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Stanford Mental Health Services

  • Introduction to Stanford Mental Health Services

  • Types of Services Offered by Stanford Mental Health Services

    • Counseling Services
    • Psychiatry Services
    • Group Therapy
    • Referral Services

  • Eligibility Criteria for Receiving Services

  • How to Access Stanford Mental Health Services?

    • Initial Consultation
    • Scheduling Appointments
    • Emergency Services
    • Off-Campus Referrals

  • Confidentiality and Privacy Concerns

  • Payment Options for Stanford Mental Health Services

    • Insurance Coverage
    • Student Discounts
    • Financial Assistance

  • Stanford Mental Health Resources for Faculty and Staff

  • Community Outreach and Mental Health Advocacy Programs

    • Mental Health First Aid Training
    • Stress Management Workshops
    • Mental Health Awareness Programs

  • Feedback and Suggestions for Improving Services

Introduction to Stanford Mental Health Services

Stanford University understands the importance of mental health and its impact on the academic and personal lives of students, faculty, and staff. Therefore, the university offers a range of mental health services to provide support and care for individuals experiencing mental health concerns. The Stanford Mental Health Services (SMHS) is a comprehensive program that includes counseling, psychiatry, group therapy, and referral services. The aim of SMHS is to create a safe and supportive environment where individuals can seek help, receive appropriate treatment, and improve their overall wellbeing.

Types of Services Offered by Stanford Mental Health Services

SMHS provides various services to cater to the diverse needs of the Stanford community. These services include:

Counseling Services

Individual counseling is available for students, faculty, and staff who are experiencing personal, academic, or emotional difficulties. SMHS provides short-term counseling as well as ongoing support for individuals who require long-term care. The counseling sessions are confidential, and the counselors use evidence-based techniques to help individuals manage their concerns effectively.

Psychiatry Services

SMHS offers psychiatric services to individuals who require medication management or other medical interventions for their mental health concerns. Psychiatrists work collaboratively with counselors to provide holistic care for individuals seeking treatment. They also offer consultations and evaluations for individuals who require a formal diagnosis or assessment.

Group Therapy

Group therapy is a powerful tool for individuals who want to receive support from others experiencing similar issues. SMHS offers various group therapy sessions that focus on different topics such as anxiety, depression, stress management, and mindfulness. The group sessions provide a safe and supportive environment where individuals can share their experiences, learn new coping skills, and improve their social connections.

Referral Services

In some cases, individuals may require specialized care beyond what SMHS offers. In such cases, SMHS provides referral services to connect individuals with off-campus mental health professionals or agencies. Referral services are also available for individuals who require additional resources such as legal support, financial assistance, or disability services.

Eligibility Criteria for Receiving Services

All currently enrolled Stanford students are eligible for SMHS services. Faculty and staff members who have subscribed to the Cardinal Care insurance plan are also eligible to receive services. Additionally, faculty and staff members who do not have Cardinal Care insurance can access SMHS services on a fee-for-service basis.

How to Access Stanford Mental Health Services?

Accessing SMHS services is a simple and straightforward process. Here are the steps:

Initial Consultation

Individuals who want to access SMHS services can schedule an initial consultation appointment by calling the SMHS office. During the consultation, a trained counselor will assess the individual's concerns and recommend appropriate services.

Scheduling Appointments

After the initial consultation, individuals can schedule appointments with their assigned counselors or psychiatrists. Appointments can be scheduled online or by calling the SMHS office. Same-day appointments are also available for individuals who require urgent care.

Emergency Services

SMHS provides emergency services for individuals who require immediate care. Emergency services are available 24/7, and individuals can access them by calling the SMHS office or contacting the Stanford Department of Public Safety.

Off-Campus Referrals

Individuals who require specialized care beyond SMHS can access off-campus referral services. SMHS provides a list of mental health professionals and agencies in the surrounding area and can assist individuals in making appointments.

Confidentiality and Privacy Concerns

SMHS is committed to maintaining the confidentiality and privacy of individuals seeking services. All counseling and psychiatric sessions are confidential, and information is only shared with other professionals with the individual's written consent or in emergency situations. SMHS follows all applicable state and federal laws regarding the privacy of health information.

Payment Options for Stanford Mental Health Services

SMHS offers various payment options to make mental health care accessible to everyone. These options include:

Insurance Coverage

Stanford students who have subscribed to the Cardinal Care insurance plan can receive SMHS services at no additional cost. Faculty and staff members who have Cardinal Care insurance can receive SMHS services with a co-pay. SMHS also accepts other insurance plans, and individuals can contact their insurance provider for more information.

Student Discounts

SMHS offers discounts for some services to Stanford students who do not have Cardinal Care insurance. The discounts vary depending on the service and the student's financial situation.

Financial Assistance

SMHS provides financial assistance to individuals who require mental health care but do not have the financial means to pay for it. The financial assistance program is based on the individual's income and assets and can cover up to 80% of the cost of services.

Stanford Mental Health Resources for Faculty and Staff

SMHS also provides mental health resources for faculty and staff members. These resources include counseling, psychiatric services, and referral services. Additionally, SMHS offers workshops and training programs for faculty and staff members to improve their mental health literacy and skills.

Community Outreach and Mental Health Advocacy Programs

SMHS is committed to promoting mental health awareness and advocacy in the Stanford community. Therefore, SMHS offers various outreach programs and workshops to educate individuals about mental health issues and provide them with tools and resources to manage their concerns effectively. Some of the programs and workshops include:

Mental Health First Aid Training

Mental Health First Aid is a training program that teaches individuals how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health concerns in others. The program covers topics such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicide prevention.

Stress Management Workshops

SMHS offers stress management workshops to help individuals manage stress effectively. The workshops cover topics such as relaxation techniques, time management, and mindfulness.

Mental Health Awareness Programs

SMHS also hosts various mental health awareness programs throughout the year to promote mental health literacy and reduce stigma. These programs include speaker events, film screenings, and panel discussions.

Feedback and Suggestions for Improving Services

SMHS values feedback from the Stanford community and encourages individuals to provide suggestions for improving services. Individuals can provide feedback through the SMHS website, by emailing SMHS, or by participating in the annual SMHS satisfaction survey. SMHS uses feedback to improve services and ensure that they meet the needs of the Stanford community.

FAQs About Stanford Mental Health Services

What types of mental health services does Stanford offer?

Stanford offers a wide range of mental health services, including individual therapy, group therapy, medication management, and crisis support.

How do I make an appointment at Stanford for mental health services?

You can call the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) office or go to their website to schedule an appointment. You can also walk-in during business hours for crisis support.

Are mental health services at Stanford confidential?

Yes, all mental health services at Stanford are confidential. Information about your treatment will not be shared with anyone without your written consent, except in cases where there is a risk of harm to yourself or others.

Is there a cost for mental health services at Stanford?

Most mental health services at Stanford are covered by the student health insurance plan or employee health insurance plan. There may be a small copay for some services.

Can I get mental health services at Stanford if I am not a student or employee?

No, mental health services at Stanford are only available to students and employees of the university.