Student Well-being and Mental Health Services

In the event of a mental health or emotional crisis, a psychologist is available to facilitate triage. After hours and weekends, please contact the on-call Dean for the Office of Student Affairs at (305)-348-0696.

If it is a medical emergency and/or there is a life threatening situation, please do not hesitate to call 911.

The Switchboard of Miami is also a great resource. Feel free to contact the "Help Line" at 305-358-HELP / (305-358-4357)

Students can call Counseling and Psychological Services to speak to a licensed mental health counselor after-hours at 305-348-2277 #1 for urgent matters.

Medical students use our services to address:

• Personal Issues: stress, anxiety, depression, anger, loneliness, low self-esteem, grief, post- traumatic stress, attention deficit
• Relationship Issues: romantic relationship difficulties, sexual concerns, roommate problems, family issues
• Developmental Issues: sense of identity, sexual orientation, adjustment to medical school, life transitions
• Academic Concerns: study skills, performance anxiety, perfectionism, procrastination
• Other Issues: effects of trauma, sexual assault, substance abuse, body image, healthy lifestyles

When medical students require mental health services that are beyond the scope of SWMHS services, we will make referrals to community resources. Some of the issues that are commonly addressed through referral to community providers include: Inpatient or intensive outpatient substance abuse, eating disorders, or mood disorder treatment and court-mandated assessment or treatment requirements.

Note: We do not provide mandated counseling or psychological service

Enrolled medical students who are interested in our services are recommended to contact the office at 305-348-1460. An Initial Assessment appointment with a psychologist will be scheduled. During the first meeting, which will be about an hour long, you will be asked to describe your concerns and what you hope to gain from counseling. At the end of this initial meeting, the psychologist will recommend appropriate services based on your needs.

If you are relocating and have a private psychologist or psychiatrist, it would be helpful for that provider to be able to communicate with the psychologist you will be working with at FIU Medicine. It is recommended that you sign a Release of Information provided by your private psychologist or psychiatrist which enables him/her to share helpful information to make a smooth transition to our office. Our contact information is:

FIU Medicine Student Well-being and Mental Health Services
11200 S.W. 8th Street GL-340
Miami, FL 33199
Phone: (305)-348-1460
Fax: (305)-348-1729

Depression

• • "Coping with Depression"
  • National Institute of Mental Health brochure about depression

Stress and Anxiety

• • "Anxiety"
  • National Institute of Mental Health brochure about anxiety
  • "Stress Management"
  • "Time Management Skills"

Relationships

• • "Loneliness"
  • "Feelings at the End of Relationship"
  • How to Help People Experiencing Grief

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

• • "What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?"
  • National Institute of Mental Health brochure about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Wellness

• • American Medical Student Association Wellness Resource Guide for Medical Students

Academic Concerns

• • Pelley JW. Success Types in Medical Education
  • Practicing Mindfulness

A medical school student's life can be stressful for several reasons, from new sources of anxiety to juggling an unfamiliar academic workload to test-taking fears. The Office of Student Affairs provides access to an array of wellness services specifically for medical students to ensure the promotion of health and wellness. Our services are provided through the Student Well-being and Mental Health Services and through wellbeing programming coordinated by student interest groups. Current students may access more resources on CanvasMed.

Student 2 Student Mental Health Liaison Program

The Student 2 Student Mental Health Liaison Program is a way for students to provide peer support on topics related to health and wellness. Each cohort has up to 10 selected students to serve as student supporters. If you have any questions about this program, contact medwellness@fiu.edu.

Other Services

Additionally, FIU resources are also accessible to medical students, including Student Health and Wellness, Wellness and Recreation Center and additional services through the Counseling and Psychological Services Center.

The Fit and Well program offers students various wellness activities each academic year. The “Fit” events are provided during convenient times for students. Some examples are Yoga, Tai-Chi, Zumba and Strength Conditioning. Additionally, “Well” events such as Habits of Stress Resilient Students, Sleep Hygiene, Essentials of Calm Breathing, Mindfulness in Medicine, Healthy Relationships and Aromatherapy are provided throughout the year to help students further enhance their personal well-being.

If you would like more information about the Fit & Well Program or would like to request an event, please email comfit@fiu.edu.