Health and Safety

Image of sidewalk between buildings in NYC

Safety Resources

Safety is a top priority, no matter where your Vanderbilt experience takes you. Our team is committed to supporting your safety and well-being with tools, resources and guidance to help you feel confident in your day-to-day life in New York City, including working relationships with NYPD and NYFD.

Below are key resources available to help you stay safe, informed and prepared.

Campus Safety Measures

24/7 security presence

Vanderbilt University Public Safety leadership and personnel will be active on the Chelsea campus to support dedicated, on-site coverage around the clock for students, faculty and staff in New York City.

Emergency call buttons

Similar to the blue light emergency phone pillars in Nashville, Vanderbilt’s Chelsea campus has emergency call buttons to connect with local police and emergency services if immediate assistance is needed.

Secure building and campus access

Campus is a gated community with access managed by Vanderbilt Card Services. Only authorized individuals can enter, and spaces remain secure.

Enhanced lighting

As part of property renovation efforts, campus upgrades include additional lighting to increase visibility and enhance safety on campus.

VandySafe app

Vanderbilt’s customized safety app is fully functional in New York City and is your hub for safety tools.

VandySafe features include:

Direct connection to emergency services by phone or chat
Location sharing with trusted contacts for added peace of mind
Access to real-time safety resources and guidance
Mobile BlueLight, which shares your location with safety personnel
Virtual Walkhome, allowing your walk to be monitored in real time
Incident reporting (including photos and videos)

Emergency Preparedness

Vanderbilt provides emergency guidance and resources to help community members respond quickly and effectively in critical situations.
Emergency guides are available through VandySafe.
Key protocols include the Run, Hide, Fight model in active assailant situations.
Community members are encouraged to familiarize themselves with emergency guides proactively.

Health and Well-Being Resources

Students participating in Vanderbilt in New York City are assessed mandatory student fees consistent with the Nashville campus, providing access to Vanderbilt's Student Care Network—a coordinated network of health and well-being resources designed to support your well-being, growth, and success.

Whether you need help navigating resources, virtual care, mental health support, well-being coaching, or connections to local providers, you'll have access to trusted professionals and services throughout your time in New York.

The Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) provides nationwide coverage, including in New York City, with multiple in-network providers conveniently located within walking distance of campus. For assistance finding providers or learning more about your coverage, please contact ship@vanderbilt.edu.

Not sure where to start? Complete the Student Care Network Intake Form to connect with a virtual care coordinator who can help you identify your needs and connect you with the right resources.

Complete the SCN Intake Form to connect

Mental & Emotional Health
Whether you're looking for ongoing wellness support or need help during a challenging time, Vanderbilt offers several resources to support your mental and emotional well-being while you're in New York.
Vanderbilt Telehealth by Mantra Health
Access free virtual therapy, and psychiatry services to support your mental health and well-being.
Student Care Network
The Student Care Network provides resources to support your wellbeing throughout your Vanderbilt in NYC experience. Whether you're looking for guidance, skill-building, or immediate support, help is available.
- Care coordination and resource navigation: If you're not sure where to start or need help connecting with campus or New York community resources, Student Care Coordination can assess your needs, provide guidance, and connect you with appropriate support. Complete the online intake form through the Student Portal or call 615-343-WELL (9355) to get started.
- Well-being and academic coaching: Virtual coaching helps students build the skills, strategies, and habits needed to support their academic success and overall wellbeing. Coaches partner with students to set meaningful goals, navigate challenges, and develop personalized plans while providing guidance and accountability.To connect, email csw@vanderbilt.edu, call 615-322-0480, or request a referral through the online intake form.
- 24/7 urgent and crisis support: If you're experiencing an urgent mental health concern or crisis, you can speak with a University Counseling Center counselor anytime by calling 615-322-2571. In an emergency, call 911.
Please note: Due to state licensure laws, students participating in Vanderbilt in NYC do not have access to ongoing counseling or psychiatry services through the University Counseling Center. However, 24/7 urgent and crisis support remains available.
Self-Directed Well-being Resources
Use these free resources to practice mindfulness, build healthy habits, and connect with off-campus mental health providers.
- Headspace – Guided meditation and mindfulness resources
- Welltrack Connect – Online therapy provider database
- Crisis Text Line – Text VANDY to 741741. Confidential crisis support available by text
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - crisis support available by call, text, chat.
Need Immediate Support?
The University Counseling Center remains available 24/7 for urgent consultation and crisis support. Call 615-322-2571 (press 1)

Physical Health

If you need medical care while living in New York, Vanderbilt offers resources to help you access services when and where you need them.

For general, non-emergency illness or injury:

(e.g., cold, flu, sinus symptoms, ear/eye pain, headaches, rash, hives or prescription management)

Academic Live Care – Telehealth Urgent Care: Recommended as the first point of care for urgent medical needs, offering free virtual visits with medical providers.
- Free for Vanderbilt students
- 24/7 online access

For illness or injury that is not life-threatening but may require in-person care

(e.g., minor cuts, sprains or strains, fever, shortness of breath or asthma, bladder or urinary tract infection)

Facility	Services	Address	Distance from Campus	SHIP Network
Mount Sinai Doctors	Primary Care	309 W. 23rd St., New York, NY 10011	0.4 miles (9-minute walk)	Yes
CityMD Chelsea – Manhattan Urgent Care	Urgent Care	400 W. 23rd St., New York, NY 10011	0.2 miles (4-minute walk)	Yes
Northwell GoHealth Urgent Care	Urgent Care	41 E. 8th St., New York, NY 10011	1.8 miles	Yes

Emergency Resources

For Emergency Illness or Injury

(e.g., heavy bleeding, chest pain, loss of consciousness, serious burns or cuts, head injury or broken bone).

Call 911 or for emergency medical care, the following hospitals offer 24/7 emergency services and, if needed, inpatient hospital care.

Facility	Location	Distance from Campus	SHIP Network
Northwell Greenwich Village Hospital – Emergency Room	30 7th Ave., New York, NY 10011	0.9 miles	Yes
NewYork-Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center	525 E. 68th St., New York, NY 10065	4.1 miles	Yes
Lenox Hill Hospital	100 E. 77th St., New York, NY 10075	4.4 miles	Yes

For psychiatric emergencies

(e.g., thoughts of suicide, concerning thoughts or feelings)

Facility	Address	Distance from Campus	SHIP Network
Northwell Greenwich Village Hospital – Emergency Room	30 7th Ave., New York, NY 10011	0.9 miles	Yes
Gracie Square – College and University Student Program	420 E. 76th St., New York, NY	4.4 miles	Yes*
Northwell Behavioral Health College Partnership	75-59 263rd St., Glen Oaks, NY 11004	18.7 miles	Yes
Westchester Hospital	100 Woods Rd., Valhalla, NY 10595	29 miles	Yes

Self-directed tools

Crisis Text Line – Text VANDY to 741741Confidential crisis support available by text
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - crisis support available by call, text, chat,

Additional Health/Well-Being Resources
- Weill Cornell/New York Presbyterian – Partial Hospitalization Program, accepts most major insurance, including UHC 
- Hazelden Betty Ford – PHP, Intensive Outpatient Program and Outpatient, Dual Dx/Substance Use, accepts most major insurance, including UHC 
- Mount Sinai Behavioral Health Center – PHP, IOP and OP levels of care, accepts most major insurance, including UHC 
- Modern Talk – OP individual therapy (out of network with most insurance) 
- Center for Motivation and Change – OP individual and group therapy (out of network with most insurance) 
- Amae Health – OP individual therapy (out of network with most insurance)

NYC Healthcare Map

Explore the map to find hospitals, urgent care centers, pharmacies and other health care resources near campus. Within the map, click a location to view details such as address, distance from campus, SHIP network status and type of care.

A screenshot image of the NYC Healthcare Map
(Click the image to see the full-sized dynamic coverage map)

Quick Links

Questions? Email us at vu.nyc@vanderbilt.edu