Health Resources
Healthcare
Can I see a doctor on campus?
Yes. University Health Services (UHS) has doctors available and an appointment can be made online using HealthConnect or by walk-in. For some cases, an appointment can be scheduled with a nurse which may be faster.
How do I make appointments with UHS and CaPS? Or off-campus providers?
To make an appointment at UHS, log into HealthConnect (see HERE) and use their scheduling tool. You can also walk in directly to their office and see if immediate appointments are available. CaPS appointmnts can be made by calling into the office (412-268-2922). For most off-campus doctors, you will need to call their offices ahead of time to make an appointment. For some hospital chains (such as UPMC) they offer an online tool to schedule appointments and track health history/ doctor correspondence. Urgent Care locations are an exception as they primarily deal with walk-ins only.
Should I go to the Emergency Room?
If it is a life-threatening emergency, yes, call 911 immediately. For non-life threatening issues (colds, sprains, etc) we recommend Urgent Care. There are a few located near campus. Additionally, for non-emergency same-day care, you can stop by or call UHS (412-268-2157), and see if they can make an appointment right away. Appointments can also be made online on the HealthConnect tool, but you may not be able to get a same-day appointment online.
I need an accommodation due to an injury/mental health condition, where do I go to get help?
If you have a short- or long-term condition, you can contact Disability Services for assistance. Adjustments may include arranging for recording devices, sign language interpreters, extended time for testing, or voice recognition or other adaptive software or hardware. Find more information HERE.
If I go to Disability Services, will it go on my record?
Just going to Disability Services and seeking consultation will not be put on your official academic transcript in any form. If you choose to take advantage of academic accomodations that their office can arrange, there will be communication to your professors, however the level of disclosure is up to you. Get more information HERE.
Does CMU provide support for students facing addiction?
Yes, UHS hosts the Collegiate Recovery Community to support students who wish to recover from addiction to alcohol or drugs. More information about CMU's Collegiate Recovery Community and Harm Reduction programs is available on the UHS website. If these are not a good fit for you, UHS can help you find another support community in the Pittsburgh area.
General Wellness
What opportunities are there for gaining general knowledge about how to keep myself well in Grad School?
The Campus Wellness Initiative (Be Well at CMU) has resources and hosts workshops and talks regarding general wellness and mindfulness. They also have a Be Well newsletter and you can sign up for that HERE. Student Affairs and UHS also have resources on nutrition, fitness, mental health, etc. These can be found HERE. For specific information on eating healthy, the Student Academic Success Center has put together this page on balancing meals.
Are there resources to help me with time-management? (Ideally I want to have time to sleep and/or workout while getting good grades)
The Academic Development Office offers Academic Coaching to grad students. In workshops or one-on-one sessions they teach time management and study skills. Get more info HERE.
How can I find out about all of the wellness-related activities at CMU?
The Office of Community Health and Well-Being is a great place to start! Sign up for their "Be Well" Monthly Newsletter for information about events, opportunities, and workshops across campus.
I am concerned about my stress and/or sleep habits. Is there any way to get them assessed?
UHS offers sleep assessments and stress management consultations. You can schedule them using HealthConnect (HERE) and they are free with the CMU Student Health Insurance Plan.
I am looking for an easy way to increase my mindfulness. Are there any resources available?
CMU partners with Headspace, the top rated meditation app, to provide free downloads to the CMU community. It has hundreds of hours of guided meditation sessions, which research shows can help your overall mindfulness and success. Find more info HERE.
Are there any spaces on campus that I can go to relax and let my mind take a break?
The Mindfulness Room in the West Wing is a great space to rest and relax. They also host free workshops and seminars in the space around larger holistic health topics. Check out the details HERE. Also, check out the Graduate Student Lounge on the 3rd floor of the Cohon University Center. While not necessarily as restful as the Mindfulness Room, the Grad Lounge does provide an undergraduate-free space to work and socialize in the UC.
Mental Health
Are there Mental Health specialists on campus? What are my options for being seen?
There are licensed Psychologists and Therapists available free-of-charge at CaPS. They can schedule one-on-one counseling sessions. Get more information and register HERE. CaPS also hosts graduate student support groups. UHS also has a Psychiatrist on staff (appointments scheduled HERE through HealthConnect).
Are there any support groups for graduate students on campus?
CaPS offers targeted graduate student support groups. Find more information HERE under "Groups". Be sure to check for new groups at or near the start of each semester!
If I go to CaPS will it show up on my official records somewhere?
No. CaPS does not disclose that you went and what was discussed to anyone, let alone the University. There is a short list of exceptions (such as the intent for physical harm to yourself or others) but otherwise, CaPS, like any off campus therapist, complies with confidentiality laws.
CaPS does not cater to my mental health needs, what are my options?
If CaPS doesn't suit your needs, you are welcome to look for a psychologist/psychiatrist off-campus. CaPS can give you a referral to one in the area or you can search on your own. Be sure to check with your insurance plan to make sure that the office you want to go to is covered. (If you have the CMU Student Health Insurace, you can use Highmark's network, HERE, to find a mental health professional in network.)
Is there a CMU policy for taking mental health days?
CMU does not have a standard policy for taking mental health days. If you have a diagnosed condition, you can work with the Office of Diasability Resources to find an accomodation that can help you succeed at CMU. If you're willing, please share your story with GSA so we can be better advocates for these issues.
Health Insurance
How do I know what is covered by CMU Student Health Insurance?
Visit the UHS's SHIP Benefits and Plan page for details about what's covered under your insurance. Read through their FAQs and/or email UHS if questions arise.
Can I pay my insurance in installments?
Yes, you can! Register for a payment plan through Nelnet. Note that the registration window ends in September, and that there is a $20 enrollment fee for payment plans.
Is there a list of suggested off campus doctors/ practitioners that are covered by my health insurance?
If you do not have the CMU Student Health Insurance, you will have to check with your own provider, but for those using the CMU Plan, checkcheck Highmark's Find a Doctor service for off-campus doctors that are in network. You can also contact UHS and see if they have a doctor or specialist that they recommend. Check out UHS's current Local Healthcare Providers List for some guidance.