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Wellness Resources

Health and Wellness Counselor

Dr. Becky SmithDr. Becky Smith
(251) 460-7051
beckysmith@southalabama.edu

Dr. Smith offers confidential counseling for individuals, couples and groups. Medical students do not need to have an identified mental health problem to be seen by the counselor, although these clinical mental health services are offered. Students come to counseling for a variety of reasons, including improving their health and wellness and increasing resiliency. 

Scope of Services

Currently registered, full or part-time USA Whiddon College of Medicine students (MD and PhD programs) are eligible for services with the COM Health & Wellness Counselor. As needed, all COM students may receive crisis intervention, consultation, and/or referral.

The following considerations are in place as well:

  • Students who have been admitted but have not yet begun classes are not eligible for services until the first week of classes.
  • Community clients are limited to those who are the partner of a currently registered student and are participating in couples counseling.

COM students who are not eligible for services include:

  • Students who have taken an extended leave of absence (Personal or Medical leave that has been granted up to one calendar year).
    • Students currently receiving services from the Health & Wellness Counselor may receive services for the remainder of the semester in which the leave of absence was granted or for the following one semester if the leave of absence was approved at the end of a semester.
    • If clinically indicated, students already receiving services from the Health & Wellness Counselor on an extended leave may receive a monthly check-in with the Health & Wellness Counselor to help transition the student back into the academic environment.

Considerations for extended services include the student’s needs, financial resources, provider and client relationship, and other factors when determining the number of sessions needed for a client.

Additional Resources include:

  • Lunch & Learns: These sessions are a collaboration between The Offices of Student Affairs and Academic Success and cover a variety of topics such as managing the transition to medical school, emotional well-being, career planning, and growth mindset. For more information contact Dr. Smith.
  • Monthly wellness forums: Forums cover topics such as managing the transition to medical school, emotional well-being, healthy relationships, and mindfulness. For more information contact Dr. Smith.
  • Mental Health First Aid training: Available for medical students to enhance their ability to identify and respond to mental health concerns and emergencies. For more information contact Dr. Smith.
  • University Counseling and Wellness Center (UCWC)
  • USA Recreation Center
  • USA Outdoor Adventures
  • Campus Outdoor Trails
  • AAMC: Medical Student Mental Health and Well-Being