General FAQ

Medical Care: The SHC is dedicated to addressing acute health needs and providing timely care for short-term conditions. While we aim to meet immediate health concerns, the SHC does not provide ongoing care for chronic medical conditions. Students requiring advanced or specialized care will be referred to their primary care provider, local healthcare agencies, urgent care, or emergency departments.

Mental Health: Enrolled and active students are entitled to 6 sessions with a therapist free of charge each semester. If continued therapy support is required and/or beyond the scope of services available at VC, we will work with the student to establish care with a therapist in the student’s local community. The SHC maintains an updated list of community mental health resources for efficient referrals to mental health professionals.

Medical Care: No. Funded by student health fees, the SHC services are exclusively available to students. However, the SHC actively supports the health and safety of the entire campus community, including employees and visitors by responding to campus emergencies as needed. For illnesses or injuries involving employees or visitors, the SHC will provide first aid, stabilization, and early intervention until the individual can be safely connected with a community healthcare provider.

Mental Health: No, the center's services are exclusively for students, funded by student health fees. However, our clinical supervisor is available to assist faculty and staff by connecting them with appropriate community providers who accept their insurance.

While we do not offer formal psychological assessments, we can assist students seeking EAC services. After a minimum of three sessions with a mental health therapist, clinicians may provide a "Summary of Services" letter, which includes a clinical assessment and diagnosis. This document may be accepted by the EAC for service verification.

Yes, students are encouraged to review therapist bios on our website before scheduling an appointment to find the best fit. If a student feels their therapist isn’t the right match, they can request to meet with another therapist. 

Medical: The SHC prioritizes stabilization, first aid, and early intervention for students before facilitating referrals to external care providers.

Mental Health: The SHC is not equipped to manage mental health crises or active suicidality directly, however we will facilitate a prompt evaluation and necessary interventions. This includes attempts at de-escalation and stabilization, ensuring individual safety, and a warm hand-off to the local VC Crisis Team and/or Emergency Medical Services (EMS) as appropriate. In the event of self-harm or an emergent condition, 911 will be contacted.