Mental Health

Mission: The Student Health Mental Health Division's mission is to provide quality mental health care in a nurturing manner that will enhance the development of the student's well-being and achievement of educational goals. Services are provided on a strictly confidential basis, and no information will be given to anyone without the student's consent.

Staff: Our staff consists of two psychiatrists, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, a psychologist, and an alcohol and drug abuse counselor.

Appointments: Students should call the Mental Health Secretary at 322-3414 to schedule an appointment. Students in crisis will be seen the day they call whenever possible. In the event that they can not be seen that day, referrals are made to the psychiatrist at Vanderbilt Hospital Emergency Department.

Services: Short-term individual counseling for a variety of needs (6-8 visits) is a primary emphasis.

Stress management
Anxiety and panic disorders
Depression
Gay and lesbian issues
Relationship and family problems
Academic problems
Date rape recovery
Grief and loss

Referrals for long-term counseling are usually made to the Psychological and Counseling Center (P&CC services are provided free of charge to students -- Tel.# 322-2571). Referrals can also be made to community agencies, the VUMC Department of Psychiatry, and private practitioners.

SHC psychiatrists provide psychiatric consultation, evaluations, and medication. Alcohol and drug evaluations, counseling and educational groups are provided by specialists in this area. Counselors provide eating disorder evaluations, counseling, and referrals, and care is coordinated with the SHC nutritionist and physicians. Consultations are available for campus organizations, task forces, campus committees, agencies, housing staff, students, faculty, and staff. Counselors provide presentations for campus and community groups on various topics (i.e. alcohol and drug use, eating disorders, stress management).

Click here to download a Request for Medical Information form in .pdf format. This form is required before we can request information from previous mental health providers.

Student Health Center | Vanderbilt University
Zerfoss Building, MCN | 1161 21st Ave. S. | Nashville, TN 37232
615.322.2427 | (fax) 615.343.0047