Interested in psychiatric treatment?
If you don’t have an existing CCPS counselor, schedule an initial consultation via the Student Health Portal with Counseling & Psychological Services (CCPS)
Psychiatric Services is staffed by board certified adult psychiatrists, child and adolescent psychiatrists and a psychiatric nurse.
We work in collaboration with our Habif Medical Services and Center for Counseling & Psychological Services (CCPS) to provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of various mental, emotional, and behavioral conditions.
Psychiatric evaluation includes
| Full assessment of current symptoms | |
| Past medical and psychological problems | |
| Family history | |
| Personal history | |
| Any relevant treatment history |
A number of psychiatric difficulties are influenced by physical conditions. As a physician, a psychiatrist is in a unique position to take into account such conditions and coordinate overall care. This may mean that laboratory testing or medical evaluation may be recommended. Blood pressure, temperature and weight will always be obtained on the first visit and will be required periodically if a patient is prescribed psychiatric medication.
It is important to keep in mind that psychotropic medications are appropriate and useful for some conditions, however, they are not necessary or helpful in every case. Psychiatrists are:
| Trained to deal with the psychological and interpersonal aspects of difficulties | |
| Trained in the prescription of medication | |
| In a unique position to assess and recommend a variety of treatment options |
Often, therapy or a change in life situation is the appropriate intervention and, if this is the case, proper referrals and assistance with referrals will be made.
Research shows that psychotropic medication works best in tandem with mental health counseling. In order to provide the best possible care, in most cases students are seen in Psychiatry Services after a referral from their existing CCPS counselor or outside counselor.
Scheduling a psychiatry appointment
| Students interested in psychiatric treatment who do not have an existing CCPS counselor should schedule an initial consultation via the Student Health Portal with a CCPS staff member | |
| Consultation purpose: clarify and assess your needs, and explore options for next steps of getting psychotherapy services | |
| Learn more about scheduling a CCPS non-crisis counseling appointment |
Your first appointment will be with our Psychiatric nurse
| This can also be scheduled through the Student Health Portal | |
| They will determine which students will best benefit from services and which students would be better served by other resources on campus or in the community | |
| Previous provider records may be required prior to scheduling with the Psychiatric Nurse appointment |
In March of 2020 Psychiatric Services suspended the treatment of any new or transferred patients that require the prescription of stimulant medications for treatment of attention deficit-hyperactivity related disorders (ADHD/ADD).
Important dates & information for psychiatry scheduling
In the interest of best serving students during periods of peak demand:
| Students wishing to transfer the management of existing psychiatric medication from a home doctor may do so until November 1 for the fall semester and April 1 for the spring semester. | |
| Please note that available appointment slots may fill up several weeks in advance of these deadlines. |
Due to the limited number of available psychiatry appointments, students are expected to miss class or work if needed to attend their initial appointment. Health Services can provide a receipt of the visit to verify attendance with professors/employers. Follow-up psychiatry appointments are scheduled via the student portal at the student’s convenience.
Community psychiatry services
As an alternative to our psychiatry services, students can pursue off-campus options. To that end, students can contact us for assistance and/or see the Guide to Community Mental Health Services.