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Duluth Campus Resources

Duluth Campus Student Affairs:

Dr. Elizabeth Teschner, Ph.D., L.P.
Duluth Office of Learner Development and Bridge Counseling
E-mail - eteschn@umn.edu
Schedule meetings - z.umn.edu/oldduluth

Dr. Robin Michaels, Ph.D.
Associate Dean of Student Life and Academic Affairs
Office phone - 218-726-8872
E-mail - rmichael@d.umn.edu

On the UMD Campus:

UMD Student Health (for healthcare, personal and grief counseling and counseling for referral to Boynton Telepsychiatric Services
Phone - 218-726-7913 
615 Niagara Ct, Duluth, MN
https://health-services.d.umn.edu/counseling-services

In the Community:

Emergency: Call 911

Arrowhead Regional Crisis Line (Crisis Line - First call for help) at  844-772-4724 or
U of M Crisis Line at 612-301-4673 or text UMN to 61222

Birch Tree Crisis Line (24 hr)
218-623-1800

Women's Resource & Action Center
218-726-6292

St. Luke's Emergency Department
St Lukes Building A
1012 E. 2nd Street, 2nd floor
Duluth, MN 55805
218-249-5616

Essentia Health - St Mary's Medical Center
Emergency Room
407 East 3rd Street Duluth, MN 55805
218-786-4357

I Need Help with Health Care Needs

East Bank appointments
612-625-3222
St. Paul appointments
612-624-7700
 
Appointments
612-624-9998
 
Appointments
612-625-2495
 
Appointments
612-624-2134
 

The DRC partners with students, faculty, staff, and guests of the University to facilitate accessibility and reduce barriers on campus to improve access for disabled people through:

  • Consulting on strategies to provide access and inclusion;
  • Determining and implementing reasonable academic, workplace, and guest accommodations;
  • Partnering with University offices to support meaningful physical and technological access.
Contact: drc@umn.edu
612-626-1333
 
Assistant Dean for Student Affairs
Michael Kim, mikekim@umn.edu, 612-625-5180

I Need Help with My Mental Health

For urgent mental health needs during business hours, contact Boynton Mental Health or Student Counseling Services
For urgent needs after hours, if you feel you might harm yourself or others, or if this is an emergency, please do one or more of the following immediately:
  • Call 988 or 911
  • Call the 24/7 crisis line at 612-301-4673
  • Text "UMN" to 61222
  • Call the National Suicide Hotline - 1-800-SUICIDE
  • [Duluth] Birch Tree Center
    • Telephone: 218-623-1800
    • Address: 4720 Burning Tree Rd, Duluth, MN 55811
    • Birch Tree Center is a community and regional collaboration providing mobile crisis services and residential crisis stabilization to adults experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency.
  • Access M Health Fairview Southdale's EmPATH (Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment, and Healing) Mental Health Unit 
    • Telephone: 952-924-2888
    • Access EmPATH services by checking in through the Fairview Southdale Emergency Room:
      • Address: 6401 France Ave. S., Edina, MN 55435
      • EmPATH reimagines emergency mental health care by offering patients in crisis immediate access to a team of mental health experts in a calming, therapeutic environment.
  • Go to Fairview Riverside Behavioral Emergency Center (BEC)
    • Telephone: 612-672-6600
    • Location: 2450 Riverside Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55454
    • The Behavioral Emergency Center staff provides emergency care, assessment and referrals for people of all ages in a behavioral crisis related to either mental health or substance abuse. The center is located on the Riverside campus of the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview. Patients check-in through the Emergency Department. 
  • Contact Hennepin County Acute Psychiatric Services 
    • 612-873-3161 (24 hrs/7 days a week, HCMC)
    • HCMC's Acute Psychiatric Services center serves those in emotional crisis with 24-hour, seven-day-a-week crisis counseling, assessment, and referral.
  • Contact Ramsey County Adult Mental Health 
    • 651-266-7900 (Adult Mental Health Crisis Line, Ramsey County)
    • Ramsey County directly provides emergency services through the Adult Mental Health Crisis Unit. The crisis unit provides phone and outreach services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
    • Walk-in crisis services are available Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at Urgent Care for Adult Mental Health.
  • Twin Cities Crisis Lines - All Counties

 

Non-Urgent Mental Health Resources

University Resources:
This Health Compass page can help you find the best fit when searching for a mental health resource. (This tool is 100% anonymous; no personal information will be collected.) This resource navigator will feature many of the resources listed below (ex. Boynton, SCS).
 
Boynton Mental Health is providing both in-person and telehealth counseling and psychiatric treatment for students. Mental health services offered include individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, medication assessment and management, off-campus referral support, eating disorder services, alcohol and chemical health services, ADD/ADHD treatment, emotional support animals, and solution-focused therapy.
 
SCS promotes student success by providing services to help you with mental health and life concerns, learning and academic skills challenges, career uncertainty, and faculty/staff-student communication.
 
A free and confidential in-house counseling service that provides short-term counseling intended to serve as a “bridge” of support. This could include processing a challenging experience or navigating how to establish care with or find a mental health provider. The counselors will make every effort to meet with students within a week of requesting an appointment. When needed, the CBC office strives to provide culturally-informed referrals to students who would like to continue wellbeing consultation outside of the CBC office.
 
Meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 12-1 via Zoom.
 
Learn to Live offers five online programs based on the proven principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This program is available to students who have the student Blue Cross Blue Shield health plan. You will need to enter your insurance information for access.
 
Let’s Talk provides informal virtual and in-person drop-in consultations for U of M students throughout the academic year. No appointment is necessary, so you can drop in during the scheduled times. Let’s Talk is not a substitute for formal counseling and does not constitute mental health treatment, but counselors can listen to specific problems, provide support, help explore solutions and give information about other resources.
 
Taking Charge: Stress Mastery (Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing)
Understanding how to identify and control your reactions to stress can lessen its negative impact. You can find materials to help you reduce and manage stress through this online resource.

 

Community Resources:
Physician's Wellness Collaborative - Substance Use Support

Physician's Wellness Collaborative offers mutual support, education and discussion of issues that are unique to physicians in recovery. Meetings qualify for HPSP attendance requirements. Beginning in March 2020, all meetings are offered virtually via a password protected Zoom video conference. You may also call-in to Zoom if you do not have video capability. All meetings take place the fourth Wednesday of the month from 6:00-7:00pm via Zoom.

Walk-in's mission is to provide free, easily accessible mental health counseling to people with urgent needs and few service options. Their overarching goal is to help people stabilize during a time of crisis and resolve problems before they become severe.
 
The NAMI HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., ET.
1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or info@nami.org
 
Explore ways to navigate feelings/emotions during challenging times like break-ups, grief/loss, and other difficult transitions. With a focus on inclusivity, the Jed Foundation provides information on mental health, tools for self-care, and resources for getting help for yourself or a loved one.

 

Nearby Community Health Resources:

Minnesota Clinic for Health & Wellness provides mental health and body wellness services. MCHW hosts truly integrated resources all under one roof, striving to offer seamless care to collaborate with you and with each other to promote healing and well-being. MCHW respects the dignity inherent in each human being, including those we may disagree with. MCHW uplifts and honor the experiences of those who have been historically and presently devalued – including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized groups. Most health plans accepted.
 
Minnesota Center for Psychology is a private group practice clinic that offers mental health services to children, adolescents and adults.
 
A multi-disciplinary group of professional staff offering comprehensive behavioral health services in two locations (University Ave. & Woodbury) in the Twin Cities.
 
The Clinicians offer individual, family and group psychotherapy, and comprehensive testing and evaluations to help individuals gain insight into challenges and to learn and grow.
 
A large, diverse group composed of therapists and wellness providers with a range of training experiences, from seasoned clinicians to supervised trainees. The clinic maintains a belief in each person’s ability to realize a more authentic life. Their strength as a group comes from their varied clinical, cultural and personal backgrounds.
 
Ellie provides individual, couples and family therapy, as well as community-based services and medication management.

 

Overcoming Barriers to Care

Excused Absence Policy

Duty Hours Policy & Clarifications

Assistant Dean for Student Affairs
Michael Kim, mikekim@umn.edu, 612-625-5180

 

I Need Help with Professional or Academic Coaching

The Office of Learner Development (OLD) provides a range of service and resource options to support student & trainee performance, wellbeing and mental health across the UME and GME years.
 
Academic Advising:
Addy Irvine, abrickwe@umn.edu - (Beacon House)
Abbe Holmgren, alholmgr@umn.edu - (Zestar House)
Luke Feuling Porter, porte257@umn.edu - (Centennial House)
 
Your one-stop shop for accessing a wealth of information about career and professional development, our philosophy and mission for the process, and other useful resources.
 
Always reach out to your assigned Faculty Advisor for individual questions about career and professional development and attend group meetings throughout your medical school experience.
 
Are you interested in learning more about specialties, including what UMN programs highly value for residency applications?  Start at this page!
 
Did you know that it is part of Specialty Experts departments' jobs to help medical students navigate the match process?  Access this list to directly connect with Program Directors and other specialty experts who will be able to answer questions and provide guidance on your specific residency application preparation and application process.
 
Be sure to bookmark this fantastic resource from the AAMC that contains useful career discernment assessments, articles, tools, and much more.  Contact resapp@umn.edu if you have any issues logging into the website.
 
Clinical Coaching:
Students in their clinical years (years 3 and 4) have the opportunity to work with a Clinical Coach. Students who score low on their CCA (Clinical Competency Assessment) or are rated below average in clinical skills during rotations are referred to the Clinical Coach who reviews areas of concern and works with the student to enrich the deficient skills.

How do I get connected with the Director of Clinical Coaching?

Reach out to your Academic Advisor. They can refer you to the Director of Clinical Coaching and make that connection so you can set up an appointment. You may also receive an email invitation to meet.

Assistant Dean for Student Affairs
Michael Kim, mikekim@umn.edu, 612-625-5180

I Need Help with Specialty Care Needs

Support and guidance are offered by trained individuals to help survivors of sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, and sexual harassment navigate their options. Aurora's services are free and confidential to students, staff and faculty at the University of Minnesota.
 
The DRC partners with students, faculty, staff, and guests of the University to facilitate accessibility and reduce barriers on campus to improve access for disabled people through consulting on strategies to provide access and inclusion, determining and implementing reasonable academic, workplace, and guest accommodations, and partnering with University offices to support meaningful physical and technological access.
Contact: drc@umn.edu
612-626-1333
 
Concerned about your use of drugs or alcohol? Boynton Health can help. Boynton offers students confidential alcohol and substance use services to satisfy personal, academic and/or legal requirements.
 
Non-clinical, no-cost, confidential form of Peer Recovery Support for people in recovery from substance use disorder or people who are questioning their relationship with substances.
 
Boynton Health's ROC (Recovery on Campus) is a community of students in recovery from drug and alcohol use joined by friends who are allies in that journey. Boynton Health's ROC helps you feel like you belong to a vibrant college social scene without the drinking or drugs.
 
The Student Conflict Resolution Center (SCRC) is available to assist students in resolving campus-based problems or concerns. Their staff provide confidential, impartial, and informal options for resolving conflicts in a fair manner.
 
The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders. Services include a helpline, chat line, support groups, mentors, and more.
 
Provides a multidisciplinary, integrative approach for people of all ages and genders who struggle with food issues, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, compulsive eating, Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED), Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorders (ARFID) and related mental health and body image issues. Offering in-person and telehealth treatment options.
 
Melrose Center has provided compassionate, expert care for all types of eating disorders for people of every age and gender for over 35 years. Offers outpatient care, day programs, residential treatment, and specialized care for individuals with eating disorders and diabetes and for those with eating disorders and substance use disorders. Five locations throughout the Twin Cities.
 
TCMC offers a variety of support groups, workshops, brunches, retreats, playshops, presentations and conferences. Since 1996, The Men's Center began offering Men Helping Men with Anger Management classes.
 
The Interprofessional Student-Parent Community (ISPC) is a student-focused initiative that provides targeted programming to meet the needs of healthcare professional students who are parents. ISPC partners with the Student Parent Help Center to enhance programming, resources, and support for student parents in the health sciences.
 
Tubman helps people of all ages, genders, and cultural backgrounds who have experienced relationship violence, elder abuse, addiction, sexual exploitation or other forms of trauma. Throughout the Twin Cities, Tubman provides safe shelter, legal services, mental and chemical health counseling, youth programming, and community education, including public information campaigns to provide community members the information and support they need to get help or give help.
 
(Now a part of the Physician’s Wellness Collaborative) Hosts a physician-only monthly meeting to offer mutual support, education and discussion of issues that are unique to physicians in recovery from substance use. Meetings qualify for HPSP attendance requirements.
 
The Center for Grief & Loss offers specialized therapy for complicated grief, trauma and life transitions. 

I Need Help with Essentials

Boynton Health’s Nutritious U Food Pantry provides fresh and healthy food to students who struggle to get enough to eat. The food pantry is open the last week of every month during the semester (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday), from 12-6 pm on the 2nd floor of Memorial Union (Room 210). Any student can visit the food pantry, no proof of need is required.
 
Free, to-go chef-prepared meals available to any University of Minnesota Student. Every Thursday, 3-6pm. Memorial Union, 2nd floor (near Rm 210). Vegetarian options are available. Email swipes@umn.edu for more information or check out the Facebook page for up-to-date programming information.
 
Swipe Out Hunger Meal Swipes
A limited number of $20 GrubHub gift cards are currently available to students who could benefit from this resource. Dining hall meal swipes will be available beginning in October. Email swipes@umn.edu to request meal cards as available.
 
Free groceries & household items are available to any University of Minnesota student and their family. Available on the 2nd Thursday of every month, 12-2 pm. Commonwealth Terrace Cooperative Housing north parking lot. Available through the fall semester.
 
Find local food shelves, dining sites, discounted groceries and more near you.
 
Provides consultation, resources, and referrals for graduate student parents. Provides assistance in applying for child care assistance grants. Contact the SPHC via email (sphc@umn.edu) or phone (612-626-6015).
 
The SPHC provides a student-parent-specific community-building space, centrally located on the East Bank of the University of MN-TC campus. SPHC registered students may join us for free coffee and the following family-friendly offerings: computer lab with unlimited free printing, lounge and study area, kitchenette for lunch on the go, child-friendly play space, complimentary coffee bar.
 
To help you fund your medical education, we guarantee fixed tuition for all four years of Medical School. We also offer access to student loans and other financial aid and a financial aid team dedicated exclusively to our Medical School students.
 
The University of Minnesota has created emergency funds to assist and support University of Minnesota students who encounter an unforeseen financial emergency or catastrophic event, for example, those related to the COVID-19 public health emergency. 
 
The Care Program provides brief case management, support and resources to students as they navigate the University and pursue their academic and personal goals. The Care Program also oversees the Behavioral Consultation Team (BCT) by consulting and addressing reports of concerning student behavior and providing a coordinated response to situations arising from students who may represent a threat of harm to themselves or others.
 
The Technology Help service desk is your first point of contact when you need technical support for Twin Cities information technology services.

I Need Help Connecting/With My Wellbeing

Peers Supporting Peers (PSP) is an organization of University of Minnesota medical students who provide confidential, non-judgmental support to fellow students looking for assistance in coping with school and non-school-related questions and stressors.
 
The Medical School Wellbeing Committee aims to support and promote the wellbeing of medical students by providing resources, building relationships and cultivating an environment to foster the health of the whole person.
 
The University of Minnesota Medical School’s Peer Mentorship Program aims to foster belonging, empowerment, and connection throughout all four years of medical school. As we find mentorship to be an essential support when transitioning into medical school, all MS1s are assigned a second-year mentor to serve as a guide and resource throughout their medical training.
 
Your Medical Student Council has provided a list of UMN Medical School Specialty Interest Groups (SIGs) via their website.
 
Your Medical Student Council has provided a list of UMN Medical School Student Groups via their website.
 
BeWELL is a well-being resource for the health sciences student community. Wellbeing in interprofessional health students may call for a greater need to emphasize stress reduction, self-care, and resilience-building in order to find balance. Finding community with peers in your program, as well as with students across other health professional programs, may enhance your ability to thrive—both as a student and in your future career as a health professional. 
 
The Student National Medical Association (SNMA) is committed to supporting current and future underrepresented medical students, addressing the needs of underserved communities, and increasing the number of clinically excellent, culturally competent and socially conscious physicians. UMN SNMA is supported by the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
 
The purpose of LMSA UMN-TC is to promote the interests of and support students who identify themselves as underrepresented minority students of the University of Minnesota Medical School through social, cultural, educational, and other activities.
 
APAMSA’s mission is to address issues in medicine and public health important to Asian Pacific American heritage medical students. They combine advocacy, public awareness, community service, community building, and professional development activities to achieve this mission. APAMSA also holds fun cultural events and casual hangouts to get to know each other better and foster community. 
 
The mission of PRIDE in Healthcare at U of MN Twin Cities is to provide support to LGBTQ students and the community in the following areas: education, service, advocacy, collaboration, mentorship, and support.
 
WC4BL is a student-run organization that aims to eliminate racial bias in the practice of medicine and recognize racism as a threat to the health and wellbeing of people of color. They work to raise awareness of racism as a public health issue and end racial discrimination in healthcare. WC4BL is also committed to preparing furture physicians to be advocates for racial justice.
 
The mission of the center is to recruit, support, develop, retain, and graduate a diverse community of learners. The center works to create a welcoming environment for all learners and others who wish to use the services. The center supports and engages with student organizations such as, Student National Medical Association (SNMA), White Coats 4 Black Lives (WC4BL), Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA), Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA), Promoting Recognition of Identity, Dignity, and Equality (PRIDE) in Healthcare, and Minority Associations of Pre-Medical Students (MAPS).
 
The University of Minnesota's Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing enriches health and wellbeing by providing exemplary education, conducting rigorous research, advancing integrative models of care, and delivering innovative solutions to organizations and communities.
 
Join the Earl. E Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing for an informal hour of gentle movement and guided meditation. Their experienced instructors will guide you through a series of mindful movements and meditations that will leave you feeling rejuvenated. No prior experience or special clothing is necessary. Mindful Mondays rotate through various modalities of gentle, mindful movement. They are free drop-in sessions from noon to 1 p.m. central on Monday afternoons. Held live, online via Zoom.
 
Since 2012, the University of Minnesota's Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing has hosted wellbeing thought-leaders to inspire and educate the community, organizations, and life-long learners through the Wellbeing Lecture Series. Past speakers like Brene Brown, Atul Gawande, Dessa, Celeste Headlee, Rhonda Magee, and Jon Kabat-Zinn have explored a range of topics including purpose, vulnerability, food and wellbeing, gratitude, technology, and mindfulness, among others. 
 
Well-being suggestions from fellow classmates about the activities they use for self-care. All medical school students are encouraged to add their own wellness tips!
 
A student-generated list of options and suggestions for managing stress. Includes suggestions for physical activities, making connections, plans, and cognitions. All students are encouraged to add their own suggestions!
 
Paws For Learning provides K9-assisted academic support teams and K9-assisted care teams in schools, colleges and also in communities in the wake of tragic loss.
 
At Boynton Health, we believe the arts can inspire confidence, nurture resilience and unlock opportunities. Our clinic is filled with art. Bringing art into our building is one way we try to enhance a healing environment. Since 2007, we have acquired more than 150 works of art. All artists represented in our clinic have a connection to the University of Minnesota.
 
Boynton Health's PAWS (Pet Away Worry & Stress) sessions feature registered therapy animal teams—including dogs, bunnies, cats, chickens, and other therapy animals as available. Sessions are FREE and open to the University of Minnesota community.

Additional Medical School Resources

Ask MedEd

Academic Advising:
Addy Irvine, abrickwe@umn.edu
Abbe Holmgren, alholmgr@umn.edu
Luke Feuling Porter, porte257@umn.edu

Specialty Discernment 

Medical Student Policies

Have a question or can't find what you are looking for? Visit the AskMedEd page.