Student Counseling Services

• Services
• Contact Information
• Aims - Assistance for the Impaired Medical Student

Introduction

Confidential mental health services are available to all full-time students. Diverse approaches to personal problem resolution, including short-term psychotherapy, crisis intervention, group therapy (support groups), stress management training, alcohol and drug treatment and academic counseling are used. Long-term therapy and psychotherapy can be arranged for those in need of these services. The director of the Student Mental Health Service is Mark Singer, M.D., tel. (914) 345-9494, FAX 914-493-1015

Contact Information

NEW YORK MEDICAL COLLEGE

DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHIATRY & BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES

VALHALLA, NEW YORK 10595 TEL 914-493-7120

STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Mark Singer, M.D., Director

Telephone: (914) 345-9494

Services

Totally confidential mental health services are available to all medical students and full-time graduate students. All services are free.

Psychiatric evaluations: Those students who are anxious, depressed, cannot get motivated, experience sleep or eating disturbances, have interpersonal problems, or have relationship problems may be suffering from an emotional disorder. An evaluation is warranted.

Crisis Intervention: At times emotional disturbances may reach severe proportions. During these times students may suffer severe anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, or any of a variety of severe disturbances. Immediate intervention is required. Students may reach Dr. Singer directly or may also call the crisis intervention service that The Behavioral Health Center at 493-7075.

Short-Term Psychotherapy: Many problems can be relieved by a short course of treatment in which there is an opportunity to discuss issues and attain a deeper understanding. Improved coping skills may be developed during treatment.

Referrals: Students who wish to be treated outside of the school may come in or call for referral to nearby clinics or private physicians.

Aims Program Designated Faculty

• Jeffrey Smith, M.D., The Behavioral Health Center, (914) 725-3901
• Neil Goldman, M.D., St. Vincent's Hospital, (212) 929-4395

Goals

1. Compassionate assistance to impaired students.
2. Provide a confidential treatment setting.
3. Assure that recovering students are able to continue their medical education without stigma or penalty.
4. Protect patients and others from harm that impaired students may cause.

Role of the Faculty Designee

1. Provide evaluation, intervention, and referral for treatment and follow-up of students in a confidential setting independent of the administration of the medical college.
2. Advocate and assist students in resuming educational and career objectives.

Referral

1. Students may ask for consultation and treatment.
2. Fellow students may call or visit the designee to seek advice or voice concern about a student. The designee may decided to call the identified student to have an evaluation. At no time will the identity of the reporting individuals be revealed.
3. Faculty members may call the designee to voice concern about a student. The designee may decide to call the student in for an evaluation.

Administrative Action

Experience has shown that the effectiveness of this type of program requires that the AIMS designee retains the right to inform the college administration of a participant's failure to follow recommended treatment. This is the only circumstance in which the administration will be aware of the student's involvement in the AIMS program.