Medical Student Health Care
Of note:
- A medical student mental health program, established in 1996, and redesigned in 2021 to provide no-cost psychological and psychiatric services for all UMMS students.
- A student contemplation room in the Taubman Health Sciences Library offers private space where students can go to reflect, practice mindfulness, and/or meditation.
- The U-M School of Dentistry offers complete dental checkups to students at a discounted fee.
- The University Health Service offers comprehensive outpatient services to students.
Health Care Plans
All enrolled medical students are required to have health care insurance coverage. This requirement may be fulfilled by maintaining an existing health care plan (most likely coverage under an parental plan), or enrollment in a health care plan offered through the University of Michigan (GradCare for medical students or the Domestic Student Health Insurance Plan (DSHIP) through the University Health Services for all U-M students).
It will be your responsibility to determine which health care plan is best for you. Neither the Medical School nor the University will assume any responsibility for your acts, errors, or omissions in determining comparable health care coverage.
More information on University health care plans:
- GradCare Health Insurance Plan: https://hr.umich.edu/benefits-wellness/health-well-being/health-plans/gradcare
- Domestic Student Health Insurance Plan (DSHIP): https://www.uhs.umich.edu/dship
More information on other health insurance options:
Dental Insurance
You are eligible to enroll in Dental Option 1, 2 or 3. Enrollment is not automatic, and there is a monthly cost for this coverage. The monthly premium will be charged to your student account.
Review dental plan and cost information.
Disability Income Insurance Program
The University of Michigan Medical School enrolls you in a long-term disability plan through the Med Plus Advantage program. This LTD benefit with pay you a monthly benefit in the event that you become disabled. This plan also gives you important options when you complete medical school.
The benefits of this plan include:
Monthly Benefit: $1,500
Loan Payoff Benefit (to be paid in part of full upon meeting the definition of Permanent and Total Disability): $225,000
Benefit Waiting Period: If a claim for LTD benefits is approved, benefits become payable after a student has been continuously disabled for 90 days
Maximum Benefit Period: Benefits until retirement while disabled (SSNRA)
To get 24/7/365 access to your certificate, which contains complete details about your long-term disability plan, visit: https://www.medplusadvantage.com/ and enter ID number: 644215
You can also access claims forms, brochures and contact information at: https://www.medplusadvantage.com/
When you graduate, your group long-term disability insurance is "portable" into residency and practice, and may be continued. If you decide to continue your coverage, your benefit will increase to $2,000 a year for pt/2nd years and $2,500 for 3rd+ year of residency.
To request a consultation about continuing or converting your coverage: http://howez.medplusadvantage.com/
Liability Coverage for Students taking part in Clinical Experiences
The Office of Medical Student Education (OMSE) receives many questions concerning liability coverage for students doing clinical experiences. OMSE suggests the following guidelines for determining if an activity is covered by our liability policy:
- If the student is working in a clinical setting for credit toward the M.D. degree, they are covered by our liability policy.
- If the student is working with one of our faculty members (including adjunct faculty) in an activity which enhances their education and that faculty member is supervising that student, they are covered by our liability insurance. (Example: A clinical student on an Educational Leave of Absence to do research, arranges to work in the clinic with an individual faculty member once a week.)
- Students engaging in such activities while on leave of absence status must get approval of the Associate Dean for Student Programs and must register their activity with the Office of Medical Student Education. The student is responsible for completing a brief form (available at OMSE) and obtaining the supervising faculty member's signature. Completed forms will be kept on file in the OMSE office.
- If a student is involved in a mentoring or shadowing program (in which they spend time in a clinical setting as an observer) to enhance their education, outside the University of Michigan Hospital setting, and the program is an approved program through a student organization or clinical department, they are covered by our liability insurance. If the student has arranged to do such an experience independently, he or she must get prior approval from the Associate Dean for Medical Student Education. The Associate Dean will write a letter to the supervising physician (and copy the student) granting approval in these circumstances.
Students accepted into the University of Michigan Medical School must provide written documentation of certain immunizations or proof of immunity (e.g., dates of vaccinations or positive antibody titers) as part of the process for entering medical school.
An immunization form is made available to the student at the time of their acceptance that must be completed and returned to the Office of Medical Student Education prior to orientation. This form becomes a part of the student's record and is retained throughout the student's enrollment.
Immunizations can be obtained at the University Health Service or through a personal physician or clinic of the student's choice. It is the student's responsibility to pay for all testing and/or vaccinations.
Some students may not be notified of acceptance until the spring or summer just before classes start in August. The vaccination series for Hepatitis B, administered in three (3) steps, requires 6 months to complete.
Thus, whether the student has been accepted or is still awaiting notification of acceptance, she/he should begin the series as soon as possible and plan to finish during the first year. The University Health Service, local physicians, or clinics can provide all or any part of the series.
Immunization Requirements
All students are required to receive immunization with MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine unless they can provide proof on the completed and signed form of one of the following:
- 2 doses of live attenuated measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine or 1 MMR dose and a measles booster vaccine.
- Serologic evidence of immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella.
All students will be required to receive Hepatitis B vaccine unless they show proof of the following:
- Serologic evidence of immunity to Hepatitis B.
- Prior receipt of Hepatitis B vaccine (with appropriate documentation).
All students will be required to provide documentation of a baseline Tuberculin skin test before Orientation, unless they have a previous history of a positive skin test or prior exposure to BCG.
Students testing positive will be asked to undergo a blood test (QFT) to rule out active tuberculosis.
All students will be required to have received 2 doses of Varicella vaccine or Serologic evidence of immunity.
All students will be required to receive a Tetanus (Td) booster every 10 years, including a one-time adult dose of pertussis (Tdap).
This immunization policy is in effect to protect the student, and the patients that the student will come in contact with. This immunization documentation is a requirement of OHSA.
Student cooperation will facilitate entrance into Medical School and help provide a smooth transition through each year.
All requirements are subject to change.
January 2022 Announcement:
Through institutional support, students can access psychological care and psychiatric services at no cost as part of their enrollment in the University of Michigan Medical School. Funding went into effect July 1, 2021, at which time outpatient psychiatric services specifically for medical students were expanded and began to be provided at no cost to students. As of January 31, 2022, students also have access to therapy at no cost via the Medical Student Mental Health program. Additional psychological care services such as therapy groups, psychoeducational seminars, and opt-out mental health screenings (M-Check) will be forthcoming. The psychological care program is staffed by three therapists and resides in Michigan Medicine’s Office of Counseling and Workplace Resilience and has space in the B wing of the Med Sci I Building.
Psychological Care
The Medical Student Mental Health Program is an integral service of the Michigan Medicine Office of Counseling and Workplace Resilience. Our confidential psychological care and referral services are offered at no-cost and are designed to support you as you prepare to become a leader in medicine. To this end, we are committed to connecting you to a therapist either within our program or in the community to achieve the highest quality of care for your specific needs and concerns. MSMHP therapists prioritize an integrative approach that centers on evidence-based sciences, cultural humility, humanistic and positive psychology, family systems theory, organizational psychology, philosophies of compassion and forgiveness, and creating meaning and purpose in life. We are a dedicated team of psychologists that believes in human goodness, and we believe in the power of creating a compassionate space in which you can be truly heard and honored.
Psychiatric Services
The Medical Student Mental Health Program provides students with no-cost confidential psychiatric evaluations, evidence-based treatment, and referrals to both internal and community-based therapists and psychiatrists for long-term management if needed. All evaluations are done by faculty psychiatrists, and the program is currently staffed by Drs. Jennifer Votta and Sarah Bommarito. We are committed to supporting our students’ mental health needs throughout their medical training.
For more information about the Medical Student Mental Health Program please visit our new webpage:
How do I schedule a counseling (psychological care) appointment?
We welcome receiving your phone call or email to schedule your first appointment. We look forward to working with you to clarify your needs, scheduling availability, and collaborating to establish your care within our office for an initial level of care assessment. Upon completion of the initial level of care assessment, referral services will be provided to students who are best served by a specialist or need a higher level of care.
Currently all appointments are being held on Zoom. Appointments are available beginning at 8am and extend through early evening. Please contact us at: 734.647.3902 or counseling@med.umich.edu.
Note: Your clinical therapy record is housed exclusively within the Office of Counseling and Workplace Resilience and is not part of your academic or medical record.
What types of concerns do medical students commonly address in counseling?
Medical students commonly seek care to address a variety of concerns including, but not limited to:
- Adjusting to medical school, or other transitions/life changes
- Managing stress
- Processing difficult clinical experiences
- Creating more fulfilling relationships
- Exploring and clarifying identity
- Attending to feelings of depression, anxiety, loneliness, and isolation
- Changing thought, feeling, and behavior patterns
- Developing self-acceptance and self-compassion
- Honoring grief and loss
What can I expect when working with a MSMHP therapist?
Together we will support your psychological development and emotional well-being. In the first few sessions, we will learn more about you and together we will begin to refine your goals for therapy. Based on your goals, we will design a treatment strategy tailored to your specific needs. Typically, students start with weekly or bi-weekly sessions depending on mutual availability of student and therapist. Consistency is important in the beginning so that we can build rapport and gain momentum in our work together. As we progress, time between sessions can increase depending on progress toward your goals. Some students find resolution in a period of weeks or a few months, and others take longer. Everyone’s therapeutic journey is unique.
How do I schedule a psychiatry appointment?
Please send an email to mentalhealthprogram@med.umich.edu. The psychiatry office is open Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm. Identify yourself as a medical student who would like to schedule an appointment. We will respond to your message as soon as possible
For emergencies and after-hours needs, please call the Psychiatry ER at 734-936-5900.
What can I expect when working with a MSMHP Psychiatrist?
All contacts with MSMHP psychiatrists are confidential. MSMHP psychiatrists do not conduct psychiatric evaluations required by the Dean’s Office and do not provide information to the Dean’s Office except upon written request by a student (with the exception of certain critical or life-threatening situations).
Note: While psychiatry records of evaluation and treatment become part of your medical record, all medical records in the U-M Health System are confidential.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
CRISIS TEXT LINE:
The Crisis Text Line is a free external support service available to members of the Michigan Medicine community 24/7. It is not staffed by U-M/Michigan Medicine.
- Michigan Medicine employees and students can text ‘UMICH’ to 741741
- U-M campus faculty, staff, and students can text '4UMICH' to 741741
By texting 'UMICH' or '4UMICH' to 741741, participants will be connected to a trained crisis volunteer, who will introduce themselves, reflect on what you’ve typed, and invite you to share at your own pace. Text responders are there for support, and to help you sort through your feelings by asking questions, empathizing, and actively listening. Text responders may offer other resources you may find helpful. Please note that HIPAA compliance policies do apply to using this service, and all text conversations are private and secure. You need not be in crisis to use this service for support.
AFTER HOURS URGENT SUPPORT:
After Business Hours call 734-764-8312 (Press 0)
CAPS After Hours is available weekends, evenings, and holidays
UM Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers after hours support to any UM student or any person concerned about a UM student. You will have the option to leave a message or to Press 0 to speak to a licensed mental health professional. This is an extension of CAPS and can assist a caller in any mental health crisis situation. Counselors can also assist callers in accessing CAPS or other campus resources. When appropriate, CAPS staff will follow up with the caller on the next business day.
Uwill Teletherapy Services
Uwill is an addition to CAPS services that provides students with video, phone, chat and message sessions with licensed mental health professionals at no cost. This additional counseling option offers students greater flexibility and is offered to medical students in addition to the services offered through the Medical Student Mental Health Program. Students are eligible for up to six free sessions with a Uwill counselor.
M-Home Peer Support
The M-Home Peer Support Advocacy medical student group provides confidential, 24/7 support for medical students at all phases of the curriculum. Advocates are available by email or by pager. If you are interested in speaking to an advocate, please refer to the Information about the Paging System:
1. From the med student gateway, click on "Paging" or follow this link
2. Type in "peer" into the search bar (it will come up as "Peer Mentoring")
3. Click on the pager # (i.e. 37586) or the number of the person it is being forwarded to.
4. Type your message at the bottom under the NON-CLINICAL page. Make sure to include your name and return phone number or email. If you send a page without your contact information you will not be reached out to. If you accidentally send a page without your contact info, just send another non-clinical page explaining the previous message was from you and add your contact information!
Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center
(SAPAC) 24-hour crisis line 734- 936-3333
The Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center provides free and confidential crisis intervention, advocacy, and support for survivors of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, stalking and sexual harassment who are University of Michigan students, faculty and staff. Students can reach SAPAC during office hours by calling 734-764-7771 or visiting their office on central campus (ground floor of the Michigan Union, 1551 West Quad, 541 Thompson Street
UNIVERSITY HEALTH SERVICE:
Addiction Medicine Clinic
UHS offers substance use and addiction services to students, faculty and staff. Provided care is respectful, inclusive and customized to each person.
The clinic is available to help you achieve goals that may include any of the following: how drinking or drug use may be affecting your life; how to cut back, quitor use drugs or alcohol in a safer way; how a compulsive or recurring behavior might be causing a disruption in your life; or how to find recovery and support resources on campus and in the community. A full list of services is available on their website.
CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH:
The University Health Service offers a variety of helpful mental health services. UHS primary care providers evaluate mental health concerns from a medical perspective, which may identify underlying causes and treatment opportunities. Specialists for sleep, psychiatry, and eating disorders provide consultation, diagnosis and treatment. Care Managers support patients with case management and referrals.
WELLNESS COACHING:
Wellness Coaching (Wellness Coaching: Optimizing wellness for student success | University Health Service is a free, holistic approach that optimizes wellness for student success via a collaborative, non-judgmental, confidential partnership with a coach. Undergraduate and graduate students can:
- Examine values and motivations
- Address stressors including COVID concerns
- Learn and practice skills
- Set and accomplish goals
COLLEGIATE RECOVERY PROGRAM:
The Collegiate Recovery Program (Collegiate Recovery Program | University Health Service supports students who are in recovery from alcohol or other drug addiction, nurturing their sobriety so they can excel in college. In addition, the program serves as a resource for people seeking information about recovery and what steps to take to stop hurting and start healing.
The University of Michigan provides a robust continuum of care that adapts to and supports the well-being and mental health of our entire community.
Psychology Today
Find a Therapist is one of the most comprehensive and regularly updated therapist databases online.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Students can call the hotline at 988 to be routed to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The Hotline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.