Welcome to Student Psychological Services
Dear Students,
We all have had unique experiences and come with our own set of wins and losses, hardships and privileges, and perspectives and short sights. No matter our experiences and age, we always have room for growth and development.
Your medical school experience will excite and challenge you, perhaps more than you ever expected. Student Psychological Services (SPS) is here for you. We focus on providing high-quality, accessible services that are tailored to your individual needs and life circumstances and designed to reduce stigma, enhance self-compassion, increase your insight into yourself and the world, and promote resilience in the face of adversity. We hear you, see you, and support you.
Ashwini Lal, PsyD, ABPP
Board Certified in Clinical Psychology
Lead Clinical Psychologist
Elizabeth Poloskov, PhD
Psychologist
We’re Here to Help
Confidential Mental Health Resources
Student Psychological Services (SPS) offers individualized services to promote success and mental well-being based on each student's unique identities, experiences, and needs. To make an appointment, visit our Student Health Portal (must be signed on to the Kaiser Permanente network for access).
Let’s Talk
All first-year students must meet with the psychologist once for a 20-minute visit. In addition, all students can use Let’s Talk – a brief meeting focused on problem-solving that is not a clinical therapy visit.
Psychotherapy and Crisis Services
Through SPS, students have access to short-term and long-term psychotherapy, crisis services during school business hours and after hours, and other services that support personal growth and development. SPS also provides counseling, support, and resources for those who have experienced sexual assault, those who may be struggling with alcohol and substance use, and those with general coping and wellness concerns.
Referral Services
For students who prefer to access psychological support outside of KPSOM, we can provide referrals to similar services through the student’s health insurance. For students who prefer not to use their insurance to access outside services, we can help connect them with community resources.
Books
Students also have access to a growing collection of books available for check-out from the SPS Book Corner.
Ways to Connect
Are you a student in crisis?
During school business hours, students can make a crisis appointment through the Student Health Portal (must be signed on to the Kaiser Permanente network for access) or by visiting the Office of Student Affairs on the second floor of the medical school building.
After business hours, students may access mental health crisis services through the TimelyCare website or the TimelyCare mobile app (available from the App Store or Google Play), or by contacting the Kaiser Permanente Behavioral Health Crisis Line at 800-900-3277.
For life-threatening emergencies, call 911.