Student Wellness Resources & Support Services

silhouette of a head in profile with a plus sign with the outline of a brain in it.

All students in the Duke University School of Medicine have access to a number of well-being, mental, physical and mindful services and resources. Find help or learn more about how to reach out.  

 

Mental Health Resources flyer graphic

 

Mental Health Resources Flyer

For any life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or Duke Police at 919-684-2444.

  • Blue Devils Care: 24/7 mental telehealth support and scheduled counseling for students at no cost. Register online using your Duke email address and Service Key DUKE2020.
  • Duke University Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): individual, couples, and group counseling, as well as psychiatric services available to all students at no cost. Call 919-660-1000 to schedule an appointment.
  • DukeReach: case management services for students experiencing significant difficulties related to mental health, physical health, and/or psycho-social adjustment. Reach out if you are concerned about yourself or for another student. Call 919-681-2455 or email dukereach@duke.edu.
  • Psychiatrist for medical students, Dr. Erikka Dzirasa: email Ruthie Roberts (ruthie.roberts@duke.edu) to schedule an appointment (for MD students only)

Individual Program Mental Health Support Contacts

  • DPT (Call) 
    • Dr. Hoder (919) 681-8559
  • MBS Program (Call/Text) 
    • Dr. Andolsek: (917) 684-1230
  • MD Program (Page) 
    • Advisory Dean on call (919) 970-7399
  • MSTP (Call) 
    • Andrea Liu: (919) 630-2615 
  • OTD (Call) 
    • Dr. Gallagher (919) 660-9827
  • Path Assistant Program (Call) 
    • Michelle Johnson (804) 246-0183
  • PA Program (Call) 
    • April Stouder (919) 360-5673   

 

Understanding the Student Medical Insurance Plan Cheat Sheet

Eligibility and cost for student insurance

  • Cost increases incrementally each year
    • 2021-2022 cost is $3605 (prices to add spouses, children, and other family vary)
  • You can waive the student insurance through DukeHub if you already have insurance that qualifies (criteria in link above).
    • If you do not waive the student insurance or do not have insurance that meets the criteria, you will be enrolled in the student insurance.

Duke Student Insurance Plan Benefits Summary

  In-Network Out-of-Network
Deductible

$0

 $250

Copayments

 PCP: $25
Specialist: $35, 20%
Coinsurance*		 PCP: 30% after Deductible
Specialist: 30% after Deductible**
Urgent Care $45 Copayment $45 Copayment
Ambulance 20% Coinsurance 20% After Deductible
Emergency room $150 Copayment then,
20% Coinsurance		 $150 Copayment then,
20% Coinsurance
Preventive Care PCP/Outpatient Clinic:
$0		 PCP/Outpatient Clinic:
30% after Deductible
Maternity (Hospital +
Professional Services)		 20% Coinsurance 30% After Deductible 
Mental Health &
Substance Abuse Services
(Office Visits)		 $10 Copayment 30% After Deductible 
Mental Health &
Substance Abuse Services
(In Patient/Out Patient)		 20% Coinsurance 30% After Deductible 
Prescription Drugs

Can vary from $4 - $40 
copayment for tier 1- tier 4
drugs.
Tier 5 drugs: 
25% Coinsurance
Insulin $10 copayment

 Copayment + charge over
in-network allowed amount.
(ALL)

*Coinsurance Explanation
**30% after deductible = 30% of the cost of the service after you pay your deductible, if the cost is more than your deductible.

Dental insurance information (dental insurance is SEPARATE from the medical insurance plan)

  • Plan features, coverage amounts, Resources, including finding a doctor/drug, filing a claim, general information, etc.

Duke Insurance Coordinator Contact Information

Insurance FAQs by Student Health

Applying for Financial Assistance for Duke Healthcare Bills

  1.  Login to your account on Duke MyChart.
  2. Click on Menu. Under the Billing header, click on Financial Assistance Application.
  3. Fill out the application. It will ask for information about the patient and about any spouse or dependent(s). In the final field (Additional Information), you can input more information about your financial situation. 
  4. Submit the application. Allow for up to 7 weeks for processing.

Accommodations and Medical Leave

Please note that you may be eligible to receive accommodations or to take a medical leave for medical issues, including those relating to mental health. Please go to this website to request an accommodation, and contact your advisory dean and/or the Student Disability Access Office (SDAO), sdao@duke.edu, for more information.

If you have trouble accessing CAPS, please reach out to Dr. Lisa Adams, Director of Counseling and Psychological Services at lisa.adams3@duke.edu

I need meds for a previously diagnosed health condition

Does CAPS deem your mental health condition stable?

  1. If yes: CAPS will prescribe you meds if needed. These can be picked up at Duke Student pharmacy or a retail pharmacy. To minimize risks of error, it is best for one provider to prescribe medications. If there is an established care provider, CAPS recommends continuing medication care with them. 
  2. If no: A CAPS Psychiatrist will treat you. Meds can be picked up from the Duke Student Pharmacy

I Want therapy through CAPS

  1. Call or drop in for CAPS Triage Visit (10 - 3) 
  2. Future visits can be scheduled between 8 am - 7 pm on weekdays 
  3. CAPS will provide brief treatment, generally lasting a semester or less

Note: The referral counselors will usually follow up with you to ensure that you find a therapist that works for you. If you find that the list of providers given to you is insufficient, they can generate another list.

I Want CAPS to help me find therapy in Durham

  1. Call CAPS and select the referral option from the automated list. Reception will set up an appointment with one of CAPS's referral coordinators. 
  2. The meeting will entail getting to know you and what you're looking for in a therapist. A list of providers will be sent to you after the meeting. 
  3. Use the list to set up consultations with providers in Durham, and eventually start meeting with one of them regularly.

Note: The referral counselors will usually follow up with you to ensure that you find a therapist that works for you. If you find that the list of providers given to you is insufficient, they can generate another list.

Update from CAPS:

  1. CAPS Groups and Workshops Flyer
  2. CAPS information card with pertinent information Flyer
  3. CAPS information card with a mindful moment's activity Flyer