Counseling Services
Counseling Services
At UTRGV School of Medicine, we understand that medical school can be a stressful and transformative journey. UTRGV SOM Counseling is available to support enrolled medical students through this process by providing free and confidential mental health counseling.
What is Offered? Medical students can meet individually with a licensed clinical therapist to work towards personal goals or increase skills to better manage stress or relationship issues. Other types of counseling include support groups or couples counseling provided with prior screening.
What Issues can be Addressed? Medical students can seek counseling for a variety of concerns. Some common issues addressed in counseling can be depression, anxiety, academic stressors, loss of confidence, sleep difficulties, family/relationship problems, substance abuse, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress.
How Do I Make an Appointment? Appointments can made by emailing us at: somcounseling@utrgv.edu Additionally, students can also email one of our clinical therapists below or visit our offices located in EMEBL. SOM clinical therapists are available for online or in-office services Monday-Friday from 8:00 am-5:00pm.
Services Offered
ISP Link:
As a medical student, you may be hesitant to reach out for help or may be concerned about professional implications. Reaching out for help can feel daunting, and you may not be sure what to expect in counseling.
To help ease these concerns, the Office of Student Health and Wellness has partnered with the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to establish a web-based interactive screening program which will allow you to connect with a UTRGV SOM clinical therapist anonymously. ISP allows medical students to engage in a confidential dialogue to discuss resources available and receive a timely response from an SOM clinical therapist.
While ISP is not designed to make a diagnosis, provide treatment, or act as a crisis line, this program can provide students with further clarification for seeking treatment and easing concerns about seeking services with us in person.
To Get Started Visit: https://utrgvsom.caresforyou.org/
To learn more about what Interactive Screening Programs are visit the website below: https://afsp.org/interactive-screening-program/.
For questions or concerns regarding ISP, please contact your SOM clinical therapists.
Vianey Gonzalez, LPC
Clinical Therapist
Email: Vianey.Gonzalez03@utrgv.edu
Phone: (956) 665-3302
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday
8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Location:
UTRGV School of Medicine
EMEBL Room: 1.114D
Jessica Martinez, LCSW
Clinical Therapist
Email: Jessica.Martinez19@utrgv.edu
Phone: (956) 296-1692
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday
8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Location:
UTRGV School of Medicine
EMEBL Room: 1.103
Confidentiality
Laws and guidelines protect the privacy of your information from being shared without your written permission. There are rare but important exceptions to this, mainly involving immediate safety concerns.
Note: The following exceptions to confidentiality do exist. (a) Client case records may be used for the purpose of supervision, professional development, and consultation within the counseling center. In such cases, all efforts will be made to hide any unnecessary identifying information. (b) It is determined that you are a danger to yourself or someone else. (c) Abuse, neglect, or exploitation of children, the elderly, or disabled persons is suspected. (d) Sexual contact with another health professional is disclosed by the client. (e) The therapist is ordered by a court or otherwise required by law to disclose information. (f) You authorize in writing to release your information.
The SOM clinical therapists can help students connect to community resources that might be helpful. Such resources include longer-term therapy, psychiatric services, and specialized treatment for substance use disorders. The SOM clinical therapists can also be available for consultations with faculty, staff, and students who have concerns about others in their academic community.