Health and Wellness

In the midst of New York City, NYU students are truly part of the tempo and excitement of Greenwich Village and beyond. NYU is committed to safety, wellness education, and outstanding health care as part of the University community. Below are some NYU resources and instructions on how to stay safe and healthy while enjoying life in the big city.

Wellness Exchange

The Wellness Exchange is your key to accessing NYU’s extensive health and mental health resources. A central feature common to all these services is a private, 24/7 hotline that puts students in touch with professionals who can help them address day-to-day challenges as well as other health-related concerns, including medical issues, academic stress, depression, sexual assault, anxiety, alcohol and other drug dependence, sexually transmitted infections, and eating disorders. The hotline is also available if you just need to talk or want to call about a friend.

The hotline can be reached from any campus phone by dialing 999 or from any outside line at 212-443-9999. The number is also printed on the back of all NYU ID cards. Not ready to call the hotline? Send a private e-mail to a counselor at wellness.exchange@nyu.edu.

Visit the Wellness Exchange website at www.nyu.edu/999 for a full list of health, mental health, and wellness services at NYU.

Student Health Center

All matriculated students may use the NYU Student Health Center (SHC). We encourage you to make appointments whenever possible and carry your NYU Card or health insurance identification card at all times. The SHC is an award-winning health care facility conveniently located on the Washington Square campus. Our multidisciplinary staff of board-certified physicians and highly trained clinicians provides comprehensive health and wellness services through close collaboration to respond to the health needs and concerns of the NYU community and promote a healthier, safer campus. These include medical, psychological, pharmaceutical, educational, crisis response, and support services.

Whether your needs involve routine or urgent medical care, counseling, education about a specific wellness issue, prescriptions, or eyewear, the staff at SHC is prepared to provide quality confidential, caring service.

Emergencies and After-Hours Crisis Response

In a life- or limb-threatening emergency, dial 911 to reach New York City Emergency Medical Services. For medical and mental health emergencies when SHC is closed, call the Wellness Exchange hotline at 212-443-9999 or the NYU Office of Public Safety at 212-998-2222 to be connected to a crisis response counselor. NYU has a 24/7 team dedicated to assisting students dealing with a crisis, including hospital transport, counseling, follow-up, and coordination of care. If you have been sexually assaulted, we strongly encourage you to obtain help from a professional counselor as soon as you are ready by calling the Wellness Exchange hotline (212-443-9999). The staff at the Wellness Exchange is available 24/7 to discuss your options and feelings. You don’t have to give your name if you prefer to remain anonymous. For more information on what to do if you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, visit www.nyu.edu/health/sexual.assault.

Medical Services

Medical services at SHC constitute outpatient primary care including HIV testing and counseling, nutrition, women’s health care, sports medicine, immunization, allergy services, travel planning services, social services, and ancillary services including radiology and a pharmacy. SHC also offers specialty services on-site, including dermatology, gastroenterology, physical and occupational therapy, and optometry.

Counseling and Behavioral Health Services

Counseling and Behavioral Health Services at SHC provides confidential counseling to both full- and part-time students. Services include crisis intervention; short-term individual counseling for personal problems such as depression, loneliness, anxiety, family or other relationships, alcohol and other drugs, eating disorders, sex, or self-esteem; and group counseling for topics such as relationship issues, eating disorders, and stress management. In addition to the central location at SHC, counselors are available in multiple locations throughout the Washington Square campus. Visit our Web site for locations.

Health Promotion and Wellness Services

Health Promotion and Wellness Services at SHC provides counseling, emergency response, and health education. Students can speak with counselors in person (no appointment necessary) during office hours and 24/7 by telephone or e-mail. Crisis response counselors are available to assist students in crisis and provide close follow-up services. Health educators provide comprehensive wellness information, advocacy, and referrals on topics such as alcohol/other drugs, mental and sexual health, body image, and sexual assault prevention. Wellness programs include peer education, workshops, health fairs, and one-on-one consultations on a broad range of topics.

Pharmacy Services

The pharmacy at the SHC provides

• Pharmaceuticals (brand and generic)
• Vitamins and over-the-counter medications
• Pharmaceutical counseling
• A wide variety of other items at competitive prices
• Drug information/education

To transfer prescriptions from your local pharmacy, contact the pharmacist. Over 60 different kinds of insurance are accepted.

Optometry Services

Eyewear and optical services are available at SHC and include

• Prescription eyeglass, sunglass, and contact lens fittings
• A large selection of designer frames, sunglasses, and contact lenses
  
• Eye examinations
  
• Eye care products
  
• Information about visual health

Fees

All matriculated students are eligible to use the SHC. Primary care, women’s health services, routine laboratory tests, counseling services, and health promotion are provided at no or low cost. Additional specialty and ancillary services will incur charges. SHC will bill you for these services or file insurance claims on your behalf.

Health Insurance

New York University students in degree-granting programs are required to maintain health insurance. Many are enrolled automatically in an NYU-sponsored student health insurance plan as a part of the University’s registration process. NYU sponsors several student health insurance plans, and automatic enrollment varies according to school, credit load, and visa status. If you maintain your own health insurance, you can waive the NYU plan (and corresponding charge) that your school automatically enrolls you in. To select, change, or waive coverage, you must complete the online enrollment/waiver process prior to the established deadlines. For more information, refer to the Guide to Student Health Insurance, available online.

Health Requirements

All students must complete the MMR and meningitis section of the Student Health History form. Failure to comply with the following state immunization laws will prevent students from registering for classes.

• New York State Public Health Law 2165 requires all students registering for 6 or more credits in a degree-granting program to provide immunization documentation for measles (rubeola), mumps, and rubella (German measles)—MMR—prior to registration. (Students born before January 1, 1957, are exempt.)
• New York State Public Health Law 2167 requires all students registered for 6 or more credits to decide whether or not to be immunized for meningitis and to provide formal confirmation of their decision.