The Student Counseling Center provides limited psychiatric services to students who are seen at our center. If you are seeking psychiatric services, you must first schedule a Phone Triage and complete an In-Person Assessment with one of our counselors. If the SCC treatment team determines that SCC is an appropriate setting for your treatment, a referral will be made to one of our psychiatrists (wait time can vary from one to three weeks). A psychiatrist will meet with you to evaluate your need for medication. Once medication is prescribed, you will continue to meet with the psychiatrist until symptoms are stable and medication refills are routine (usually in three to six months). At that point, your care will be transferred to Student Health or to a community provider for ongoing medication management.

NOTE: Students who receive medication management services at SCC must participate in counseling with a SCC counselor or an SCC-approved outside therapist. If you wish to receive medication only, we will assist you with finding an outside provider.

NOTE: UMB physicians are not authorized to prescribe or manage conditions for which medical cannabis is indicated. In such cases, your care will be referred to an outside specialist.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a psychiatric diagnosis based on criteria defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This diagnosis is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the brain's ability to adequately focus and attend to necessary tasks. To be eligible for stimulant medication (Adderall, Vyvanse, Concerta, Ritalin, or generic varieties), a student must provide documentation of a psychological evaluation administered within the last five years that confirms a diagnosis of ADHD. This evaluation must meet the criteria outlined in the ADHD Documentation Guidelines.

Once prescribed, it is important that you take your medication regularly to get maximum benefit. Missed doses or failure to comply with prescription directions can lead to relapse symptoms and/or withdrawal discomfort. If you have concerns about your medication, please consult your psychiatrist before stopping medication on your own. It also is important to monitor your prescription supply to prevent running out of medication. Be sure to schedule your next medication visit at least one week in advance of using your last dose.

Use of alcohol, narcotics, hallucinogens, stimulants, cannabis, or other psychoactive substances (whether prescribed or recreational) can interfere with the therapeutic benefits of the medication we prescribe. In some cases, these substances can cause worsening of symptoms and/or dangerous interactions with psychiatric medications. Please speak to your psychiatrist about any substances you are using. If the psychiatrist determines it is unsafe to prescribe medications to you because of substance use and you are unable to reduce or stop taking the substances, we will refer you to an outside provider for specialized treatment and support. The Student Counseling Center can assist you with such referrals.