling resources outside of the College of Medicine, is considered confidential and not shared with others without a student’s written consent, unless there is a life-threatening emergency. Information shared about a student does not become a part of a student’s academic record.

If students prefer, they can find help on their own, through the resources listed below.

Mental Health Resources

The College of Medicine has specific counseling and psychiatric resources for medical students.  

For Students Covered by UC Student Health Insurance
Students first visit Holmes Clinic, the Medical Campus University Health Services, where they are seen by a primary care physician. The physician will examine the student and, when indicated, make a referral for confidential counseling or medical evaluation.

The referral may be to a physician in the Department of Psychiatry or on the UC West (Main) Campus. The referral will not be to a faculty member who evaluates students in their medical education. 

For Student Covered by other Insurance or are Self-Pay
There are many routes to seeking help when on private insurance or when students are self-pay:

• Students can contact the mental health referral telephone number on their insurance card and follow instructions for insurance coverage regarding required pre-authorization or pre-certification for mental health, OR
• Call UC Physicians, Division of Psychiatry at 513-558-7700 to speak with Scott Ries, Director. He will assist you in locating a qualified mental health provider in the area who accepts your health insurance plan OR
• Students can see a physician at Holmes Clinic who will refer to someone covered by their insurance plan, OR
• Students can contact their primary care physician and request a referral to a mental health provider.

Emergency Situations

If any medical student believes there is imminent danger to self or others, the nearest hospital emergency room is available 24/7 for evaluation. Other options include:

• Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES) at University Hospital or the Mobile Crisis Unit at 513-584-8577
• Holmes Clinic (where a physician is on call evenings and weekends) at 513-584-4457
• Hamilton County Crisis Line 281-CARE (2273)
• National Suicide Helpline Network (which routes to a local helpline): 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
• 911 to request an emergency transport to the nearest emergency room  on or off campus.

More Information