Health and Counseling Centers

The staff of the Student Health Center and Counseling Center are dedicated to helping students stay healthy by addressing their physical and mental health needs during college. Confidential medical (primary care) and mental health (counseling) services are provided to all full-time and part-time students.

The Health and Counseling Centers are located on the upper level of Orrico Hall. Services are available Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, with a break for lunch daily from 12:00pm to 1:00pm. Students can schedule an appointment by calling (503) 943-7134. Students, faculty, staff, and parents can request information about services by phone or email at hcc@up.edu.

Primary Care Services include:

• General medical care, including evaluation and treatment of illness or injury, and preventative care (e.g. physical examinations)
• Laboratory tests and orders
• Prescriptions and refills
• Psychiatric consultations
• Sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing
• Gynecological services
• Eating concerns support and assessment
• Health and wellness education/consultations
• Alcohol, tobacco, and other drug prevention education
• Vaccinations
• Referral services to community providers and specialists

Counseling Services include:

• Brief counseling services
• Same-day urgent mental health support for students who are experiencing active suicidal or homicidal ideation, recent oppression or discrimination based on a marginalized identity, recent death of a loved one, and for students who have experienced sexual assault or other interpersonal violence
• Students requesting ongoing or long-term counseling sessions will be assisted with referrals to an off-campus provider
• Mental health support groups and workshops lead by licensed counselors
• After-hours mental health consultative and crisis support for students through the Pilot Helpline

Consultative services are available to parents, faculty, and staff regarding the health and safety of a student. The Health and Counseling Centers adhere to FERPA and HIPPA confidentiality laws. Therefore, confidential medical and mental health information cannot be discussed without a release of information from the Health and Counseling Centers signed by the student. Additionally, students must schedule their own primary care and counseling appointments; appointments for students cannot be requested by parents, faculty, or staff.

Planning for chronic or ongoing medical or mental health concerns:

• If a student has a chronic medical or psychiatric condition for which they are seeing a specialist/provider at home, it is highly recommended the student find a provider in the Portland area to establish ongoing care upon arrival to Portland. The Student Health Center may be able to provide this care on campus or can coordinate referrals to specialists in the community. We advise scheduling an initial consult appointment in advance of arrival to campus.
• The Student Health Center can manage most ongoing prescriptions but does not prescribe controlled medications such as narcotics, sleep medications, stimulants, or benzodiazepines. If a student is on a controlled medication for a diagnosis (e.g. ADHD, chronic pain), they will need to find a provider in the Portland area to prescribe these medications.
• If a student requires assistance with finding a local provider, they can schedule an appointment with a health or counseling clinician to discuss options.

The University believes that a solid health plan providing for urgent and non-urgent care is vital to the well-being of our students. As such, all full-time undergraduate students are required to carry health insurance. If a student’s personal health insurance does not cover them for non-emergency care in the Portland area, they will automatically be enrolled in the Student Insurance Plan. Benefit details of the Student Insurance Plan can be found on the Health Center and Student Accounts websites.

Regardless of insurance status, all students are welcome in the Health and Counseling Center. Regardless of insurance status, all students are welcome in the Health and Counseling Center. Students with the Student Insurance Plan can receive healthcare services without a copay, deductible, or co-insurance. The Student Health Center is also in network with most major health insurance companies.

According to Oregon state law, students are required to show proof of receiving two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. These vaccines must have been administered at least 28 days apart and after the student is 12 months of age. Every incoming student born on or after January 1, 1957 must provide these dates or other acceptable proof of immunity. To enter MMR vaccine dates, students should go to the University of Portland's Secure Patient Portal and sign in using their University of Portland login information. Other vaccinations or immunizations may be required based on current public health conditions.