Counseling Guidelines

COUNSELING GUIDELINES FOR Stritch School of Medicine Student:

Students in the Stritch School of Medicine who are experiencing difficulties, be they related to school or personal issues, have a choice of two counseling therapists.  Students may self-refer to meet with a licensed clinical social worker in the department of Social Work, or to a psychiatrist at the Hines V.A. who has an affiliation in our department of Psychiatry.  Neither of these individuals have any evaluation nor grading responsibilities over Loyola students.

Students are entitled to up to five free visits per academic year with either therapist.  The visits cannot be combined in any manner.  This benefit is renewable each year beginning July 1.  In order to obtain these free services the student MUST contact either of the two threapist directly and not through the Outpatient appointment desk.  An appointment made through the appointment desk will result in a medical record being created and a subsequent billing of the student and/or thier insurance company at the full rate.

If after the five visites have been utilized and it is the mutual belief that further counseling would be beneficial, then the student's own medical insurance and personal resources would have to provide the necessary payment.  The counselor will do personalized billing, not the service/appointment desks.  Student records will be kept highly confidential, and will be maintained off-line, off EPIC.  Any mental health records will be kept within the locked offices and files of both of these mental health care providers.

Jan Dugan, L.C.S.W., is the therapist in the Social Work area, and can be reached by calling 708-216-4780.  If the student presents to Jan Dugan there will be a screening process performed in order to determine if a psychological asessment is necessary.  Ms. Dugan will see students in her office area, located in Loyola Univeristy Hospital, North Entrance, Room 2730, or at an agreed upon other location.

Bruce Roberts, M.D., Head of Psychiatry , Hines VAMC, is the psychiatrist.  Dr. Robers can be reached by calling 312-404-4261.  If the student presents to Dr. Robers, the expectation is the student will complete a psychological assessment and be seen as soon as possible.  Dr. Roberts will see students at an office in the Hines VA Psychiatry and Substance Abuse Building 228 or an agreed upon location.

Ms. Dugan and Dr. Roberts have therapeutic back up and other therapist to whom they can refer students, both inside and outside of Loyola.  Referrals outside of Loyola are not covered by the five free sessions; the studnets's own insurance and personal resources must be used for all ouside referrals, and a medical record will be created.

Crisis that occur after hours or on weekends/holidays would require the student to call or present to Loyola's Emergency Department.  The psychiatrist on call might have teaching or grading responsibilities over students.

Please contact Student Affairs at ext. 63220 if you have any questions.