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Learn about the free and confidential mental health services offered by Graduate Medical Education to residents and fellow physicians.

Mental Health Services for Residents and Fellows

Residents and fellows at IU School of Medicine have a range of options for mental health services and behavioral health care. IU School of Medicine provides free and confidential counseling services to resident and fellow physicians. Available services include individual, couples and family, and group counseling; consultation; programming; and emergency intervention. Among concerns are adjustment, alcohol or drug-related difficulties, anxiety/stress management, body image, depression, disordered eating, emotional response to physician responsibilities, harassment, individual differences, relationship difficulties, self-esteem, sexuality, sexual victimization, and suicidal thoughts.

All individuals are treated with respect regardless of age, color, counseling concern, ethnicity, gender, marital/parental status, national origin, race, religion, physical ability, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Counseling is confidential in accordance with state laws and ethical guidelines. Counseling records are maintained in files separate from the student/house staff files and cannot be accessed by faculty, staff, administrators, parents or other student/house staff without the individual’s written permission.

A resident or fellow, during a crisis, or for ongoing behavioral health care, can also choose to access their personal group health insurance in which they enrolled as an IU employee. This option involves some out-of-pocket expense to the individual. Find details of health insurance benefits for IU School of Medicine residents and fellows.

Department of Mental Health Services

Mental Health Services for residents and fellows at IU School of Medicine are available. The Mental Health Services Learner Portal can be used to schedule appointments, access virtual care, and communicate with the department. Residents and fellows may also reach out by phone: 317-278-2383.

A 24-hour Mental Health Crisis Line is also available: 800-909-6105.

IU School of Medicine’s Department of Mental Health Services

The Department of Mental Health Services (DMHS) offers psychiatric and counseling services to IU School of Medicine trainees. DMHS has psychiatrists who provide psychiatric services, including medication management and diagnostic evaluations. There are also multiple counselors available to provide counseling services. All counselors are either a licensed psychologist, licensed social worker, or licensed mental health counselor. Typically DMHS providers see patients in Gatch Hall, Suite 600, 1120 W. Michigan Street, 46202, or via telehealth. Use the Mental Health Services Learner Portal or call 317-278-2383 to make an appointment. Learn more on the DMHS website.

Employee Assistance Program

As employees of Indiana University, all IU School of Medicine residents and fellows have eligibility and access to the SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Learn more about the program from Indiana University's HR website.

Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy Services

L. Vern Farnum
Methodist Hospital – Wile Hall W230
Office: 317-962-8611
Cell: 317-914-3629
lfarnum@iuhealth.org

Physician Assistance Program

IU School of Medicine has contracted with the Indiana State Medical Association Physician Assistance Commission (ISMA-PAC) to coordinate efforts in identifying and assisting physicians with illnesses impairing their ability to practice medicine. These illnesses may include chemical dependency, psychiatric illnesses, and/or physical illnesses. The ISMA-PAC was created to assist in the identification, treatment, and rehabilitation of an impaired member of the medical staff and house staff.

The ISMA Commission serves all physicians who provide care at IU Health Methodist, IU Health University Hospital, Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health, VAMC, and Eskenazi Health be they faculty, staff, or resident physicians. If intervention is deemed appropriate, it is undertaken in a confidential, positive, supportive manner, consistent with the laws of the State of Indiana, with the goals of recovery and rehabilitation foremost in mind. For confidential assistance, contact: Candace Backer, ISMA Physician Assistance coordinator, 322 Canal Walk, Indianapolis, IN 46202; Phone: 317-261-2060 or 1-800-257-4762.