THE JUILLIARD SCHOOL
HEALTH AND COUNSELING SERVICE

As performing artists, maintenance of physical and mental health is critical for Juilliard students who must meet rigorous academic and performance demands of the conservatory setting. The Juilliard School Health Service provides primary care for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of medical conditions and injuries, as well as education about self-care and prevention. The Counseling Service provides students with the opportunity to speak with a therapist about any issue, problem, or condition that is impacting their experience at Juilliard. Our services reflect our philosophy that physical and mental health are interrelated, and that treatment of the whole person is the best approach to treating and preventing illness.

Hours and Contact Information

The Juilliard School Health and Counseling Servicesare located on the 22nd floor of the Meredith Willson Residence Hall.
Health Services: 799-5000, ext. 282
Counseling Service: Ext. 282 or 769-3918 (confidential answering machine).
Health Services Fax: 769-6427

Health Services clinic hours (during the School year):
Mon – Fri., 9:20 a.m.– 4:40 p.m.
Walk-in hour: Mon – Fri., 1:30–2:30 p.m.

General Health Care

The Juilliard School Health and Counseling Services provides free primary health care and counseling services to all enrolled undergraduate and graduate students at the School. We offer the highest quality of primary care with an emphasis on teaching illness/injury prevention and health promotion. We also try to prepare our students for entering the complex world of health care by educating them to be well-informed consumers.

The Health Services clinic is equipped with two private exam rooms, a laboratory, a state-of-the-art physical therapy facility, and a large waiting room and reception area. The Counseling Service is also located on the 22nd floor of the residence hall, but has a separate waiting room and entrance.

The clinic has on staff a full-time licensed physician assistant, a part-time licensed adult nurse practitioner, a certified medical assistant, an orthopedic surgeon (who specializes in performing arts medicine), and three physical therapists. Two of our clinicians are bilingual (English/Spanish), and we can call upon the School's Office of International Affairs for an interpreter, if necessary. Our off-site consulting medical director is an internist who is available for consultation, referral, and hospital admissions 24 hours a day. Our three consulting physical therapists work on-site at various hours, Monday through Friday, during the academic year, and are also available backstage at dance rehearsals and performances. Each of our physical therapists has extensive experience and training in the special problems presented by performing artists.

HEALTH SERVICES CLINIC
Clinic services are provided Monday through Friday from 9:20 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. during the academic year, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Mon.- Thurs.) during the summer. Students may see any of our clinical professionals, including our physical therapists, by calling 799-5000, ext. 282, to make an appointment, or they may see our medical practitioners and our medical assistant during our daily walk-in hour (1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.) on a first-come-first-serve basis. Physical therapy is also available on a walk-in basis at times posted in the clinic. All clinic medical services are conducted on-site at the School. The clinic serves approximately 40 students daily. Students are referred to outside specialists when deemed necessary, and we have established a network of outside practitioners representing many specialties that have demonstrated reliability and excellent care practices with Juilliard students. If urgent medical needs arise during off-hours or weekends, students and staff may call our medical director (see Emergencies) who is prepared to give medical advice, or conduct follow-up for students who have had to go to a N.Y.C. emergency room or hospital.

In addition to the above-mentioned services, Health Services offers free flu shots in the fall, all state-mandated immunizations, hepatitis A and B immunizations (for a small fee), meningicoccal vaccinations ($60.00 fee) and education, tuberculosis testing, H.I.V. testing and pre/post-testing counseling, free condoms (self-serve), and free educational brochures on a broad range of health topics. Students can get annual exams (including gynecological services and tests) done at the clinic, and our clinic laboratory allows us to prepare most specimens required to aid in diagnosis. We have contracted the services of a local laboratory for general specimen analysis, and the services of a specialized pathology lab for all Pap smears and other specimens requiring a pathology report. Students should note that laboratory services provided by outside labs are not free, and that invoices for such services will be sent to students and/or their insurance companies for payment. The clinic often engages interns from local universities who conduct seminars and student and faculty training, and who also offer free one-on-one counseling in nutrition, sexuality, and other personal health and safety areas.

PHYSICAL THERAPY
The physical therapy service at Juilliard is unique in that students from all of the performing arts disciplines; music, dance, drama, and voice, are treated in one setting. Physical therapy is available to all students on an appointment basis (call ext. 282) or during scheduled walk-in hours during the week. Appointments are 20 minutes long. Students in all disciplines are encouraged to seek guidance and take preventative measures by scheduling a physical therapy appointment before their injury becomes debilitating. The physical therapy room (located on the 22nd floor of the Willson Residence Hall) is large enough to accommodate several students at one time. It is equipped with modalities such as ultrasound, electro-stimulation and paraffin, a sprung dance floor, Pilates machine, and an array of exercise apparatus.

All physical therapists have extensive experience and training in the treatment of performing artists. The therapist evaluates the student's injury and technique to develop an individualized treatment program. Treatment focuses on manual therapy, alignment, and therapeutic exercise to improve muscle balance and movement strategies. The goal is to educate the student in self-care for healthful performance. The physical therapist will refer some students (depending on their injury) for consultation with the on-site consulting orthopedic surgeon who sees patients in the Health Services clinic on Thursday mornings. Outside referrals are given on a case-by-case basis based on medical necessity.

EMERGENCIES
The Health Services clinic is not equipped to handle serious medical emergencies. Students may come to the clinic for certain urgent medical care such as sutures, treatment of respiratory distress, and non-life-threatening injury triage. During off-hours, students may call our medical director, Dr. Hector Castro, for consultation regarding an urgent medical need. He may be reached at (212) 420-9225. Students utilizing this service should identify themselves as Juilliard students and should leave a phone number where Dr. Castro may call back.

In the event of a medical emergency, students should proceed to the nearest hospital emergency room or call 911 for an ambulance. The hospital emergency room closest to the School is at St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, 10th Avenue at 59th Street. Students experiencing emergencies that are psychological in nature are advised to consider seeking emergency care at the Payne Whitney Clinic, part of the N.Y.-Presbyterian Hospital, 525 East 68th Street. The Payne Whtiney Clinic has worked closely with the Juilliard School in providing excellent mental health care to students requiring hospitalization.

IMMUNIZATIONS
New York State Law requires all college students to provide the School with documentation of immunizations for measles, mumps and rubella or laboratory evidence of immunity. The immunization history form and the specific requirements may be accessed by clicking here.

Juilliard also requires that all students be fully vaccinated against hepatitis B. This is a three-part immunization series that all students must complete by the end of their first year at School, regardless of level of entrance. New York State recently enacted new laws pertaining to vaccination against meningococcal disease. Under this new law, students enrolled in six or more credit hours per semester must demonstrate through medical records that they have received a meningococcal vaccination within the past ten years. Alternatively, students may sign a waiver of immunization acknowledging their awareness of the risks of failing to be immunized. Students who decide to be immunized should make every effort to get the vaccine administered prior to the student's arrival at School, however it can also be obtained for a fee of $60.00 at the Health Services Clinic with advance notice. Important: Students who fail to meet immunization requirements will not be able to register for classes. Additionally, the law mandates that no institution should permit any student to attend the institution in excess of 30 days without complying with the meningococcal vaccine requirements.

Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly contagious bacterial respiratory disease that continues to pose a serious public health risk. In the past few years, certain strains of the bacteria, which cause TB, have developed resistance to antibiotics. Juilliard requires students who have been exposed to TB or who have been in any country determined by the Center for Disease Control (C.D.C.) to be one in which there is an increased risk of exposure, to provide evidence of having had a P.P.D. test (a simple skin test) within six months prior to arrival at School. If the results of the P.P.D. test are positive (as defined by the C.D.C.), the student must have had an x-ray and provide the x-ray report to Health Services prior to arrival. A student diagnosed with active TB will not be able to attend School or live in the residence hall until the student can produce 1.) a letter from a licensed physician that the student has three consecutive negative sputum A.F.B. test results and that he/she is on effective therapy, is improving clinically, and is not contagious; 2.) a chest x-ray report that verifies that the TB is not longer active; and 3.) other proof as recommended by the N.Y.C. Health Dept.

CONFIDENTIALITY
The Health Services clinic observes strict rules of confidentiality and is in compliance with federal and State privacy rules which govern personal health information. Patient charts are maintained in a locked medical file cabinet, and no patient health information is released to third parties without a signed authorization, or as otherwise required or allowed by law. Clinic personnel have been trained in the practice of the highest standards in handling confidential medical information. The Health Service Confidentiality Policy is available in the Health and Counseling Service “Policies and Notice of Information Practices,” a copy of which is kept in the clinic waiting room and is otherwise available to anyone upon request.

JUILLIARD COUNSELING SERVICE
The mission of the Juilliard Counseling Service is to provide supportive psychotherapy to assist students in meeting their emotional, psychological, and mental health needs. Our services advance the academic and performance missions of the School by facilitating personal development, self-awareness, problem solving and communication. The Counseling Service carries out its mission through three essential roles and functions including counseling and psychotherapy, consultation, and outreach programming.

The Juilliard Counseling Service has a clinical director and six consulting psychotherapists who are all available to students on-site at various hours Monday through Saturday during the academic year. Appointments at therapists' private offices may be granted upon special request. We also have a consulting psychiatrist to whom students who require medication are referred (free-of-charge). Counseling services are conducted in soundproofed counseling rooms or at the private offices of our therapists, and there is a counseling waiting area that is separate from the health clinic side. Students may call to schedule an appointment or to speak with a therapist by calling ext. 282 or by leaving a message on the confidential answering machine at 769-3918.

Confidentiality
The Juilliard Counseling Service maintains the highest standards of confidentiality of all psychotherapy records and information. Psychotherapy records are kept in locked file cabinets in the Counseling Service therapy rooms, which are also locked. Access to psychotherapy records is limited to the therapists and psychiatrist who are members of the Counseling Service team. The Counseling Service has a written policy regarding the confidentiality of patient psychotherapy communications and records. This may be found in the Service's “Policies and Notice of Information Practices,” a copy of which is available in the waiting area of the Health Services clinic, or upon request.

HEALTH INSURANCE
The Juilliard School offers an excellent student health insurance plan that provides benefits for off-campus medical services and prescription drugs. IMPORTANT: Students who rely on the health insurance plan offered by the School should be aware that in order to be eligible for benefits, you must first be seen and referred by a clinician at Health Services. A referral for outside psychological services may be made by our clinical director of Counseling Services. The only exceptions to this rule are: emergency medical services or medical services provided while the student is not at School or when Health and Counseling Services are closed. Students should refer to the insurance brochure for details regarding coverage, but all students should note that coverage under the Basic Plan ends on May 31. Coverage under the Supplemental Plan (which requires the payment of an additional premium) terminates on August 31 for all students enrolled in fall and spring semesters. You should check with the Bursar's Office (ext. 580) for details regarding enrollment and waiver requirements, premium rates, and rules regarding dates by which you must sign-up and pay for supplemental insurance. Family members are not covered under the student insurance policy except for limited coverage for newborns. Claim forms may be obtained through the Health Services office, or downloaded by clicking here . General questions about health insurance and prescription drug coverage may be directed to the Director of Health and Counseling Services, ext. 282.

ALCOHOL
Consumption of alcoholic beverages is a prevalent topic on college campuses. Problems that relate to drinking are also universal and are particularly acute in college-age communities. Studies indicate that more than one-fourth of individuals in college have problems caused by immoderate and irresponsible drinking. The Juilliard School has policies, programs and regulations that enforce state laws against underage drinking of alcoholic beverages, and which are formulated to address the potential problems of excessive or inappropriate consumption of alcohol by students. There is particular focus on providing educational and preventive programming so that students are aware of the dangers of alcohol.

The Juilliard School endeavors to provide the best possible opportunity for learning and performing, and to create a safe environment conducive to personal growth. These goals are hindered by alcohol abuse. Behavior resulting from excessive drinking that interferes with the School's mission is unacceptable and shall be cause for disciplinary action. Students should refer to the Students Rights & Responsibilities section of this handbook for details regarding disciplinary policies and procedures. Juilliard policy permits the use of alcohol in moderation in accordance with New York State law: Individuals under 21 years of age may not possess or consume alcoholic beverages nor may individuals over 21 years of age furnish alcoholic beverages to those under 21 years of age.

The Juilliard School provides educational and counseling programs, as well as referral sources, in order to assist members of the Juilliard community in dealing with alcohol problems and any related inappropriate or unsafe behavior.

SAFER SEX
Safer sex can keep you healthy. So what is safer sex?

• Abstinence - choosing not have any type of sex with another person.
• Intimacy without sexual intercourse [kissing, hugging, communication, dancing, dating]
• Protected sex - using a barrier method during sexual relations
  using a condom or Reality [female condom] during vaginal or anal intercourse
  using a dental dam or condom during oral sex
  FREE CONDOMS ARE AVAIABLE ON A SELF-SERVICE BASIS IN THE HEALTH SERVICE WAITING AREA AND IN THE OFFICE OF RESIDENCE LIFE.

What organisms can be transmitted sexually?
Trichomonas, herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, H.I.V., hepatitis [B, C, D, and G], human papilloma virus [H.P.V.], syphilis, chancroid, granuloma inguinale, lympho-granuloma venereum. Initial symptoms are often mild and transient. The majority of individuals generally do not know they have been infected until the infection becomes a disease.

For more information on S.T.D.’s go to: www.nyc.gov/health/std or www.cdc.gov/health

What interferes with practicing safer sex?
When partners have not had a discussion prior to beginning a sexual encounter, it is often awkward to stop in the middle and have a dialogue about safer sex. Often it is also embarrassing to ask sexual partners about their past sexual experiences and whether they have practiced safer sex in order to assess risks to you. A partner that has a condom, and talks about it before initiating sex, is being respectful and understands the risks. We know of many situations in which a person has reassured his/her partner that there has been no previous sexual exposure, and that protection is not necessary. Unfortunately, this is often how a student becomes infected with a sexually transmitted disease. Vow to yourself to always use protection, no matter what is said. It is not a matter of trust; it is about taking care of yourself.

The use of alcohol and other recreational drugs (usually illegal) are often major factors when people have unsafe sex. Safer sex takes some planning, thinking, and negotiating. Alcohol and other drugs can impair your judgment, short-circuit your thinking, and limit your ability to communicate effectively. Alcohol and other drugs may also make you clumsy and careless in using condoms and lubricants. Alcohol and many other drugs are depressants and also decrease sexual pleasure.

What do I do if I have had an unsafe sexual encounter?
Call the student Health Service (ext. 282) for an appointment to be screened for S.T.D.'s. Health Services has a male nurse practitioner and a female physician assistant, and students may choose who they want to see. Health Services also offers confidential pre/post H.I.V. test counseling, and we have extensive literature available to students for free about STDs, dating, GLBT health issues, relationships, and substance abuse.

HELPFUL LINKS
There are many Internet websites that have valuable and straightforward information about sexual health, mental health (including depression, anxiety, how to get help), diseases, nutrition, physical health, substance abuse, and current treatments. We have included these links to sites that you might find helpful. None of these sites is in any way affiliated with The Juilliard School, nor does the School endorse any information they contain..

Go Ask Alice. This is Columbia University’s popular health questions and answer site. You will find an extremely wide range of topics covered, including some that you might not expect!

Coalition for Positive Sexuality. This is an organization that publishes clear and straightforward information about S.T.D.’s, sexual choices, and safe sex.

Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention.

Befrienders International. Information for anyone feeling low, depressed or suicidal, or worried about a friend or relative; General information about issues relating to suicide. Access to the world's most comprehensive directory of suicide and crisis helplines.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. This is a sophisticated organization that has good information on prevention, depression, how to help someone who is suicidal, and how to get help.

National Mental Health Association. Information on a wide variety of mental health topics, easy to read fact sheets on depression, anxiety, and many other mental health subjects (under the “Mental Health Information” tab) and self-administered tests for depression.

National Women’s Health Resource Center. An A-to-Z resource on women’s health issues.

Medline Plus, Men’s Health topics. Lots of Information on lots of men’s health issues.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This site offers comprehensive information on all health topics.

Food and Nutrition Information Center. This is an interesting site on nutrition and includes food pyramids for many different cultures including Thailand, Russia, Japan, and China. 

Fact sheets on Sexually Transmitted Diseases, from the National Institutes of Health.

Do It Now Foundation. Great information on drugs.