Counseling and Wellness

Welcome

Medical school is a particularly trying time and it is normal to feel overwhelmed. There is so much to learn, long hours of lectures and studying, as well as outside stressors that can impact students. Additionally, the stress and adjustment of medical school is sometimes a catalyst for the onset of anxiety or depressive symptoms and/or feelings of psychological burnout. Sometimes students are able to handle this stress on their own or by talking to friends and family. But, many times students need additional, unbiased support. Counseling & Wellness Services (CWS) at the Health Sciences Campus at Lake Nona is available to provide this support. Many of the students that come to CWS are the ones who want to learn to cope with the demands of medical school more effectively and are striving for greater balance and wellness in their lives. Others seek counseling to deal with broader life and relationship issues. Whatever the focus, students are encouraged to seek the support they need to be successful.

Please visit the Wellness Programs page or the Psychiatric & Other Counseling Services page for additional information on what CWS has to offer.

Spring Groups

Health Empowerment Support GroupUnderstanding BoundariesBecoming a Better Partner

This bi-weekly support group is designed for UCF COM students who have a chronic health condition that impacts their quality of life as well as mental and/or physical health. Examples include autoimmune disorders, type I or II diabetes, rheumatoid conditions, heart disease, transplant or prosthesis, POTS, etc. A brief screening interview is required to join and this group is limited to no more than 8 students. This group focuses on coping and support from each other, processing the impact of living with a health condition, stress and anxiety management, and finding joy in life.

Meets Tuesdays 12:00-1:00

Beginning on January 14th

COM ROOM 418

RSVP to Dr. Daly katherine.daly@ucf.edu

Counseling Services @ Lake NonaKatherine Daly, PhDHeather Rashal, MA, LMHCRequest an Appointment

Counseling is available for medical students through Counseling & Wellness Services at the Health Sciences Campus at Lake Nona which is located in the medical education building, Suite 416. Although CWS is separate from main campus Counseling & Psychological Services, as enrolled UCF students you may use main campus services as well if you prefer, including use of their after-hours crisis hotline. For information on the counseling center located on the UCF main campus, please log on to CAPS.

At CWS, counseling services are free to all currently enrolled students. Services are also confidential (except for a few specific legal exceptions) and counseling records are entirely separate from academic records. Below is a list of specific services available at CWS to enrolled UCF medical students:

  • Individual therapy
  • Referrals to UCF psychiatrists
  • Group psychotherapy
  • Workshops and outreach related to wellness and mental health
  • Couple’s therapy (one partner needs to be an enrolled student)
  • Crisis intervention services
Other Helpful Resources

Students are welcome to meet with our licensed therapists.

Wellness events take place on campus throughout the year.

Come unwind
Find your happy – reflection and mindfulness are essential components of wellness
Mindfulness activities are available on campus through various wellness initiatives

Crisis Hotline

Call 407-823-2811 and dial 5 to speak to an after-hours phone counselor. If you have an immediate emergency, call 911.

For additional emergency services please visit the Counseling and Psychological services Emergency Services page by using the button below.

Emergency Services