Counseling Services
At the UTRGV School of Medicine Counseling Services, we understand that medical school can be a stressful period, and it is normal to feel overwhelmed at times. That’s why medical students are encouraged seek counseling services to address any issues impacting their life decisions, personal well-being, and academic performance.
The UTRGV School of Medicine Counseling Services provides counseling and mental health support services to medical students who may be experiencing signs of depression, anxiety, loss of confidence, sleep difficulties, family/relationship problems, substance abuse, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress. Our goal is to provide you with a supportive and nurturing environment that is designed to meet the demands of your individual health needs and help you achieve a greater life balance.
As a UTRGV SOM student, you have access to a clinical social worker, which offers online and in person services, who is dedicated to improving your quality of life by providing you with support for your emotional health and overall well-being.
Services Offered
If you are a UTRGV medical student and are currently experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact the counseling center at 956-665-3306 to schedule an appointment.
For consultation services and additional information, please contact:
Valerie M. Rivera, LCSW-S
Clinical Social Worker
Dream Zone Advocate
UTRGV Ally
Email: Valerie.Rivera@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
Interactive Campus Map
Confidentiality
Laws and guidelines protect the privacy of your information from leaving the Counseling Center 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 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 therapist 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 clinical social worker will also be available for consultations with faculty, staff, and students who have concerns about others in their academic community.