Health Centre
The Health Centre is located at 11 Gibraltar Camp Way, Mona Campus across from the Hugh Lawson Shearer Centre (Social Welfare Training Centre) or beside The UWI School of Nursing.
Opening Hours
During Semester
Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. – 7:30pm
Saturdays 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Semester Break
Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Saturdays Closed
Councelling Unit
The University Counselling Service at The UWI Mona Campus functions as an Urgent Care Counselling Centre, providing single session therapy support for students in immediate crisis.
Students walking in to the university counselling service in crises will be scheduled to see a counsellor for a single session only. During this session, the counsellor will offer trauma informed support and strategies for coping. The counsellor may also offer referrals to local centres for ongoing therapy support e.g. the UHWI, Victim Support Services, UTECH’s counselling unit, Church based counselling centres etc.
Typical crisis situations can include, but are not limited to the following:
- Severe symptoms of panic, depression, suicidal ideation and psychosis.
- Psychosis is a collection of symptoms that affect the mind, where there has been some loss of contact with reality. Symptoms may include bizarre behaviour, paranoia, poor hygiene, hearing voices etc.
- Recent (in the past month) death of a family member or friend from suicide, murder, accident or other traumatic event;
- Recent (in the past month) traumatic event e.g. robbery, sexual assault or physical assault
Students in crises can walk in to UCS by themselves or be referred to walk in by someone (a lecturer, hall manager etc.). Appointments will not be made by phone or email, only in person. If there is an appointment space available, the student will be seen that day. If not, the student or staff will be asked to return next day or will be immediately referred to the UHWI for a mental health assessment.
Frequent need (more than 2 walk-ins in a semester) for urgent care counselling will indicate the need for a higher level of care beyond the scope of practice at the UCS. In these situations, the UCS will direct the student or staff to off-campus resources. Please note some off-campus counselling sites charge for their services.
Office Hours
The hours during the academic year will be:
Monday through Friday: 10am – 3pm.
During this time, students and staff can go directly to the University Counselling Service (UCS) for single session in-person support.
What If It’s Outside Office Hours?
Persons who experience an urgent mental health crisis outside of office hours are encouraged to:
- Call the UWIHELPS at 876-294-0042 and speak with the UWIHELPS counsellor
- Call the Ministry of Health and Wellness mental health line at 888-NEWLIFE (639-5433) and speak with a counsellor on call
- Go to, or be escorted to, the nearest Accident & Emergency Room for acute assessment and support
Health Insurance
All registered students (full-time and part-time) become eligible for the University’s mandatory health insurance plan and are issued health cards at the start of each academic year. Medical, mental health and dental services and prescription drugs can be accessed at the University Health Centre once their miscellaneous fees are paid. Telemedicine service may also be covered under the insurance for medical and counselling services.
As with all health insurance plans, there are limitations to what is covered, especially as it relates to prescription drugs. Students are encouraged to seek supplemental health insurance, for example, through the National Health Fund (NHF) for further coverage for specific underlying health conditions if deemed necessary.
Physical
At The UWI Mona, the health and well-being of our students and staff is paramount, so while we encourage members of our University Community to strive for excellence in academics, research and work – a healthy mind and body are critical to achieving one’s fullest potential. Take advantage of the numerous opportunities provided to unwind, relax and strengthen your body as you strengthen your mind. Create a healthy balance of work, relaxation and enjoyment.
For more information click the following link: https://www.mona.uwi.edu/sports-and-recreation
