Wellness Program
Why wellness?
UNR Med invests in resources for learners to develop wellness practices, helping them manage the intense demands of medical school, avoid burnout, and ultimately become empathetic, effective caregivers who serve as positive role models and improve patient outcomes. Prioritizing wellness is essential for not only surviving but thriving in a demanding profession, laying the foundation for a balanced, healthy career.
Wellness at UNR Med aims to build skills and strong social support networks to reduce stress and improve mental health among medical students facing the rigorous demands of their training. Directed by the Office of Student Affairs, the Wellness Program promotes health, community, and support for M.D. students.
Mental health resources
UNR Med Office of Student Affairs prioritizes student mental health and well-being by providing additional comprehensive services beyond those offered by the main campus. Below is an overview of the personal counseling and mental health services available at the main campus and the UNR Med Therapy Team:
- Individual Counseling: Services include treatment-focused therapy for addressing immediate mental health concerns (i.e. stress, anxiety, depression), maintenance counseling for ongoing support and stability, and guided exploration for personal and professional growth. In-person and telehealth sessions available, along with drop-In wellness consultations.
- Psychiatric Care: Offered at the Student Health Center, requires an advance appointment, please call (775) 784-6598 to schedule.
- Group Therapy: Group sessions focusing on specific themes such as stress management, mindfulness and coping strategies.
- Crisis Intervention: Immediate support for students experiencing acute mental health crises.
- Workshops and Seminars: Regular workshops on topics like time management, resilience, and self-care designed to promote holistic health and well-being.
- Referrals: Connections to external mental health resources for specialized or long-term care.
Campus mental health resources contacts:
- Counseling Center, University of Nevada, Reno
- Student Health Center
- UNR Med Therapy Team: For questions, or to get set-up with a member of the Med Therapy Team, email Elizabeth Wesseling or call (775) 682-9079.
Wellness programming options
The UNR Med Learning and Wellness team offer programs throughout the year that are rooted in evidenced-based best-practices and are intrinsically designed to combat the isolation often experienced during medical training, a factor strongly linked to mental health challenges. Programs include:
- Community building wellness events (i.e., therapy dogs, pop-up coffee, pop culture art series)
- Wellness workshops (topics have included: burnout, imposter syndrome, self-care, etc.)
- Matriculation transition support (i.e. MedFIT, transition to clerkship/residency, SOAP)
Do you have ideas for a wellness workshop or program?
We welcome student ideas for mental health to better support our community's needs- pop into the Wellness Den to share or email Elizabeth Wesseling.