Policies

• Confidentiality
• Number of Visits
• Payment for Services
• Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder
• Insurance Benefits
• Referrals
• Involuntary Leave of Absence Policy

Confidentiality

The Student Counseling Service keeps medical records in accordance with professional, legal, and ethical guidelines. Other than authorized SCS staff, no one will have access to records unless the patient releases them in writing. They will not become part of the patient’s academic file, and even the fact that the patient has come to SCS will not be divulged to anyone without the patient’s permission.

Therapists may consult with supervisors and colleagues to improve his or her skills and to provide the patient with the highest quality services possible. This will be done without the use of the patient’s name whenever possible. If the therapist is being supervised, the patient will be informed of the name of his or her supervisor. The patient’s sessions will never be taped without the patient’s written consent. Statistics are compiled on SCS activities, and from time to time the SCS staff may make presentations and write articles as part of their work in an academic setting. In these cases, specific identifying information is either absent or highly disguised.

An exception to confidentiality would be a situation in which the patient was assessed to be a danger to themselves or others, the patient’s records were subpoenaed, or reporting (e.g., of the patient’s abuse or neglect of a minor) were required by law. Even in these cases, the patient would be informed if possible and no more information than necessary would be released.

Effective therapy requires an atmosphere of trust. Questions about the confidentiality policy can be raised with the patient’s therapist, or with Thomas Kramer, MD, Director of the SCS.

Number of Visits

The Student Counseling Service operates on a short-term therapy model. The number of visits is determined individually for each patient depending on his or her condition, but is not unlimited.

Payment for Services

Payment of the Student Life Fee enables registered students of the University of Chicago to receive their basic health care from SCS and The Student Health Service. All registered students are automatically billed the Student Life Fee with their quarterly tuition. If a student is unsure of his or her Student Life Fee status, the student should contact the Registrar’s office at (773) 702-7891.

At SCS, this fee covers intake, diagnostic assessment, and short-term treatment and/or referral.

Insurance Benefits

All students are required to carry supplemental health insurance that covers medications, emergency room visits, and hospitalizations (services not covered by the student health fee). Students may choose to enroll in the University Student Health Insurance Plan (U-SHIP), or seek other insurance coverage comparable to the University’s Plan.

Students with questions about U-SHIP should contact the On-Campus Coordinator for UnitedHealthcare StudentResources by dialing (773) 834-4543 or (773) 834-1554. Inquiries can also be made via email to healthaffairs@listhost.uchicago.edu