Counseling/Support Services for UF Health Community
UF Health Shands and the College of Medicine have a variety of programs and resources that provide confidential professional counseling and referral services for employees and their families. These services are available for individuals facing stressors related to the work environment, interpersonal conflict/relationship concerns, finances, and psychological or psychiatric conditions. Most services are completely FREE of charge.
Please explore the resources listed below to help you through stressful times.
FACULTY & STAFF
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Services:
- UF and UF Health employees (including residents) are eligible for a limited number of free counseling sessions each year. Family members may also be eligible.
- UF employees (faculty, residents, and staff) EAP: https://eap.ufl.edu or call: 1-833-306-0103
- UF Health Shands employees EAP: https://eap.ufhealth.org/eap-program/ or call 352-265-5493
TalkSpace Free Confidential Online Therapy and Psychiatric Management
UFCOM and UF Health employees who have GatorCare benefits (including residents) are eligible to use TalkSpace for free. Learn more and register at https://talkspace.com/gatorcare or email gatorcare-support@talkspace.com for help.
UF and UF Health employees who are involved in events that are emotionally challenging can meet with a trained peer who will provide needed support and guidance. This service is completely confidential and free of charge. Request peer support by calling 352-494-5795 to be matched with a trained colleague.
Mental Health Services Access Line:
- For UF and UF Health employees and trainees.
- Call (352) 627-0032 between 8am and 5pm, Monday through Friday, to receive assistance identifying and securing access to the mental health services best suited to their needs
Crises Services
- UF Health Shands Psychiatric Hospital at Vista: Emergency Walk-in Hours: 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, 352-265-5481,Toll Free 1-888-391-7181
- National Suicide Prevention Hotline: Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
- Nacional de Prevencion del Suicidio (en espanol): Toll Free 1-888-628-9454
- National Suicide Hotline: Call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)
- Alachua County Crisis Center: 352-264-6789
- Alachua County Sexual Assault Helpline: Call 352-264-6760 or Toll Free 1-866-252-5439
STUDENTS
UF Counseling & Wellness Center
401 Peabody Hall (4th Floor) 1500 Union Rd. Gainesville, FL32603 (352-392-1575
UFCOM Office of Student Counseling & Professional Development
Harrell Medical Education Building, Suite 446 (4th Floor) or Email: beverly@ufl.edu (352-273-7925)
Crises Services
- UF Crisis & Emergency Phone Counseling: 352-392-1575
- UF Counseling & Wellness Center Crisis & Emergency Resource Center (CERC): Emergency Walk-in Hours: Monday through Friday, 9am-4pm) or call : (352-392-1575): ask for CERC support staff. Location :401 Peabody Hall (4th Floor) 1500 Union Rd. Gainesville, FL32603
- UF Health Shands Psychiatric Hospital at Vista: Emergency Walk-in Hours: 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, 352-265-5481, Toll Free 1- 888-391-7181, 4101 NW 89th Blvd Gainesville, FL 32606
- National Suicide Prevention Hotline: Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
- Nacional de Prevencion del Suicidio (en espanol): Call Toll Free 1-888-628-9454
- National Suicide Hotline: Call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433);
- Alachua County Crisis Center: Call 352-264-6789
- Alachua County Sexual Assault Helpline: Call 352-264-6760 or Toll Free 1-866-252-5439
HELPFUL INTERNET RESOURCES
- What’s Your Grief Resource Page: A variety of resources for individuals experiencing grief and/or supporting others who are grieving
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
- Prevention Peer Support Line: For individuals who have lost a loved one to suicide
- Information for Immediately After Loss: Practical advice about how to handle immediate concerns (e.g., communicating to others about the loss)
- Taking Care of Yourself: Suggestions for self-care for those affected
- Alliance of Hope: Suggestions for those who’ve recently lost a loved one to suicide
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Local resources to support individuals struggling with mental illness and their families
- UFCOM Wellness website
- UF Counseling & Wellness Center website
- UFCOM Office of Student Counseling & Professional Development website
- UF/GatorCare Wellness website
- Local Mental Health Resources for Veterans Get Help: Find Local Care – Mental Health (va.gov): Use the tools below to find the Veteran resources closest to you.
- Professionals Resource Network, Inc.: PRN offers confidential referral of practitioners who have or may have a potentially-impairing health condition (i.e., substance use disorder, psychiatric disorder, or physical condition that could affect the practitioner’s ability to practice with skill and safety).
- How to help a fellow medical student struggling with drugs or alcohol | AAMC