College is back in session for many of our local students. This time of life can be both exciting and stressful. With all the stressors students experience in college, it’s important for them to take care of themselves, both physically and mentally.
Quincy Medical Group (QMG) partners with Quincy University to provide health services to local students. Kaitlyn Phillips, nurse practitioner with QMG, sees patients at the QU Health and Wellbeing Clinic on campus, while Sydney Meyer, behavioral health interventionist, offers behavioral health therapy services at QMG’s Maine St location.
Phillips sees students for a vast array of conditions and illnesses at the clinic located at Friar’s Hall.
“I try to be an onsite contact for QU students’ medical attention. We often function like an acute care walk-in would function,” she said. “College students are a unique population. We find that we are often trying to help students get to their best health. At this time in their lives, students are often just starting to navigate their healthcare on their own.”
Mental health is just as important as mental health. Meyer sees students to help them navigate any concerns related to their mental health. As a behavioral health interventionist at QMG, she serves as lead counselor for QU students.
“Quincy University students have access to counseling services from Quincy Medical Group’s Behavioral Health department for free during the months of August to May,” Meyer explained. “I work with students who are struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, perfectionism, burnout, body image, relationship concerns, and more. The patients and therapist work together to develop goals and a timeline for counseling based on the patient’s mental health concerns.”
Although Meyer is the initial contact for students seeking counseling, students do have an option if they prefer another counselor at QMG, so they get the best care possible. She said QMG has a diverse team of 18 different counselors who have different specialties and experience.
Both Phillips and Meyer agree that college is a unique time that has unique challenges and opportunities.
“College can be a stressful time for students, which can result in their health not being 100 percent. I am thankful that QMG provides services to address both mental and physical health, so we can help students enjoy this time of their lives and get the most out of their college experience,” Phillips said.
To address that, she noted that students should feel comfortable reaching out to the QU Health and Wellbeing Clinic for any concerns regarding their physical mental health. Adjusting to college life is a transition, so she recommends having a good sleep/wake routine, a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water, practicing good time management, and exercising.
Meyer added, “Quincy Medical Group takes an integrated approach to health, which includes nutrition, wellness, and behavioral health. We believe that these three areas of overall health work together to influence an individual’s health. It is always beneficial to come to counseling sooner rather than later. If you notice your mental health starting to decline, it doesn’t hurt anything to come to counseling to evaluate how you are doing with taking care of yourself.”
The QU Health and Wellbeing Clinic is located at QU’s Friar’s Hall every Monday from 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. and every Thursday from noon – 4 p.m. She also offers Telehealth services. For more information, students should contact (217) 228-5432, ext. 3790.
Student Counseling Services are available Monday – Friday 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. at QMG, 1101 Maine St, 1st floor. For more information, contact (217) 222-6550, ext. 3418.