Student Resources

Counseling Services

MISSION
Counseling Services provides core psychological services to enhance the mental health and wellness of students through culturally competent, consultative, and preventative mental health services.

 

VISION
To provide exemplary and essential mental health services to students in achieving their educational and personal goals.

 

Meharry Medical College Counseling Services, which operates as a unit of the Division of Student Affairs, was established to assist students with the balance of professional studies and personal issues. The Counseling Services is located in the Meharry Clinic Building, Suite #325 (near Student Health Services) on the Meharry campus. Counseling for students and their significant others is provided by Professional Health Service Providers who have no teaching or evaluative role with the students.

 

Appointments
To make an appointment or to obtain further information about Counseling Services, please contact us at (615) 327-6915 or email Counseling@mmc.edu. Counseling Services is open Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. All therapy sessions are virtual at this time unless deemed clinically necessary for in-person support. Offering a hybrid model for MMC students allows flexible hours to accommodate student schedules (outside of regular office hours).

 

MMC students can self-schedule a consultation session with a counselor through the Student Information Portal by clicking HERE.

 

If you are unable to find a time that works with your schedule, contact us by phone at (615) 327-6915 or email at counseling@mmc.edu

 

Services

A wide range of services are available to students including:

  • Crisis intervention

  • Case management

  • Coaching

  • Individual, group, family, and couples counseling

  • Outreach and consultation

All counseling services for students and their immediate family are free and confidential. When referrals are made to mental health providers, these services are normally covered under the provision of the students’ health insurance policy.

 

Meharry Connect
Meharry Connect offers a place for students to talk about concerns during free, confidential 15-minute consultations. You can have someone listen to you and offer support, or you might prefer to receive expert suggestions about solutions and resources. This service is available to enrolled Meharry Medical College students via HIPAA-compliant Zoom. Sign up in advance to chat with a Meharry Counselor! To schedule an appointment, send an email to mburks@mmc.edu

 

Referrals
Referrals to other agencies or to other health care providers are made as appropriate. Should students need to seek services from a psychiatrist for medication evaluation or other issues, we provide referral to local community psychiatrists.

 

Confidentiality
Please be assured that all counseling services are strictly confidential. No faculty member, staff, student, friend, or family member will be permitted access to a student’s counseling records without written permission from the counselee. Counseling session’s records are NOT a part of the student’s academic records.

 

Counseling and Psychological Emergency
For psychological emergencies, counselors are available for crisis assistance and consultation 24/7. During business hours, call or come into the Counseling Services office and request to be seen immediately. After hours and on weekends, on-call counselors can be reached by calling at 615.327.6915. In case of an emergency that requires police or emergency medical services, please call 911.

Recognizing Students in Distress: When To Refer
A Guide For Faculty & Staff

  1. ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE SIGNALS

    Marked Decline in Academic Performance

    Excessive Anxiety Regarding Performance

    Repeated Request for Special Provisions (extensions and make-up exams)

    Withdrawal/Fatigue/Sleepiness in Class due to Drug or Alcohol use/misuse

    Excessive Absences from Class

    Bizarre and Unusual Thought, Action, or Writing

  2. BEHAVIORAL & INTERPERSONAL SIGNALS

    Angry or Hostile Outbursts or Aggressive Comments

    Hyperactivity or Very Rapid Speech

    Excessively Demanding Behavior

    Smell of Alcohol

    Frequent Conflict with Others

    Concerns and Complaints from Classmates

  3. EMOTIONAL SIGNALS

    Crying or Tearfulness

    Increased Anxiety/ Difficulty Concentrating

    Depressed Mood

    Marijuana or Signs of Other Drug Abuse

    Feelings of Hopelessness or Worthlessness

    Expression of Suicide or Harm to Self or Others

  4. PHYSICAL SIGNALS

    Marked Changes in Physical Appearance or Personal Hygiene

    Dramatic Weight Loss or Weight Gain

    Noticeable Cuts, Bruises, or Burns

    Disorganized Speech, Rapid or Slurred Speech, and/or Confusion

    Signs of Intoxication (i.e. decreased pupils) from Drugs & Alcohol Use/Misuse

 

If a student is exhibiting any signs listed above, suggested interventions and referral sources are listed below.

 

TIPS FOR RESPONDING TO THE DISTRESSED STUDENT:

  • OBSERVE VERBAL & NON-VERBAL BEHAVIOR THAT INDICATE SIGNS OF DISTRESS

  • TALK TO STUDENT IN PRIVATE AND SHARE YOUR OBSERVATIONS OF THE SITUATION IN A DIRECT AND NON-JUDGMENTAL WAY

  • LISTEN TO STUDENT’S THOUGHTS & FEELINGS

  • REMAIN CALM AND COMPASSIONATE, OFFER SUPPORT ENCOURAGEMENT & HOPE

  • BE FRANK WITH THE STUDENT ABOUT YOUR LIMITATIONS (TIME, EXPERTISE, & TYPE OF HELP YOU CAN OFFER)

  • PROVIDE STUDENT WITH THE PHONE NUMBER OF COUNSELING SERVICES (615) 327-6915, AND ALLOW HIM/HER TO USE YOUR OFFICE PHONE

  • IF STUDENT DECLINES REFERRAL AND YOU REMAIN UNEASY ABOUT THE SITUATION, CONSULT WITH COUNSELING SERVICES

  • IF STUDENT IS IN CRISIS, FIND SOMEONE TO STAY WITH THE STUDENT WHILE YOU CALL THE APPROPRIATE RESOURCES OR WALK HIM/HER TO COUNSELING SERVICES

  • IF A STUDENT IS EXHIBITING SIGNS THAT MAY POSE IMMINENT DANGER TO HIM/HERSELF OR TO YOU,
    CALL CAMPUS SECURITY AT (615) 327-6666

  • FOLLOW-UP WITH STUDENT TO FIND OUT IF HE/SHE MADE CONTACT WITH COUNSELING SERVICES. DUE TO CONFIDENTIALITY, COUNSELING SERVICES WILL NOT SHARE INFORMATION ABOUT THE STUDENT WITH YOU.

Hotlines & Local Resources

Crisis

  • Tennessee Suicide and Crisis Hotline: 1.800.681.7444
  • Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities State-wide Crisis Telephone Line: 1.800.809.9957
  • National Hope line Network: 1.800.SUICIDE/1.800.784.2433
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1.800.273.8255 (24/7 support for anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress)
  • National Graduate Student Crisis Line: 1.800.GRAD.HLP (800.472.3457)
  • Nashville Mobile Crisis Team: 615.726.0125
  • Online Suicide Resources

 

Sexual Assault

 

Drug and Alcohol

  • Alcoholics Anonymous Referral Services and Treatment Program 24 Hours Helpline: 1.800.711.6375
  • Narcotics Anonymous Helpline: 1.800.677.1462
  • Drug Helpline: 1.800.662.HELP (4357)
  • Detox Local: Find a drug and alcohol detox center and get help today
  • TAADAS REDLINE: 24/7 addiction treatment and recovery hotline

 

Domestic Violence

  • YWCA Domestic Violence Hotline: 1.800.334.4628/615.242.1199
  • Tennessee Helpline Domestic Hotline: 1.800.356.6767
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1.800.799.7233

 

Voter Registration

Counseling Services Staff

Sharda Mishra, Ph.D., S.L.P.E., N.C.C., L.P.C., B.C.C./H.S.P.

Director
615.327.6156
smishra@mmc.edu

Foster Williams, Jr., MPA, CHAP, CSCTS

Student Counselor | Professional Coach
615.327.6312
fwilliams@mmc.edu

Aldra S. Forrester, Psy.D.

Counseling Psychologist
615.327.6371
aforrester@mmc.edu

Martez Burks, Ph.D.

Staff Psychologist
615.327.6915
mburks@mmc.edu

Student Health Services

MISSION
To offer convenient, high-quality healthcare by providing acute and preventive health services for Meharry students and employees to promote a health environment.

 

VISION
To promote optimal health and total wellness for Meharry Medical College students and employees.

The Student Health Center is located in Suite 331, Meharry Comprehensive Health Building. The Student Health Center is open Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Appointments are required to help avoid overcrowding the waiting area. Same-day appointments are available by calling 615.327.5757.

 

The student health fee provides all current Meharry students access to the services provided at the Student Health Center. The clinical staff of Student Health Services is comprised of a certified family nurse practitioner and clinical faculty from the Department of Internal Medicine. The services provided include:

  • acute illness and injury management
  • physical examinations
  • laboratory services
  • immunizations
  • tuberculosis screening
  • N95 respirator fit testing

 

Services for physical examinations, laboratory services, and immunizations are billed to the student’s health insurance and are subject to co-pays and deductibles.

 

Student Health Center services are not intended to be used in the place of a primary care physician or a specialist. For life or limb-threatening conditions, students should go directly to the nearest emergency department. After normal operating hours, if students require emergency treatment, they are encouraged to go to Metropolitan Nashville General Hospital Emergency Department, an area emergency department, or call 911.

 

Mandatory Immunizations: All students are required to submit immunization records for the following:

  • Hepatitis B Series 1, 2 & 3 and serological evidence of immunity.
  • MMR—documentation of having received 2 doses or serological evidence of immunity.
  • Varicella—documentation of having had the disease, signed by your healthcare provider, or documentation of having received two doses of the vaccine, given 4–8 weeks apart or serological evidence of immunity.
  • PPD (TB Skin Test)—dated within the last 12 months or results of chest x-ray if PPD was positive.
  • Tetanus/Diphtheria— within the last 10 years.
  • Polio

 

Student Health Insurance
Meharry Medical College sponsors a group student health insurance plan. All students are required to have health insurance. Waiver of participation may be granted if the student presents proof of coverage that is equal to or better than the Meharry Insurance Plan. The group health insurance plan is designed to defray a major portion of the cost of hospitalization and covers the student when on or off campus.

 

The plan covers students for one academic year (July 1–June 30) at Meharry Medical College. Insurance coverage must be renewed annually. The fee for the group insurance is collected during registration each semester, and the student may contract for additional coverage for a spouse and children. For more information, contact the Office of Student Services and Enrollment Management at 615.327.6223.

Chaplain

The Office of the Chaplain provides a welcoming environment for all beliefs and faith contexts. The Chaplain offers students spiritual support and spiritual formation opportunities at Meharry. This includes helping students to develop their philosophical and theological beliefs and discernment. The Chaplain provides pastoral care services, programming, and spiritual leadership for the student body. The Chaplain also collaborates with local churches and other worship centers to expand and enhance the spiritual lives of the student body.

Contact the Chaplain’s Office

Chaplain’s Office
Meharry Medical College
1005 Dr. D.B.Todd, Jr. Blvd.
Nashville, Tennessee 37208-3599
Telephone: 615.327.6975
Fax: 615.327.6540

Dr. James Tyus

Interim Chaplain
jTyus@mmc.edu

Meharry Faith Connect

Meharry Faith Connect is an outreach program through the Office of the Chaplain to promote community relationships with faith communities and provide more information about Meharry Medical College.

MORE INFO >

Report A Crime

Your Role in Safety on Campus
You can help keep the Meharry Medical College (MMC) campus a safe place for yourself and others by promptly reporting crimes or suspicious circumstances. If you witness a crime, it is your responsibility to report the crime to the DCSS. All Meharry students and employees are required to report incidents of theft, misuse, or abuse of MMC property promptly to the DCSS.

 

The DCSS Office is located on the corner of 21st Avenue North and Albion Street, in the Triplex Building, where a dispatcher is available/on-duty 24-hours a day and can be reached at 615.327.6254. Code Blue Phones are also installed throughout the campus. You may also report crimes/criminal offenses to security officers in patrol vehicles, on foot or by calling 615.327.6254. Additionally, you may report crimes/criminal offenses to “Campus Security Authorities” (Deans, Associate Deans, Assistant Deans, VP-College Relations, Director of Student Services, Manager of Student Housing Facilities, Director of Campus Safety and Security). It is Meharry Medical College’s policy to investigate every report. If technical expertise or additional investigative help is needed, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD), or the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations (TBI) may be called to assist.

 

Click here to download the DCSS Incident Report Form.

 

If a crime occurs off-campus, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD) is likely to be the primary investigative agency, with MMC investigators providing support if requested. MMC Security Officers do not provide security services to off-campus property, including recognized fraternity and sorority organizations, nor are activities off-campus recognized by MMC authority. From an off-campus phone you may reach the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD) in an emergency by dialing 911. From on-campus phones and for off-campus non-emergencies you may reach the MNPD by dialing 615.862.8600.

 

Persons who are victimized while on the premises of the Herman Street Apartments (located at 1601 Herman Street) or the Meharry Medical Arts Center (located at 1919 Charlotte Avenue) should report the incident to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department and to the DCSS, so accurate accounting of crime(s) may be compiled. Persons who are victimized while on the premises of the apartment complex located at 201 Tree Line Road, Oak Grove, Kentucky, should report incidents to the Oak Grove Police Department at 270.439.4602.

 

If you are the victim of a crime and do not want to pursue action within the college system or criminal justice system, you may still want to consider filing a confidential report. A suggested approach for confidentiality would be to make contact with your clergy; the campus Chaplain/Director of Counseling Services, the Rev. Robin Kimbrough, at 615.327.6975; or one of the Campus Security Authorities (Deans, Associate Deans, Assistant Deans, VP-College Relations, Director of Student Services, Manager of Student Housing Facilities, Director of Campus Safety and Security, or a Security Officer).

Department of Public Safety & Security

615.327.6254

Metropolitan Nashville Police Department

615.862.8600

On Campus Housing

Available Housing Options

Charlene E. Hopkins-Goldthreate

Property Manager
(615) 327-5751
cgoldthreate@mmc.edu
campushousing@mmc.edu

The PULSE

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