The fall semester brings back-to-school excitement, renewed energy brought forth from a summer’s respite, and the dreaded flu and cold season. While spring is a time of blooming flowers, picnics on Haber Green, and end of semester celebrations, it’s also when allergy season rears its scratchy-throated head. No matter what time of year, be sure and Wellness Services to check any warning signs in your physical and mental health. Arcadia provides both Counseling Services and Health Services to students as convenient, holistic resources to help them maintain good health.

Counseling Services, located on the ground floor of Heinz Hall, is a free and confidential resource to help students manage stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental concerns, as well as improve overall wellness. In addition to one-on-one counseling, students can take advantage of periodic group sessions, campus programs, and online resources.  Five counselors and two interns are well-versed in addressing a wide range of specialities, such as physical and emotional abuse, drug and alcohol counseling, women’s issues, men’s issues, young adulthood development, eating disorders, and addiction.

Emergencies are seen immediately during office hours. Outside of office hours, contact Public Safety and Residence Life.

Also on the ground floor of Heinz, Student Health Services is staffed by certified nurse practitioners qualified to evaluate and treat acute illnesses, administer physical exams and immunizations, provide women’s health care, and more.

Students can walk in from 8:30 a.m. to noon and are usually seen that day. Excluding women’s health examinations and travel-related services, appointments typically take around 15 minutes.

“We want to get you through as quickly as possible,” says Kathy McGovern, director of health services.

That way, students can walk in or make appointments around their schedule without the need to miss class or commute to their family physician. Student Health Services also has many medications available on-site, and other prescriptions can be picked up at the after being filled at Glenside’s Wesley Pharmacy, for no additional charge.

“We’re trying to make it a kind of one-stop shop,” says McGovern, who hopes that students take advantage of Student Health Services for the entire process of addressing acute illness: appointment, diagnosis, and treatment.

More information on hours, walk-ins, and appointments, is available online, as is emergency information.