Frequently Asked Questions

How do I schedule an appointment with MHT?

To make an appointment, please contact CAPS Front Desk at 650-723-3785 and specify you are a School of Medicine student seeking an appointment with MHT. Sessions with members of MHT remain cost-free for current MD, MSPA, SoM BioSci MS, and SoM BioSci PhD students regardless of insurance coverage. 

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, MHT appointments will continue to be held virtually via Zoom. 

Students must be in the state of California when engaging in MHT telehealth treatment services. If you are located outside of California, MHT can provide you with telehealth Care Management services to help you connect with resources in your local area and temporarily support your needs while you are seeking local care.

Is MHT the same as CAPS?

While MHT is not a part of CAPS, we partner closely with CAPS’ administrative team. MHT appointments are scheduled through CAPS, and our clinical records are kept in CAPS’ system to optimize the privacy and confidentiality of our work with SOM students. In addition, SOM students have access to CAPS’ robust clinical services, which include same-day appointments in the setting of a crisis or emergency.

How often can I see an MHT clinician?

MHT is flexible to the student’s needs. Appointment frequency is determined based on the wants and needs of the student. It often varies, including weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly sessions. 

Who is eligible for MHT services?

All actively enrolled students within the School of Medicine and located in California can use MHT services. School of Medicine students include MD, MSPA, SoM BioSci MS, and SoM BioSci PhD students. All sessions are free regardless of insurance type.

Students who are primarily in a School of Medicine program and enroll in another graduate program outside the School of Medicine (e.g., MBA) may also see MHT clinicians.

Is there a limit to the number of sessions I have with MHT?

MHT uses a brief, goal-oriented treatment model. The number of sessions varies from student to student. Most students meet with their MHT therapist between 6-10 sessions. Should new concerns arise after completing treatment, students are welcome to return to MHT at any time throughout their time as Stanford School of Medicine students. 

How do I access long-term therapy?

Due to the current capacity of MHT, long-term therapy is not available. However, MHT clinicians do assist in connecting to a community provider able to provide long-term services. 

Students may also visit https://vaden.stanford.edu/caps/referrals for more information about therapy and psychiatry referral resources.

I think I might have ADHD or other Learning Disability, or, I have a prior Learning Disability or ADHD diagnosis, can MHT help manage my medication or provide specialized support?

MHT does not directly treat ADHD or other learning disabilities. For more information on obtaining support related to learning differences, please refer to the following resource page: https://vaden.stanford.edu/health-resources/mental-health/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder.

Does MHT provide letters to obtain an Emotional Support Animal?

MHT clinicians do not provide letters for students seeking Emotional Support Animals. For more information on this process, please visit: https://oae.stanford.edu/students/accommodations-services/housing- accommodations/support-animals-stanford-student-housing.