With the new Student Care Network, Vanderbilt students will begin the academic year with improved access to a variety of new health and wellness services.
The Student Care Network launched July 1 as the holistic system of wellness resources for all students, with four primary offices: the University Counseling Center, the Office of Student Care Coordination, the Student Health Center and the Center for Student Wellbeing. The Student Care Network also comprises off-campus community providers and online, phone and text support services.
“We are grateful to our student focus groups for the valuable feedback they provided during the creation of the Student Care Network,” said Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Susan R. Wente. “Based on their recommendations, we have added online scheduling options, satellite services and expanded hours at the University Counseling Center and the Student Health Center. We hope students will continue to provide their feedback throughout the academic year.”
The Office of Student Care Coordination is an important addition to the network, serving as the central intake point for students to access health services. Staffed by student care coordinators, the office provides students with guidance and referrals to resources. Students may also explore wellness resources on the new Student Care Network website, and learn how to identify, approach, and refer other students who may be in distress.
“Vanderbilt’s Student Care Network is designed to help students reach their academic, professional and personal goals. We recognize that our students often face challenges during their academic careers and have been careful to create an accessible, culturally affirming network of care,” said Associate Provost and Dean of Students Mark Bandas. “Our dedicated wellness providers bring a diverse array of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to their roles to best support Vanderbilt students.”
Finding care and scheduling an appointment
Office of Student Care Coordination: Students may schedule first-time appointments online at the Office of Student Care Coordination by completing the Student Care Coordination Intake Form. Returning students can schedule their appointments directly with the Student Care Coordinators by phone or email.
Center for Student Wellbeing: Launched in 2016, many of the Center for Student Wellbeing’s services welcome drop-ins, and students will continue to schedule coaching or other appointment-based services by directly contacting the center or the Office of Student Care Coordination. This fall, in addition to offering increased satellite services, the Center for Student Wellbeing will focus on expanding its Peer Guide program and increasing attendance at meditation events.
Student Health Center: At the Student Health Center, students may schedule same-day or next-day appointments and routine appointments online. Information about how to schedule appointments on line is available on the Student Health Center website. In addition, the Student Health Center is offering extended walk-in hours on Tuesdays until 6:45 p.m. for acute injuries and illnesses.
University Counseling Center: To schedule a first-time appointment, students should go through the Office of Student Care Coordination and receive a referral for the UCC. Students who have been seen by a University Counseling Center provider in the last six months may schedule appointments through the online student portal. All counseling center clients can send secure messages to their providers and view their upcoming appointments via the student portal. This fall, the University Counseling Center will remain open until 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays so that students with daytime obligations can schedule evening appointments.
The counseling center is a critical pillar of Vanderbilt’s health and wellness support structure, offering all students counseling and mental health services, including short-term individual therapy, psychiatric care, crisis care, medication management, trauma-informed care, biofeedback, LD/ADHD assessment, alcohol and other drugs assessment and consultations, and group therapy.
Satellite locations: A number of Student Care Network offices are offering select services in satellite locations throughout the year, including academic and wellbeing coaching offered by the Center for Student Wellbeing, Let’s Talk offered by the University Counseling Center, graduate student life coaching, and Project Safe walk in-hours.
Sexual assault: The Student Health Center is offering an additional service for students who have experienced sexual assault. Students now have the option of a forensic examination—also known as a medical legal exam, or MLE—at the Student Health Center. These exams are conducted by certified sexual assault nurse examiners. In the event of a sexual assault, the Student Health Center also offers testing for sexually transmitted infections and diseases, post-exposure HIV assessment and treatment, emergency contraception, and referrals to other campus resources. Project Safe victim resource specialists are available 24 hours a day to assist students accessing these services.
WellTrack: Also new this semester, the university has arranged for all students to be able to utilize WellTrack, an interactive self-help app that provides guided therapy for stress, anxiety and depression, relaxation techniques, secure sharing with a University Counseling Center provider, a daily mood tracker and a personal progress dashboard. This service is free to students. Students may register for the app on the WellTrack website. Other online and telemedicine services are outlined on the Student Care Network website.
Written by Elizabeth Boyd