Student Medical Service

Counseling Center

Insurance
Davidson has long been concerned that all students have access to medical care as needed. The college provides limited health care through the Student Health Center and training room. However, students sometimes need specialized care through local clinics, hospitals, and specialists.

To insure that this care is available, all students attending Davidson College are required to carry health and accident insurance. International students are required to carry the policy offered by the college. American students covered by comparable insurance may be exempt from the student insurance program by completing a waiver, included in the billing, and returning it to the Davidson College Controller by August 31, 2003. After this deadline, student insurance may not be waived.

 

Student Medical Service
The Davidson College Student Health Service provides routine health care with the services of registered nurses on site from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. weekdays and part time physicians contracted through nearby Davidson Family Medicine.

A physician sees patients on an appointment basis during weekday afternoon hours. Same day appointments are available for urgent problems. Nurses run an allergy clinic for students requiring allergy shots. A nurse is on call by pager after hours and weekends, with physician backup. A health educator and a nutritionist are available to meet with students on an appointment basis.

A few beds are available in the infirmary section of the Student Health Center for the care of students who need observation and supervision, for those who have infectious diseases or orthopedic needs, and others whose illness calls for time away from the dormitory setting. The infirmary is not a hospital; care in the infirmary is similar to what would be received at home. There is a modest fee for the overnight stay, including routine supplies.

The Student Health Service will make arrangements at an area hospital for students who require medical care. The physicians will refer a student requiring a specialist. Ambulance and emergency service may be arranged through the Student Health Service.

Dental care is available to students at their expense through two private dental practices in Davidson. An optometric practice is available in the neighboring town of Cornelius, just a mile from Davidson. Ophthalmologists are available in Mooresville (seven miles) or Charlotte.

Counseling Center
The Student Counseling Center (SCC) offers a broad range of counseling and psychological services. Students visit the SCC for a number of concerns, many of them problems that their parents have not had to face. College students' ability to cope with the difficulties of an academically rigorous, busy environment is a frequent concern. Some students experience difficulty in moving away from home or adjusting to the changes in family life brought on by divorce or death. Some experience problems with substance abuse. Others seek information about interests, abilities, and personality. Consultation in learning new time management and study skills is also available.

The counseling staff includes professionally licensed doctoral level psychologists, a master's level counselor, and a part-time psychiatrist. Staff members have been employed by the college not only for their training and experience, but for their special interest in the development of young adults.

Counseling may be long or short-term, with the first ten sessions at no charge to the student each academic year. The relationship between student and counselor is professional and will be considered confidential unless the student's safety or that of others is threatened. Students may make appointments with counselors on their own, or they may be referred by a faculty or staff member or the Dean of Students.

Additional counseling and psychiatric care is available at student expense with private practitioners in Mooresville or Huntersville, both just minutes from campus. For students requesting off-campus services, SCC staff members are available to make referrals and assist in meeting students' needs.