Washington University Student Health Services offers a variety of services, many beyond what would be expected from a campus healthcare provider.

Situated in the Habif Wellness Center in Dardick House, Student Health Services (SHS) offers a range of specialized treatment options that include physical therapy, travel medicine and a men’s clinic.

The treatment center recently moved from Umrath Hall to its new location, a change that has allowed more services to be offered.

“Most people, when they think about health services on campus sort of would think about more traditional things that colleges and universities might offer,” said Dr. Alan Glass, director of Student Health Services (SHS).

He explained that some students might not realize the range of services offered by SHS. The SHS travel medicine clinic offers students physicals and immunizations necessary to travel abroad.

The men’s clinic, which is offered one half day a week, focuses on the health needs of male patients.

The newest addition to the SHS staff is a sports medicine specialist who offers a sports medicine clinic one half day a week. Two days a week, SHS collaborates with the physical therapy department at the University School of Medicine to provide physical therapy services to students.

SHS also offers dietary counseling with Registered Dietician Connie Diekman, who offers advice on making healthy eating choices and meeting one’s nutritional needs.

“We always want to see more students,” said Diekman.

Appointments can be scheduled with her at 5-6666, option three.

Both individual students and student groups can schedule a one-hour appointment to review eating habits and receive advice. Students can also use this service to get information on diabetes, eating disorders and other weight concerns, and follow up visits are also available.

SHS has a well-equipped mental health facility. It provides help for students dealing with issues of stress, depression, and adjustment issues.

These services may be of particular interest to freshmen, since the changes associated with going to college could cause some of these problems. These services can be helpful even in situations that are not really complicated or severe.

“In a lot of cases the earlier you start to work with a problem the less complex the solution can be,” said Glass.

The accessibility to these services has improved recently, not only due to the new location, but also the implementation of online scheduling. Students can go to the SHS website any time of day and schedule appointments for any of the services offered.

“I think it has helped get the word out about these programs. The point was to make it more convenient for students to access the service,” said Glass.

Students may also call 5-6666 to schedule appointments.

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