
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.

For any life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or Duke Police at 919-684-2444.
- Advisory Dean pager # for emergencies: 919-970-7399
- Ombudsperson for SOM students via email Dr. Jean Spaulding or call office 919-668-3326
- 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): call 919-660-1000, or call The Dean on Call: 984-287-0300 after hours (after 5pm)
- Gender Violence Intervention: confidential gender violence related support, call 984-569-0592 or email gvicoordinator@duke.edu.
- LGBTQ Trevor Lifeline: 866-488-7386
- Suicide and Crisis Line dial 998
- Substance Abuse and Addiction Hotline: 844-289-0879
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990
- Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
- Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255, select 1
- Office of Institutional Equity (OIE); OIE Liaison Program
- 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
- Duke Student Health - On campus resources for doctor and dentist appointments, nutrition services, pharmacy access, physical therapy, and immunization compliance
- Duke Recreation & Physical Education - On campus group classes, rock climbing wall, pool, gym, intramural sports, outdoor adventure rental equipment, and facilities available for Duke students
- Durham Parks & Recs Facilities - Public parks, pools, rentals, and facilities available in Durham
- Parks & Trails in Durham - AllTrails best outdoor hiking in Durham
- Duke Med Health and Fitness - Duke Health group workout classes, personal training, nutrition consultations, massage therapy resources availability at Duke
- Duke Gardens - On campus beautiful outdoor space
- Online Workout Streaming Services - Suggestions of different streaming services based on what types of workouts you like
- DuWell - On campus mindfulness activities and wellness resources
- Koru Mindfulness Classes - On campus Koru mindfulness classes
- Headspace Student Membership - Student rate for mindfulness app Headspace ($9.99/year)
- Journaling Prompts - Journal prompts for self-reflection and self-discovery
- How to Take a Mindful S.N.A.C.K. Moment- Tool for learning how to practice mindfulness when stressed
- NYT Best Mindfulness Apps - According to NYT Wirecutter, the best mindfulness apps are Headspace, Calm, and Healthy Minds.
- Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture
- Duke University Center for Multicultural Affairs: submit a bias incident here
- DUSOM Multicultural Resource Center: call 919-684-5882 or email Maureen Cullins (maureen.cullins@duke.edu)
- Duke University Center for Muslim Life
- Duke University Center for Sexual & Gender Diversity: in-group spaces and discussion groups, including Asian American/Pacific Islander Queers, Fluid: Bisexual/Pansexual, Gothic Queer Men’s Group, QTPOC, Trangout, The Ace Space, Queer Queens, Trans and Queer Christians
- International House at Duke
- Jewish Life at Duke
- Duke University Office for Institutional Equity (OIE): report discrimination, harassment, and/or sexual misconduct here. Contact the ombudsperson for SOM students, Jean Spaulding, MD, by calling 919-668-3326 or emailing ombudsman@mc.duke.edu
- Duke University Women’s Center: confidential gender violence related support. Fill out this form to request a referral to a counselor.
- Religious Life Student Groups
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 + 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
- Login to your account on Duke MyChart.
- Click on Menu. Under the Billing header, click on Financial Assistance Application.
- 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.
- 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?
- 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.
- If no: A CAPS Psychiatrist will treat you. Meds can be picked up from the Duke Student Pharmacy
I Want therapy through CAPS
- Call or drop in for CAPS Triage Visit (10 - 3)
- Future visits can be scheduled between 8 am - 7 pm on weekdays
- 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
- Call CAPS and select the referral option from the automated list. Reception will set up an appointment with one of CAPS's referral coordinators.
- 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.
- 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: