Parent Info

You can help your son or daughter make a smooth transition to college life by encouraging them to use the on-campus University Health and Counseling Services (UHCS). Why?

• The UHCS specializes in the unique needs of college students and is one of only 10% of college health centers in the nation that is accredited.

• The Ambrose Health Center is on campus and students can easily receive services during their school day without taking time out to travel. Often same day health appointments are available. In crisis situations, same day counseling appointments are also available.

• The licensed and/or certified staff at UHCS provide comparable care to what is likely available from the student’s home Primary Care Provider (PCP) - physician, nurse practitioner, clinic or counselor. Having an in-house lab saves time and is generally quite affordable. Services are also available for chronic health care, disabilities and those needing allergy shots. Our professional mental health clinicians are equipped to handle a wide variety of psychological issues.

• UHCS can coordinate care with the student’s PCP by providing easy access to care for the student with acute issues and communicating with the PCP for further care, if the student signs a release of information form. We can also follow-up on acute or chronic problems that the PCP would like monitored while the student is at UW-W and communicate our findings with that PCP.

• Students with medical or psychiatric concerns can receive their prescriptions through UHCS’ physicians, nurse practitioners or psychiatrist. Many of the most commonly used medications can be dispensed from our clinic without a trip to the drugstore and are quite affordable.

• There is no charge for physical health office visits, individual counseling sessions, or therapy groups.

• Students can still receive services that have a fee when needed and charge it to their university bill even if they don’t have cash, check or Purple Points at that time.

• UHCS does not bill insurance, but your student will be provided with a receipt that can be submitted to your insurance carrier.

Alcohol and Other Drug Use

Student use of alcohol and other drugs is considered to be one of the most serious health and safety threats on college campuses today. Parents can help by communicating on a regular basis about how, when and why their students use alcohol and/or other drugs. At UW-W we are most concerned about preventing the negative consequences of high risk use - those consequences include legal and financial difficulties, increased personal stress, poor academic performance, sexual assault, injury and death. It is important that students understand that parental advice to "be careful" means more than "don't drink and drive". It also means, "don't drink too much or too fast" and "utilize your campus resources if you or a friend seems to need advice on how to manage alcohol or drug use problems." The links below offer some positive suggestions on how parents can choose to make a difference:

Parents You're Not Done Yet

Parent's Guide

What Parent's Need to Know About College Drinking

Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention

Wisconsin Clearinghouse for Prevention Resources

What Our Students Say About UHCS

Last year 99% of surveyed students who used the health service rated it as excellent or good and 100% said they would use it again if needed.

"Always competent service whenever I come here. Great alternative to expensive Dr's visits."

The majority found their visit to the Health Service helpful in their academic performance/attendance.

"The staff is always very friendly, Most of the time I am seen right at my scheduled appointment. Really has improved my schoolwork and attitude on life."

100% of patients who were considering dropping out of school found their visit to the Health Services helpful in their decision to remain in school

"The doctor was very helpful in explaining what I had and what treatment was available. Also, the free samples were great for my college budget."

"Staff is concerned and nice. They do what they can to try and assist you with your needs. Dr. and staff try to get to know you on a personal level and make you feel more at home/relaxed"

"Very helpful, the health center got me on a program that takes care of my medication. Until then I had to pay for it or go without. (no insurance)"

"I think you do a great job! I like how you seem to always get people in to see someone ASAP."

"Very helpful and fast service. Way better than any previous doctor’s appointment that I’ve had anywhere else. Thanks!"

" I have been to the UHCS many times while at UW-Whitewater. Each visit I am greeted by friendly staff and receive excellent, timely advice. My concerns are always heard and addressed."

" Staff is so helpful and patient. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"

Last year, 99% of the surveyed students who used the Counseling Services rated their experience excellent or good.
All said they would use the service again if needed.

"My counselor is very attentive and I feel very versed in the areas I regularly see him for. I know my information is treated as confidential. I am always greeted by a friendly person and always feel respected here. I definitely am happy that I utilize the Health and Counseling Services here on campus. Thanks!"

96% of our clients found counseling helpful with academic performance/attendance.

"This has been the best for me. I was always scared to see someone, but I am glad I came here to the UHCS for counseling. It has helped me through a lot of my problems with school and family. If I had a choice to do it again I would. My counselor has been so helpful and very fulfilling with all my needs. You guys here at the UHCS are great! Thank you.

Of our clients who were considering dropping out of school, 100% found counseling helpful in their decision to remain in school.

"I thought my counselor was very helpful. I felt that he respected me and truly listened to what I had to say. I was hesitant about coming to counseling, but am really glad I did. I'm already starting to feel better and will keep coming back."

"The experience I have had here at UHCS has been wonderful! The staff maintains a high degree of professionalism, courtesy and respect. Coming here and working with my counselor has been such a positive experience... It has made a difference in many aspects of my health and well-being! Thank you!"

"I have found the university health and counseling services very helpful. I have always found a good time to be able to meet and it brightens my day to see Gwen’s smiling face. I have learned a lot about myself and others. I will be able to use this knowledge in my future. I have a better balance on my life and I feel happier and healthier too. I would recommend UWW counseling services to anyone who is stressed our about school, relationships with family and lovers, or anyone who is willing to talk about life!"

"This service has helped me out a lot. I can't afford to go to a therapist outside of school and the fact that it is free is extremely helpful."

"The environment is very non-threatening and relaxing, and I really feel more relieved after every visit. I have also encouraged friends to come here because it is an excellent relief of stress."

"I was very hesitant about coming here because I have never been through counseling, but I am so glad I finally came. It has honestly helped me so much."

"I don’t know if most universities have counseling services, but visiting here keeps me sane and ready for school!"

" I really appreciate you providing this service for students. It’s amazingly helpful! Thank you!"

"Counselor has become one of my most trusted advisors. He listens very well and his advice is professional and from years of experience. The counseling sessions are very important to me and I believe life would be different for me (negatively) if I hadn’t been going to them on a regular basis. Thank you Counselors and Support Staff!"

"Counseling services does a great job giving you someone that will make you feel comfortable. I am a person who has kept everything bottled in my whole life and coming to counseling services was a move I almost didn’t take but it ended up being the best move I could have ever made."

May 2008
Letter to New Students

Welcome to UW-Whitewater! University Health and Counseling Services (UHCS) wants to help you do and feel your best in college and beyond. Our staff is committed to helping you stay healthy and treating you when you are ill so that you may participate fully in college life.

UHCS offers high quality, low cost services and is conveniently located on campus. Our staff specializes in the unique needs of college students. If you want, we can coordinate the care you receive on campus with your current primary physician. All students pay a health services fee that is included in tuition and fees. There is no charge for office visits or wellness services. We do charge for laboratory tests, medications, some procedures and physicals – usually at lower cost than you would find elsewhere. We do not bill insurance companies nor do we belong to an HMO, but you can receive a receipt from UHCS to submit the charges to your insurance company yourself, if they are a covered service. We sometimes refer off-campus for specialized or emergency care and those providers will charge you directly.

What you need to do before starting at UW-Whitewater
If you are covered under your parent’s health insurance, get a copy of your card and find out what services are covered in the Whitewater area. If you do not have insurance coverage, we urge you to consider purchasing the University-endorsed health insurance plan. You can receive details at Student Assurance Services.

Please print the following documents, complete and return them to:
University Health and Counseling Services Medical Records
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
800 West Main Street
Whitewater, WI 53190-1790
FAX 262-472-5608

Insurance information
Immunization Record
Statement of Chronic or Recurring Health Problems
We will include the health forms in your confidential patient record.

Please feel free to call us at (262) 472-1300 if you have any questions about our services. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Sincerely,
Ruth Swisher, RN, MS - Director of Health,
University Health & Counseling Services

and

Donene Rowe, MD - Medical Supervisor
University Health & Counseling Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Whats New | Health Services | Counseling Services| Wellness Center | Home

This site is not meant to replace the advice of a health care or counseling professional. You should not rely on any information on these pages, or information generated for you by this site, to replace consultations with qualified professionals regarding your own specific situation.

Some links take you to a source outside of UHCS. The owners of that site, not UHCS, are responsible for the content.

For health care questions, do not email, please call 262-472-1300 menu option 4

Updated: 12/02/2008

University Health & Counseling Services
For Comments: brueggek@uww.edu