Behavioral Health at University Health Service
University Health Service recognizes the unique stress and pressures a college student faces. Whether you need continued care for an existing psychological condition, additional support or guidance with new or unexpected psychological concerns, or have an acute need for psychiatric care – our behavioral health team can help. Drug and alcohol abuse counseling and ADHD testing are also available. All discussions are confidential.
In the event that more specialized or comprehensive treatment is necessary, UHS will provide a referral for resources in the community following the student’s initial evaluation.
Members of the UHS Behavioral Health Clinic staff are available to consult with students on behavioral health issues. Staff members also give presentations to campus organizations and groups on a variety of behavioral health topics.
We are here to help.
Clinic Hours
Monday–Friday: 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Appointments and Services
To make an appointment, call 859-323-5511.
The first visit to the UHS Behavioral Health Clinic usually involves a brief discussion about the student's background and the nature of the current problem. This helps clarify the student's needs and develops a treatment plan for the patient. The treatment plan may include treatment at the UHS Behavioral Health Clinic, UK Counseling Center, or may receive a referral to outside resources in the community.
Evaluation, brief crisis intervention, and medication management are offered for a variety of difficulties, including but not limited to:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Drug and alcohol abuse
- Eating disorders
- Attention difficulties
- Stress
- Grief
The UHS Behavioral Health Clinic treats students who have been formally diagnosed with ADHD. A formal diagnosis includes a full neuropsychological evaluation by a licensed psychologist to confirm the diagnosis.
Previous diagnoses or records from family physicians, pediatricians or psychiatrists do not suffice as neuropsychological testing. We have a long-standing policy to have validated ADHD before we will prescribe a stimulant medication; We can (and do) use non-stimulant and other options to treat this as well.
If you have had previous neuropsychological testing completed any time after the age of 10, please bring those records with you (or better yet, send them ahead of time) to your initial appointment for us to review. Alternatively, you may wish to complete testing with a psychologist in the Lexington community. If that is not an option, please go ahead and schedule with us, we do have an ADHD testing system available. This system includes a 20-minute standardized computer testing and can be ordered by our providers (but note the test can be booked out 4-6+ weeks). Also, be aware that the Student Health Fee does not cover the cost of ADHD testing. You can either self-pay or can request we bill your insurance. Prior to your visit, please contact your insurance company to make sure your ADHD computerized testing is covered.
If you still need to complete testing, please make an appointment with a psychologist in the Lexington community. Once this testing is completed, you may schedule an appointment with the UHS Behavioral Health Clinic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to have a serious problem to come to the behavioral health service? No. Students can come to the UHS Behavioral Health Clinic for many different reasons including concerns about self-esteem, personal relationships, sexuality, family problems, substance abuse, eating problems, academic concerns, smoking cessation, anxiety, depression, and stress management. Whatever your concerns are, we are willing to talk with you.
Is there a charge for appointments? If you have paid the Health Fee then you can be seen in the UHS Behavioral Health clinic free of charge. Students who have not paid the Health Fee may be seen but will be self pay or billed through their private/commerical insurance.
How soon can I see someone? At the beginning of the semester, you can usually get an appointment within a few days. From mid-term on, our service is very busy. We will schedule you as soon as possible, but the wait may be a week or so. We suggest that you call as soon as you feel you need help, rather than waiting until later.
How do I know that I need help? Generally, if you have been having problems for two weeks or more, you have tried to address your concerns without success and your problems interfere with your ability to function the way you would like to, then you should consider seeking help. Problems can include trouble with a relationship, not doing well in school, insomnia, moodiness, tension, irritability or loss of interest in friends or school.
What about medication? Medication can be very helpful for treating a number of problems. Psychiatrists are on staff at the UHS Behavioral Health Clinic if you are in need of medication.
What is the policy on confidentiality? Your behavioral health records are confidential. We do not release records without your written permission.
