Student Wellness Services

Overview and Mission

The mission of Student Wellness Services is to put students’ health and wellbeing first. Student Wellness Services provides education, prevention, and intervention services with compassion for the FDU community. Our department has adapted a public health and trauma sensitive framework needed to support student wellbeing and cultivate a culture of wellness at the institution. Student Wellness Services includes two sub-units: the office of health wellness, which is responsible for preventive and acute health care, and the office of mental and emotional wellbeing which offers counseling to students and programs that will increase mental health literacy across the institution. We are a health center equipped with experienced mental health counselors, nurse practitioners and registered nurses who are available for student wellness needs. Student wellness services provide direct care, individual counseling services, health education and other supportive services. The department also offers small group workshops and community programs throughout the year on common health and wellness interests of the students.

Student Appointment Hours   

Florham Campus Locations

Office of Health Wellness

Located by the Danforth entrance, behind the softball field across from the Rutherford dorm, on the first floor

Office of Mental and Emotional Wellbeing

Located by the Danforth entrance, behind the softball field across from the Rutherford dorm, on the second floor

Metro Campus Locations

Office of Health Wellness

Located in the Student Union Building, on the second floor

Office of Mental and Emotional Wellbeing

Located on the Teaneck side of campus at the corner of Lone Pine Lane and University Drive

Our Framework

Student Wellness Services has adopted a public health model that is trauma sensitive and focuses on preventive care. We are dedicated to ensuring that students receive consistent health education and prevention that will reduce poor health outcomes and reduce high-acuity interventions. With that in mind, we’ve developed the E.P.I.C Care Model to frame our work. Educational, Preventive, Interventional and Compassionate Care. Using a tiered system, Student Wellness Services determines the appropriate treatment for students based on the presenting concerns with a primary focus on education and prevention.

Educational, Preventive, Interventional, Compassionate (EPIC) Care Model

Step 1: Education and Prevention

Student Wellness Services provides regular education and training opportunities to the FDU community in an effort to:

• Increase wellness literacy
• Destigmatize mental health
• Cultivate a culture of wellness embedded in the University

Step 1 Interventions

• Departmental Programs
• Avidon Health Courses
• Training and Development (MHFA, CPR/First Aid, Narcan, DEI&B)

Step 2: Screening and Assessments

Student Wellness Services provides screening and assessments to all students to determine the appropriate level of care. Our Wellness Coordinators, located at each campus, are the first point of contact for student referrals and inquiries.

Step 2 Interventions

• Health Wellness Vistis
• Short Term Counseling provided by FDU
• FDU Student Wellness Services Case Management

Step 3: High Acuity and Risk

For students who need specialized care, Student Wellness Services provides assistance with referrals and resources. All providers who have completed step 2 interventions will provide case management services to ensure students are participating in longer-term specialized care and when appropriate will close most student cases.

Step 3 Interventions

• Psychiatric Services
• Crisis Intervention
• Long Term Outpatient Care with Partners (UWill, CBH Cares, Hope therapeutics)
• FDU Student Wellness Services Case Management

Treatment

Student Wellness Services staff at FDU provide emotional and health wellness support to students and assist them with problem solving. Our aim is to help students gain greater understanding of themselves and their values; identify problems — and attitudes and behaviors which may contribute to those problems; explore alternative courses of action, develop coping skills, and provide advocacy. When we identify issues, options, and resources, student problems may feel less overwhelming, and negative emotions may dissipate. FDU students often seek counseling because they experience personal, academic and/or social/interpersonal problems. FDU students often seek health wellness care because of the accessibility and the need for consistent provider support at their home away from home. Communications between students and counselors are confidential barring an emergency.

Consultation

Consultation is an important component of Student Wellness Services. FDU students, faculty and staff consult with our staff for many reasons. A student may recognize that a friend is experiencing distress and not know how to handle the situation. A faculty member or administrator may need guidance on how to assist a student with a mental health issue. A student may need support with medication management and administering to support a chronic disease.

Outreach

Student Wellness Services staff have presented and/or coordinated a variety of programs to promote health and wellness literacy and inform the campus community about our services. During the summer, our staff participate in various new student orientations and programs including those of EOF, Latino Promise, and the Bridge Program. They also disseminate health and wellness information via table events, class presentations, student organization events such as those organized by fraternities and sororities, and workshop series sponsored by other various departments.