Urgent care, primary care, psychiatric, optometry, pharmaceutical: these are just some of the services offered by Sacramento State’s Student Health and Counseling Services located in The Well.

“The SHCS offers quality, comprehensive and affordable healthcare for students,” said Lisa Johnson, associate director of clinical operations at the SHCS. “It is student funded and therefore is dedicated to serving students.”

SHCS is run by a team of medical and mental health professionals, and is fully accredited through the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care.

“We are staffed by a board of certified physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, x-ray technicians, psychologists, social workers and ancillary staff,” said Johnson.

All currently enrolled students at Sac State are eligible for the services offered at the health center, and because payment is already covered by the student health fee within tuition costs, most services are free.

“No insurance is required for students to use services at SHCS,” said Johnson.

Although fees cover a majority of services, some specialty services, procedures, vaccines and supplies may require an additional charge.

Students can buy necessities such as over the counter painkillers or get personal prescriptions filled in the pharmacy.

If a student requires a service not available on campus, physicians at The Well can give referrals to off-campus doctors.

“Student Health and Counseling Services is committed to education and prevention,” said Johnson.

While Sac State is academically centered, the physical health of a student is just as important as the academic health.

“The vision of Student Health and Counseling Services is to nurture the development of a student community that is flourishing intellectually, physically, and psychologically – empowered by the acquisition of knowledge, skills and healthy lifestyles,” according to the SHCS website.

To further encourage these healthy lifestyles, the Cove, which is The Well’s demonstrative kitchen, offers cooking demos for healthy food recipes. “The Cove Cookbook,” a resource for student cooks, can be found online at shcssacstate.org/uploads/files/The_Cove_Cookbook.

Counselors are available to help students cope with stress, difficult situations or personal problems. The SHCS website encourages students to reach out to counselors who want to help students focus on their studies and succeed academically.

The Health & Wellness Promotion department consists of programs such as Active Minds, Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Education, Nutrition, Sexuality and Reproductive Health and Violence and Sexual Assault Support Services. The Violence and Sexual Assault Support Services program has a 24/7 victim’s advocate who can be contacted in regards to sexual assaults, intimate partner violence and stalking.

Graduate student Shivani Patel has never had to use the services offered at the health center, but is glad to have The Well available should she need any medical help.

“They have a broad list of services that you wouldn’t think they would have,” said Patel.

Having come from UC Merced, Patel has not found a physician in Sacramento, but she isn’t concerned.

“It is very convenient that we can go to The Well if a health-related emergency occurs,” said Patel.

Living in the Lofts without a car, she said the campus is close and easily accessible for any minor issues.

“Whether it be for something small or big, it is good to know that we have a place to go,” said Patel.