The Student Assistance Program

The study of medicine and biomedical science is an exciting, fast-paced and challenging venture. At one point or another however, every student experiences stress and tension. Balancing one's studies and personal life can be difficult. Rather than becoming overwhelmed by these often-competing demands, students can learn to cope more effectively with the right skills and support. The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine is committed to assisting students in developing these tools to deal with stress and other troubles when they arise. With goals including optimizing students' potentials and easing transitions, the Student Assistance Program (SAP) provides support in dealing with the pressures and challenges students face during their academic and professional careers.

The Student Assistance Program offers:

• Discussion and support groups
• Preventative and educational sessions
• Identification and assessment of personal, family, and school/work-related issues
• Brief counseling and consultation
• Referral to appropriate and accessible services and resources

The SAP facilitates ongoing, focused discussion and support groups that address some of the main difficulties medical and graduate students face. These groups include depression, anger management, multicultural issues, medical marriages, coping with stress, and eating disorders, and they are tailored to the needs of the participating students.

SAP services are private and confidential, in accordance with state law and University policies. All registered Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine students and their immediate family members are eligible for SAP services, and there is no cost for utilizing SAP services. There may be fees associated with the other services and resources to which individuals may be referred, though health insurance usually defrays the cost of such care.

The SAP clinical staff is comprised of experienced mental health professionals, including psychologists, social workers, substance abuse counselors, and physicians.

Some concerns that we can help you with include:

• Stress and Anxiety
• Life Transitions
• School Troubles
• Academic Performance
• Family/Marital
• Interpersonal Relationships
• Depression
• Drugs and Alcohol
• Adapting to a New Environment
• Productivity
• Eating Disorders
• Grief and Mourning
• Sexual Harassment

The SAP is a program of the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FASAP), and is conveniently located in the offices of FASAP. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 410/955-1220 or 443/997-3800.