Student Health and Counseling offers solution-oriented, short-term care that is tailored to fit each student’s unique needs. Our services are free and confidential, and may be offered in-person and virtually in some circumstances. Nothing is too big or too small. Please remember, we are always available for urgent needs.
- Let's Talk and Drop-In Services
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Let’s Talk
Let’s Talk provides access to free and confidential drop-in conversations with a trained professional at various locations across campus. Students can talk about any stress and anxiety they are feeling, bounce around ideas, and work through their emotions.Some common concerns might include:
- Stress
- Sadness
- Difficulty adjusting to school
- Academic concerns
- Concentration and attention difficulty
- Family & financial problems
- Relationship concerns
Drop-In Services
Students can drop-in to the Student Health and Counseling office (3624 Market Street) at any time during regular business hours for counseling support. - Psychiatric Medication Management
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Our psychiatry team includes psychiatric nurse practitioners and psychiatrists who provide psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and case management to students in concurrent counseling who are seeking those services. Students can receive a referral for a psychiatric evaluation from their counselor. Since most psychological and emotional concerns are best addressed by counseling, psychiatry team members work in collaboration with their counseling colleagues to provide the most effective overall care for each student.
The following are important considerations before a student starts a psychotropic medication:
- If a student is wanting to start a medication near the end of the semester and is planning on leaving the Philadelphia area, it may not be possible for our psychiatry team members to start that medication. If the student leaves the area, the prescriber would not be able to provide the appropriate medical follow-up necessary to ensure the medication is working in a safe and effective manner. Initial prescriptions will likely not be written during and after the last two weeks of classes, however, students can be connected with our referral services to find care at their future location.
- If a student is already on medications prescribed by a member of our psychiatry team and is planning to be away for the summer or on a semester studying abroad, our team may continue to prescribe for the student depending on the stability of the student and the need for follow-up. Students will need to speak with their current prescriber about their care away from Philadelphia.
- Students must inform our psychiatry team members about their substance use before being prescribed medication. Substance use includes the regular use of alcohol, marijuana, vaping any substance, and the use of any illicit or controlled substance. Failure to disclose this information can result in serious consequences to the student’s health.
If a student is seeking to establish or continue treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), they should understand that our team only provides short-term treatment for ADHD. We believe that the most effective treatment occurs when students engage in therapy, in addition to medication. Students should contact their prior treatment provider(s) for a summary letter regarding their diagnosis and treatment. It will be valuable to have this letter at the time of an appointment with us. In addition, students should send us a copy of any psychological testing that has been done. Copies of school records/report cards are also useful. Academic accommodations are processed through the Weingarten Center, located at Hamilton Village (220 South 40th Street, Suite 260). They can be reached at 215-573-9235.
- Referral and Consultation Services
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Why a Referral?
Our team provides short-term treatment that is tailored to students’ needs. Referrals to the community are ideal for students seeking longer-term or specialized treatment. Referrals are also used for students who are interested in psychoeducational testing, couples counseling and/or higher levels of care. Students may also seek referrals for a specific counseling approach or when seeking a provider of a specific identity or background. Students make the final decision about whether or not they can work with a particular outside provider.We Are Here to Support You
Contact our office for referral support. You can also check out Welltrack Connect page for support finding a therapist.Online Students
View our mental health resources for online students. - International Student Services
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International students are a significant part of the Penn community. Student Health and Counseling recognizes that international students have unique needs, concerns, and strengths, while sharing common interests and goals with their American counterparts. Among the range of services that we provide for all Penn students, our counseling services staff offers tailored support and programming to international students.
- Sexual Trauma Treatment Outreach and Prevention (STTOP)
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The Sexual Trauma Treatment Outreach and Prevention (STTOP) Team is a multidisciplinary team of clinicians dedicated to providing confidential care, support, and advocacy to students who have experienced sexual trauma during their academic career. The culture of silence surrounding sexual assault and rape on campus and within our culture as a whole deters reporting, isolates victim-survivors, and undermines the safety and public health of all members of a community. The STTOP Team is committed to providing immediate support to students in need and to promoting awareness and change through active participation in campus outreach and collaboration with community partners.
Confidentiality
Student Health and Counseling offers confidential and free professional services to undergraduate, graduate and professional students at Penn. If you call our office, you will speak with a mental health professional who can discuss options with you including how to contact a member of the STTOP team. You will be asked routine questions; it is your decision what details you feel comfortable disclosing. It is up to you whether you want to name or identify the offender. You do not have to tell your family members, academic program, or law enforcement, and you do not have to file a report with the university in order to receive care.Penn Violence Prevention
Penn Violence Prevention is a collaborative program which works to engage the Penn community in the prevention of sexual violence, relationship violence, and stalking on campus. For more information about resources on campus, reporting options, or how to support a friend, see the Penn Violence Prevention website.Contact the STTOP Team Virtually
If you think you have been raped, sexually assaulted, stalked or experienced an unsafe or confusing sexual encounter, you can call our team at 215-746-WELL (9355) to meet virtually with a member of the STTOP Team.Sexual Assault/Trauma Workshops:
We offer a variety of workshops that center around conversations on intimacy, boundaries, safety, and trauma within relationships. Examples of topics include communicating consent, healthy/positive sexuality, and healthy relationships. We also provide safe spaces for individuals who identify as survivors to come together, find community, and cultivate pathways towards healing. Additionally, based on the principles of trauma-informed care, we offer workshops to support providers and caregivers on the impact of trauma on victim/survivor’s health and wellness.Frequently Asked Questions
Was what happened to me bad enough to count?
If you experienced an unsafe or confusing sexual encounter or relationship and you are considering reaching out to the STTOP team, we encourage you to do so. You do not need to put a label on your experience to receive help. You are entitled to respect and whatever support you need.Where can I find information on healthy sexuality?
It can be difficult to find information on healthy sexuality and sex positive behaviors. For more information on healthy sexuality including resources, glossaries, and scenarios for discussion, see the National Sexual Violence Resource Center.Where can I find other resources on campus?
For more information about resources, please see the Penn Violence Prevention website. Penn has many confidential resources like Special Services, the Women’s Center, and Student Health and Counseling. We encourage students to reach out to whichever one they feel most comfortable with.How can I support my friend?
Supporting a friend who has been assaulted, stalked or abused can be really hard. The role friends play in supporting survivors is essential, and it’s different from that of a counselor, lawyer, or doctor. For information about helping a friend, please see the Penn Violence Prevention website.
Contact Us
Counseling Office Location and Hours
3624 Market Street, First Floor West, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- Monday: 8 am – 8 pm (last appointment at 7:30)
- Tuesday: 8 am – 8 pm (last appointment at 7:30)
- Wednesday: 8 am – 8 pm (last appointment at 7:30)
- Thursday: 9 am – 6 pm (last appointment at 5:30)
- Friday: 8 am – 5 pm (last appointment at 4:30)
- Saturday: 10 am – 3 pm (last appointment at 2:30)
- Sunday: Closed
24/7 Support
Call 215-746-WELL (9355) for information, support, to schedule an appointment, and to speak with an on-call provider.