INTEGRATED BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE IN THE STUDENT HEALTH CENTERS
Being a student can be complicated, but taking care of yourself doesn’t have to be. At Rutgers Student Health, we understand how many things that students have on their plate and focus on helping students by addressing all areas of health and wellness including physical, mental, social, academic, and more. When you come to one of the health centers on campus, we provide whole-person healthcare and address your physical health and your mental health all in one visit so that you can be the best student, friend, partner, and family member that you can be.
WHAT IS A BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CONSULTANT (BHC)?
Behavioral health consultants (BHCs) are trained social workers, psychologists, and counselors who work collaboratively with the health center team. BHCs work the medical providers, nurses, and front desk staff at the health centers to help students with making changes with their physical health, mental health, academics, or relationships in as little as fifteen minutes. BHCs can help you start feeling and functioning better by providing psychosocial support, coping strategies, and connection to on-campus and off-campus resources. Students can meet with a BHC during their medical appointments and get their physical and mental health needs met during one visit to the health center.
WHAT KIND OF HELP CAN I GET DURING A BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CONSULTATION?
- Coping skills for managing anxiety, depression, worrying, and intense emotions
- Tips for managing stress during midterms, finals, and preparing for your dissertation defense
- Assistance with transitions including starting college or grad school, being a transfer student, or preparing for graduation
- Referrals to therapy or psychiatry on-campus or in the community
- Tactics to help fall asleep faster and improve sleep
- Linkage to different resources on-campus to help with academics and study skills
- Strategies for dealing with health-related anxiety like fear of needles or navigating a new medical diagnosis
- Strategies for safely reducing use of alcohol, cannabis, nicotine, and other substances
- New approaches for improving communication with your friends, family, relationships, and professors
- Connection to student organizations and cultural centers to meet new people and make new friends
- Tips for improving focus, concentration, and time management
- Specialized skills for coping with disordered eating, trauma, and grief
- Support with navigating unexpected stressors and life changes
HOW DO I CONNECT WITH A BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CONSULTANT (BHC)?
- Ask to the nurse or medical provider during your health center appointment about speaking with a behavioral health consultant (BHC)
- Call Student Health Services at (848)-932-7402 and request an appointment with a behavioral health consultant (BHC)
- Behavioral health consultation appointments are available to registered undergraduate and graduate students who receive services at the student health centers. Behavioral health consultation appointments are not billed through students’ insurance and have no additional fee; however students must present their insurance card at the time of their visit.
CONNECTING AROUND CHRONIC MEDICAL CONDITIONS GROUP
Connecting Around Chronic Medical Conditions is a weekly, 90-minute group which includes practical tools for coping and managing life with a chronic medical condition or illness and opportunities for sharing, offering support, and receiving support from other students with similar experiences. Participants will learn from each other on their journey toward a meaningful and connected life, with or without symptoms of a chronic condition. Students can join the group at any time during the semester and are encouraged to attend as many sessions as possible; however there is no commitment to come every week. To learn more about the group, call Student Health Services at (848)-932-7402 or CAPS at (848)-932-7884.
