Psychiatric Services

The Student Counseling Center (SCC) offers limited psychiatric services to students currently receiving counseling services at the center. SCC physicians do not refill prescriptions for students not under their care. If you are seeking psychiatric services from the SCC and are on medication from another provider, ensure you have at least a 30-day supply, while waiting to meet with one of our providers

To access psychiatric services, students must first complete an Initial Assessment with a counselor. If SCC is deemed appropriate for your treatment, you may be scheduled with a psychiatrist—typically within 1–3 weeks.

Once prescribed medication, students will continue seeing the SCC psychiatrist until symptoms stabilize (usually 3–6 months), after which your care will be transitioned to Student Health or a community provider for ongoing management.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

  • If you wish to receive medication only, we will assist you with finding an outside provider.
  • UMB physicians are not authorized to prescribe or manage conditions for which medical cannabis is indicated.
  • Controlled substances are NOT prescribed by our physicians with few exceptions.
  • Current clients who need medication refills should first call your pharmacist who will then contact us.
  • If you are graduating within two months, your care will be referred to an outside provider due to the limited time available for our doctors to adjust medications.

  • 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 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.

  • To be eligible for stimulant medication (Adderall, Vyvanse, Concerta, Ritalin, or generic varieties) from the Student Counseling Center, a student must provide documentation of psycho-educational testing that has been administered within the last five years that confirms a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or a similar neurodevelopemental diagnosis. This evaluation must meet the criteria outlined in our ADHD Documentation Guidelines.
  • Please call us for a phone triage if you have any questions about these guidelines or if you need referrals for psychological testing. 
  • Referral assistance for off campus providers can be provided for any student whose clinical needs fall outside our scope of services.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Find more resources on the Substance Use Resource page.