April 9, 2020

Dear Students, 

While the start of the quarter always brings new challenges, this time of remote learning and social distancing has left many of us facing disruption and uncertainty we never could have imagined. As you navigate these extraordinary times, your health and well-being remain a critical priority for the University of Chicago, and we want you to know that, regardless of your location, we’re here to support you.

Student Health and Counseling Services (SHCS) is continuing to provide care and resources, while adhering to social distancing guidelines. SHCS has shifted primarily to virtual operations and has expanded telehealth and teletherapy options. Our clinicians are delivering care over the phone or via Zoom, allowing them to meet most student needs remotely. Our Therapist-on-Call remains available to you, wherever you may be calling from, and our Dean-on-Call and Sexual Assault Dean-on-Call are available if you need support or aren’t sure where to turn. These on-call services are available 24/7.  Visit our Get Help Now page for contact information. 

To learn about SHCS remote operations and care options, as well as a variety of other resources and services available to you, please visit wellness.uchicago.edu.

Here are more details about SHCS hours, scheduling, and resources for Spring Quarter:

Student Counseling Service (SCS) – 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (CDT), Monday through Friday

• SCS remains available by phone for initial appointments, ongoing counseling and check-ins, urgent consultations, and psychiatry.
• No matter where you are, you can reach a trained mental health clinician-on-call, 24/7, at 773.702.3625. 
• You can also see our FAQs about SCS services during Spring Quarter and advice for managing your mental health around COVID-19. 

Student Health Service (SHS) – 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (CDT), Monday through Friday

• In order to practice social distancing and minimize the chance of COVID-19 exposure to staff and students, we are not accepting walk-in visits and are offering virtual options instead. 
• For appointments or medical advice, including questions about COVID-19, please call SHS at 773.702.4156 for a telehealth appointment with one of our clinicians.
• If the clinician determines your situation warrants an in-person visit, we will advise you on your options. 
• As always, if you need immediate treatment for serious or critical conditions, contact 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. (If you are near campus, the University of Chicago Medicine’s Emergency Department is at 5656 S. Maryland Ave.) 

After-Hours Medical Options
When SHS is closed:

• You can reach the Nurse Advice Line at 773.702.4156 to speak with an experienced registered nurse.
• In addition to virtual care through our SHS clinicians, students on U-SHIP may reach a doctor, 24/7, through HealthiestYou, a telehealth service offered through UnitedHealthcare, by visiting telehealth4students.com or calling 855-866-0895. 
• Students not on U-SHIP should contact their insurance provider, as many insurance companies offer low- or no-cost telehealth options. Students not on U-SHIP may also use the HealthiestYou service listed above for a $40 fee. 

Wellness Programming

Health Promotion and Wellness is offering a number of programs virtually during Spring Quarter, including mindfulness, wellness coaching, and more. Visit wellness.uchicago.edu for an updated list of virtual programs. 

Spiritual Life

Meditation, yoga, and spiritual support via Zoom are among the remote programs Spiritual Life is offering this quarter. Visit spirit.uchicago.edu for the latest announcements and schedule. 

Now more than ever, we encourage you to make your physical and mental well-being a priority. Please reach out to our offices if you have any questions or concerns, or need medical or mental health support.  We’re here for you and wish you the very best for Spring Quarter.

Michele Rasmussen
Dean of Students in the University

Mario Polizzi
Assistant Vice President for Student Services