The University and School of Medicine give priority to providing an effective system of personal counseling that includes programs to promote the well-being of students and facilitate their adjustment to the physical and emotional demands of medical school.
Students are encouraged to take advantage of the counseling services available to them. Students may make appointments for personal, confidential counseling without a referral. In emergency situations, 911 should be called.
Places where students can go for personal, confidential counseling:
Student Assistance Program/Student Counseling Services
The SAP provides counseling services to students as well as student spouses and children ages 13-25. There is no predetermined limit on the number of sessions available. The SAP may also provide evaluation and treatment recommendations and referral services at no cost to the students. These referrals may be to counselors in the Department of Psychiatry or in the community (see below). Students who call the SAP after hours will receive a call back within 24 hours on weekdays. They will also be given a number to call for crisis situations during nights and weekends.
Student Assistance Program
11360 Mountain View Avenue
Hartford Building, Suite A
Loma Linda, California
909-558-6050
Department of Psychiatry, Behavioral Health Institute
The department has psychologists, social workers, and marriage & family therapists available for counseling students. There is also a psychiatrist specifically designated to see medical students who does not have a role in their education or evaluation. In addition, protocols are in place to assure that no mental health providers will be involved in the teaching or evaluation of medical students for whom they have provided professional services. Students have a $10 copayment per visit to see a psychologist or other licensed therapist. There is a $40 copayment per visit to see any MD in the LLUH system including a psychiatrist at the BHI.
Behavioral Health Institute building, south entrance
1686 Barton Road (Corner of Barton and Iowa)
Redlands, CA
909-558-9500, then select Option 2 to make, change, or cancel an appointment
Office of Physician Vitality
Drs. Barbara Hernandez and Pierre Scott in the Office of Physician Vitality are licensed therapists and are available to students in the MMS and MD programs free of charge to talk through challenging clinical, educational, or personal circumstances. They can also help you create a personal success plan, build resilience strategies, and get connected to therapists, psychiatrists, or other mental health services for you and your significant other. Your privacy will be carefully protected and information you share will not be connected to your health or academic records.
Dr. Barbara Hernandez: 909-558-6780
Dr. Pierre Scott: 909-558-5256
Community Based Counselors
In addition to the resources described above, the Loma Linda University Student Health Plan provides coverage with a co-payment of $10 per session for outpatient counseling for counselors on the Risk Management Preferred Provider list and a $40 copayment for a psychiatrist. Note that the co-payment is likely to be considerably higher for non-preferred providers. You are advised to clarify what the out-of-pocket cost will be to you if you use non-preferred providers by contacting the Student Health Plan administrator in the Department of Risk Management. Students who are unable to cover the copayment are reminded that they may take receipts to their financial aid officer and ask to have their financial aid package increased to cover unreimbursed medical expenses. For a list of preferred providers, click here.
Student Health Center (SHC)
Students who wish to have a medication consult for issues related to sleep, anxiety, depression or related situations and are unable to get a timely appointment with a psychiatrist at the SCC are advised to meet with a personal physician or make an appointment with a physician at the SHC.
Student Health Center (SHC)
Evans Hall, Room 111
909-558-8770
The Associate Dean for Student Affairs
The office of the Associate Dean for Student Affairs is the initial point of contact for medical students who want recommendations for personal counselors. Students are invited to contact the Dean of Students when they have questions or concerns of a personal nature or wish to have recommendations for mental health professionals. The Associate Dean for Student Affairs and the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs do not themselves do therapy or offer confidential counseling for medical students because of their dual roles as administrator as well as student advocate.
Student Affairs Office
Coleman Pavilion, Room A1108
(909) 558-4630
Student Resources
An infographic providing a list of services and options.