UHS Mental Health

University Health Service recognizes the unique stress and pressures a college student faces. The first visit to the UHS Behavioral Health Clinic usually involves a brief (hour-long) evaluation of 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
• Trauma
• Eating disorders
• Attention difficulties
• Stress
• Grief

Our UHS Behavioral Health team is here to help. All discussions are confidential. In the event more specialized or comprehensive treatment is necessary, UHS will provide a referral for resources in the community following the student’s initial evaluation.

To make an appointment, call 859-323-5511 or submit an online request here.

Clinic hours are Monday–Friday: 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment

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.

We have a long-standing policy to have validated ADHD before we will prescribe a stimulant medication. Previous diagnoses or records from family physicians, pediatricians, or psychiatrists do not suffice as neuropsychological testing. If you have had previous neuropsychological testing completed any time after the age of 10, please bring those records with you to your initial appointment for us to review. We can (and do) use non-stimulants and other options to treat ADHD as well.

If you have never completed neuropsychological testing, we do have an ADHD testing system available. This system includes a 20-minute standardized computer testing and can be ordered by our providers. Please note the test can be booked out for 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 request we bill your insurance. Before your visit, please get in touch with your insurance company to make sure your ADHD computerized testing is covered. 

Alternatively, you may wish to complete testing with a psychologist in the Lexington community. Once this testing is completed, you may schedule an appointment with the UHS Behavioral Health Clinic.

Do I have to have a serious problem to schedule an appointment? Not at all! Students can come to the UHS Behavioral Health Clinic for many different reasons including concerns about self-esteem, personal relationships, trauma, 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/commercial insurance.

How soon can I see someone? While our goal is less than two weeks, wait times may vary depending on the semester. TRACS is also a great resource available to students. 

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 if I would like to see a therapist, but I am not interested in medication at this time? While our clinicians provide some forms of therapy, the primary service of this clinic is to manage the medication side of treatment for mental health issues. For those interested strictly in therapy or who are unsure about where to start, we recommend meeting with TRACS, who help connect students with the right services, including therapy. Follow this link for more information on TRACS. 

What is the policy on confidentiality? Your behavioral health records are confidential. We do not release records without your written permission.**

I would like to get an Emotional Support Animal, can you help with that? The UHS clinic has a practice standard on this issue, and if you are curious about it, please feel free to review the link below for more information. 

**Within normal limitations of confidentiality (i.e. risk to self or others)

Below are our UHS Behavioral Health clinicians. Please click the Advance Practice Providers tab below to view more clinicians you can choose from. 

We are here to help.