HABIF HEALTH & WELL-BEING GUIDE
Dear parents and families,
The health and well-being of your student are incredibly important. The transition to university life can be exciting but also stressful, bringing many great experiences, along with challenges inside and outside the classroom. The strong academic program at WashU is augmented with outstanding student support through a variety of departments in the Division of Student Affairs. Our staff members want to make sure your student’s transition to college is as smooth as possible. We would like to share our health and well-being resources with you to help you support your student’s health at WashU.
Habif is an accredited health center located on campus. We provide medical, psychiatry, and health promotion services to all full-time undergraduate and graduate degree-seeking students.
Habif’s Medical Services staff of physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and medical assistants supports a wide range of primary and urgent care needs. Our psychiatrists provide ongoing medication management for students taking medication to address their mental health concerns. We also offer pharmacy, laboratory, and radiology services, nutrition support, reproductive health services, travel medicine, sports medicine, and referrals for other specialty medical services. WashU’s Emergency Support Team (EST), a student run service of licensed EMT’s overseen by Habif, can respond to any on campus urgent or emergency situation 24/7 during the academic year.
Habif’s Health Promotion team offers free resources and programs as well as risk reduction information related to alcohol and other drug use, mental health, and sexual health. They manage the Zenker Wellness Suite in the Sumers Recreation Center and the Peer Health Educator program, promoting community health and self-care to help students live their healthiest lives while at WashU.
Habif staff members work very closely with the Center for Counseling & Psychological Services (CCPS) to provide integrated care. Located in the center, CCPS has a diverse team of clinical psychologists, professional counselors, and licensed clinical social workers offering a range of services, including individual, couples, and group counseling, and quick consultations called “Let’s Talk.” Students can also access tools such as Therapy Assistance Online. Crisis services are also available.
Please encourage your student to download the TimelyCare app to access mental health support services 24/7 and medical support services when Habif and CCPS are closed.
We look forward to welcoming your new student to campus and supporting their care during their time at WashU. Please review this guide for information about satisfying health record and immunization requirements, transferring records and prescriptions, and continuing mental health care. We also offer information concerning conversations we encourage you to have with your student before they arrive on campus.
If you have any questions or additional ways we may support your student, please reach out to us at habifinfo@wustl.edu. Best wishes for a healthy summer.
Sincerely,
Cheri LeBlanc, MD Executive Director, Habif Health & Wellness Center
Thomas M. Brounk, PhD Director, Center for Counseling & Psychological Services
HEALTH HISTORY AND IMMUNIZATION INFORMATION
In order to keep our campus healthy and lower the risk of communicable diseases, all incoming students are required to provide the Habif Health & Wellness Center with important and necessary health documents. These include immunization records and health history as described below. Here are the main offices and contacts available to support you:
PROOF OF IMMUNIZATION
Please visit students.wustl.edu/immunizations for the latest details on immunization requirements and related information.
HEALTH HISTORY INFORMATION
The health history form, which can be found at students.wustl.edu/health-history-information, collects emergency contact information, a medical history, and medication and allergy documentation. It becomes part of your student’s confidential health record. All information is submitted via the Student Portal at habif.wustl.edu.
WashU students who have not completed these health document requirements prior to move-in will not be allowed to enter their residence hall.
UNIVERSITY HEALTH INSURANCE WAIVER PROCESS
All full-time, degree-seeking students at WashU are required to have health insurance, and your student will be automatically enrolled in the university’s health insurance plan. This coverage has an annual premium charge that will be applied to your student’s account. The fully funded health plan runs from August 1 through July 31. See details at students.wustl.edu/student-health-insurance-plan-information.
If you wish to opt out of this insurance, there is a waiver process that opens July 1, and must be completed annually by September 5.
In order to waive out of the student health insurance plan, current insurance coverage must meet the university’s specific criteria. That list can be found on the Habif Health & Wellness Center website at students.wustl.edu/health-insurance-waiver-process.
International students: Students entering with an F1 or J1 visa are not eligible to waive out of the university-provided plan unless they have current insurance coverage provided by a domestic employer plan through a North American-based insurance company.
Questions regarding student health insurance or the waiver process can be directed via email to studentinsurance@wustl.edu or by phone at 314-935-6666.
CENTER FOR COUNSELING & PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES
AVAILABILITY OF COUNSELING WHILE AT WASHU
Our brief individual counseling model is designed to help students manage immediate problems and provide short-term therapy. These services are ideal for issues that have arisen recently or that are expected to resolve relatively quickly. The Center for Counseling & Psychological Services (CCPS) also offers a strong group counseling program with many helpful options. For students who may need more open-ended counseling services, the CCPS staff can facilitate a referral for counseling in St. Louis, close to campus. Common examples of issues that may be more appropriate for a referral to professional counseling off campus are outlined in our Scope of Services statement at students.wustl.edu/important-counseling-psychological-services-policies.
CONTINUING MENTAL HEALTH CARE WHILE IN ST. LOUIS
If your student currently attends weekly therapy or could benefit from longer-term counseling beyond one semester, we recommend finding a therapist in the St. Louis area to best meet these needs. You can search a database of therapists located near the Wash U Campus or in the greater St. Louis Community at wustl.thrivingcampus.com.
If your student currently takes medication for mental health-related concerns, please contact your prescribing physician/provider prior to their arrival on campus to arrange for continued prescription coverage while your student is at school. Most students find this arrangement generally easier than switching providers. Follow-up visits can be scheduled in advance with your prescribing physician/provider during break periods when your student plans to be home.
If your student would like assistance transferring their mental health care, please have your student call 314-935-6695 or email CCPScoordinator@wustl.edu. We recommend that your student contact us over the summer prior to arrival on campus.
It should be noted that Habif Psychiatry will not be accepting any new or transferred patients who require the prescription of stimulant medications. Stimulant medications include but are not limited to Adderall, Adderall XR, Ritalin, Concerta, and Focalin. If your student is already receiving stimulant medications, we encourage them to try to continue to work with their current provider. If they are considering starting a stimulant, we will try to assist them in finding a provider outside of Habif that accepts their insurance. Visit students.wustl.edu/adhd-treatment for more information.
The Jed Foundation has an excellent “Transition of Care Guide” for transitioning mental health care from home to school that can be found at jedfoundation.org/transition-of-care-guide.
PREPARING YOUR STUDENT TO LIVE AT WASHU
UNDERSTANDING THEIR HEALTH HISTORY
A good time to have conversations with your student about their health is before they attend college. This may include processes and procedures, ways to access medical care, and ensuring they understand their health history. Your student should be able to discuss the following independently:
• Their health history, including major diagnoses or past surgeries
• Medications they take regularly
• Any allergies or reactions to medications, foods, or other substances
• Family medical history
TRANSFERRING PRESCRIPTIONS
For your student’s convenience, prescriptions for medications can be transferred to the Quadrangle Pharmacy located on-campus in the Habif Health & Wellness Center. For more information, visit students.wustl.edu/pharmacy.
BUILDING A FIRST-AID KIT
We suggest you equip your student with some over-the-counter medications and basic first aid supplies that they can use independently. Consider:
• Ace bandages
• Adhesive bandages
• Anti-itch/bug bite ointment
• Cold packs/heating pads
• Cough/cold/allergy relief
• COVID antigen tests
KEEPING PROPER DOCUMENTATION
• Current prescriptions
• Face masks
• Fever/pain relief
• Hand sanitizer
• Thermometer
• Upset stomach relief
When coming to campus, students should bring:
• Copies of immunization records and a recent physical exam
• Copies of insurance cards
• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription plans
If your student has a smart phone, have them take a photo of the insurance and prescription cards (front and back) to keep easily on-hand.
Need to transfer your student’s prescription to the on-campus pharmacy? Find the form at students.wustl.edu/pharmacy.
A CONVERSATION WITH YOUR STUDENT ABOUT ALCOHOL AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE
As you prepare to send your student to WashU, there are two key issues we would like you to discuss with them: alcohol use and sexual violence. By the end of July, they will receive several emails concerning two mandatory risk-reduction programs addressing these issues. All incoming students must complete the programs before the start of classes.
You might wonder why we require these or why you are receiving this information. Sexual violence, under-age alcohol consumption, and high-risk drinking are serious concerns for colleges and universities across the country, including ours. Research has shown that when parents and family members speak with their students about behavioral expectations and high-risk situations, it can lead to a healthier college experience. If you have not already done so, please discuss with your student their attitudes and behaviors toward alcohol, as well as the impact alcohol can have on communication and relationships. It is essential to have clear consent when engaging in sexual activity. Alcohol misuse does not cause sexual violence, but clear consent cannot be given when one is incapacitated by alcohol. Later this summer, your student will receive emails with links to courses related to these issues.
WHEN TALKING WITH YOUR STUDENT, YOU MIGHT CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING POINTS:
• Deciding to abstain from alcohol use or sexual activity are healthy choices that many students make.
• Moderation is essential if students choose to drink alcohol. From our experience, the most serious consequences occur when students consume large quantities in a short amount of time.
• If students ever feel that they or one of their friends are in immediate danger because of alcohol use or other drug use, the Washington University Emergency Support Team (EST) is available 24/7 at 314-935-5555. Please take time to review our Medical Amnesty and Active Bystander Protocol with your student at medicalamnesty.wustl.edu.
• If your student has concerns about their own behaviors regarding alcohol and other drug use, they may want to see Habif’s Health Promotion Specialist for a free consultation (email RiskReduction@wustl.edu).
• Students in recovery from substance use can join the WashU Recovery Group by emailing recovery@wustl.edu.
• Students with prescription medication are encouraged to consult with their physician before choosing to consume alcohol.
• Washington University offers several options to support students who have experienced sexual harassment, sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking. We have programs and resources to support reporting and recovery. Visit sexualviolence.wustl.edu, rsvp.wustl.edu, titleix.wustl.edu, and habif.wustl.edu for more information. We hope that all students will build healthy relationships during their time with us and intervene when they observe concerning behavior among their peers.
Center for Counseling & Psychological Services
counseling.wustl.edu
ccpscoordinator@wustl.edu
314-935-6695
Dining Services
(including a registered dietitian)
diningservices.wustl.edu
diningservices@wustl.edu
314-935-7098
Disability Resources
disabilityresources.wustl.edu
disabilityresources@wustl.edu
314-935-5970
Emergency Management
(including COVID-19 information)
emergency.wustl.edu
WashUReady@wustl.edu
314-935-8300
888-234-2863 (Toll-free)
Emergency Support Team (EST)
est.wustl.edu
314-935-5555
Habif Health & Wellness
habif.wustl.edu
habifinfo@wustl.edu studentinsurance@wustl.edu 314-935-6666
Health Promotion
students.wustl.edu/health-promotion-services wellness@wustl.edu
Recreation
rec.wustl.edu
rec@wustl.edu
314-935-4619
Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention Center (RSVP)
rsvpcenter.wustl.edu
rsvpcenter@wustl.edu
314-935-3445
titleix.wustl.edu
titleix@wustl.edu
Washington University Police Department (WUPD)
Title IX at WashU police.wustl.edu police@wustl.edu
314-935-5555
