Student Health Services (SHS) and Monsour Counseling and Psychological Services (MCAPS)

Student Health Services

The Student Health Service (SHS) is dedicated to the health and wellness of students at The Claremont Colleges. The staff consists of physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, medical assistants, and administrators who provide high quality medical care in a caring and professional manner. SHS recognizes that this is the onset of students managing their health care and encourages them to take an active role in their own health and well-being. Medical records are confidential and information regarding a student will not be released without the student’s signed consent.

Appointments

Appointments are highly recommended for all visits.

To schedule an appointment, sign into My Health Portal  or call (909) 621-8222. The appointment line opens at 8 a.m. and appointments are scheduled starting at 8:20 a.m. Same-day appointments are often available if you call early.

Students do not have to pay for charges at the time of service.

A $15 charge will be assessed for any missed appointments not canceled two hours in advance.

Non-scheduled visits are seen in the order of arrival and are worked into the schedule between appointments as medically indicated. Be prepared to wait.

There is a $15 charge for non-scheduled visits.

Urgent/Emergency Care

After Hours:

If an urgent medical problem occurs after the Student Health Service is closed, students should call Campus Safety at (909) 607-2000. Students at The Claremont Colleges now also have access to 7C Health, which provides 24/7 medical and mental telehealth care for all students, at no cost.

Emergency health services and other special services are available to students at nearby hospitals, all within 5 miles of the campus:

Pomona Valley Medical Center (909-865-9600),
Montclair Hospital Medical Center (909 625-5411) and
San Antonio Community Hospital (909-985-2811)

An urgent care facility, Pomona Valley Health Center at Claremont, is located at 1601 Monte Vista Ave, Claremont (909-865-9977). It is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9.00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday, and most holidays.

Transportation to the nearest hospital Emergency Unit can be arranged by the Dean of Students Office. After normal work hours, page the on-call Dean via Campus Safety at 909-607-2000.

At Student Health Services:

Urgent care is available for serious illness or trauma during regular hours at the clinic as determined by the triage nurse e.g., bleeding, possible fracture, allergic reactions. There is no appointment charge for an urgent visit.

SHS Services Available:

Outpatient services for both acute and chronic problems.
Women’s Health services (including Pap smears).
STI/HIV testing and counseling.
Contraceptive services including Morning After Pill.
Pregnancy testing and counseling.
HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) risk reduction counseling, prescription medication, and routine testing. 
Physical examinations for sports, travel abroad, Peace Corp, job applications, etc.
Preventive medicine service.
Allergy injections, immunizations for travel.
Referrals to specialists and services not available at SHS.
Dispensary for limited prescription and over the counter medications.
Laboratory testing.
Limited X-ray services.
Orthopedic supplies (splints, ace bandages, dressings).
Limited minor surgical procedures.

Costs:

Students do not need to pay for charges at the time of service. Students have up to 15 days to pay, after which time the charges will be transferred to the student’s account.

No Charge for regular appointments.
Walk-in appointments - $15.
Missed appointments - $15.
Emergency visit - No Charge.
There are nominal charges for certain supplies, lab tests and x-rays.

Choosing a Provider:

The Student Health Service suggests that selecting a Primary Care Provider offers the most personalized and consistent health care. A Primary Care Provider is a nurse practitioner or medical doctor who is responsible for the majority of students’ health care needs. Referrals to specialists within SHS and the surrounding community assure access to the full range of health care you need. SHS can also coordinate care with a home Primary Care Provider if desired.

Eligibility and Records

All students must have a health history and entrance physical examination on file to use the service. These forms are required of all new, transfer, and exchange students for initial admission to Pomona College and are important as they provide essential information about ongoing health care and past treatment. Students who have not received this form in the mail can download from the Student Health Services website Entrance Personal Health History/Medical Examination Report Form

Health Education Outreach

At Health Education Outreach (HEO) the mission is to provide educational programming, services, and resources that will enable students of the Claremont Colleges to play active roles in achieving, protecting, and sustaining health and wellness.

HEO is dedicated to finding the most appropriate health and wellness information and resources including: alcohol and tobacco education; recreational and prescription drug information; nutrition information and diet analysis; sexual health information; wellness counseling; disordered eating education; referrals to local and national information and help lines; free condoms, ear plugs and lubrication; and a collection of health and wellness resources, including periodicals, books, pamphlets, CD-ROMS, and videos

HEO is located in the Tranquada Student Services Center.

Health Insurance

Effective fall 2008, Pomona College requires all incoming students to carry health insurance. Students can either enroll in the Student Accident and Sickness Insurance Plan (SHIP) of the Claremont Colleges or waive out if they carry comparable alternative insurance (waiver forms will be required each year you are an enrolled student). The SHIP plan covers medical expenses off campus, such as hospitalization, surgery, and accidental injury. Information about the policy can be obtained through the Office of Student Affairs. Continuing students do not need to show proof of insurance, but every student should be covered by medical insurance — whether a family policy, other coverage, or this policy. For continuing students, health insurance coverage is required prior to participating in varsity or club sports, or participating in OTL trips. If a student needs insurance but cannot afford it, the Financial Aid Office may be able to help. Contact the Financial Aid office at 909-621-8205.

Monsour Counseling and Psychological Services Center

The Monsour Counseling Center is located in the Tranquada Student Services Center. It has a staff of doctoral psychologists as well as graduate psychology post-doctural fellows who provide therapeutic services to help students develop emotionally and cope with the stresses of college life. Psychiatric consultants are also available. Confidential Short-term individual, couples, and group therapy is provided. Counseling records are confidential, and information will not be released without the student’s signed consent except as required by law. Workshops and structured groups are offered on topics such as but not limited to eating disorders, relationship issues, enhancing self-esteem, sexual abuse, relaxation, and graduate/re-entry support. Referrals are made to mental health resources in the community when necessary.

Students with personal concerns or those simply wishing to talk with someone are welcome. For an appointment, call 909-621-8202.

Reasons to Visit Monsour

Feelings of depression.
Excessive anxiety or stress.
Problems in interpersonal relationships.
Concerns about sexuality or sexual identity.
Lack of motivation to do work.
Procrastination.
Eating disorders.
Problems with drugs or alcohol.
Concerns with cultural or racial issues.
Problems with learning disabilities.
Services
Short-term individual therapy.
Couple’s therapy.
Stress management.
Theme-focused therapy groups for dealing with issues ranging from relationship concerns to eating disorders to sexual trauma.
Short-term structured groups on topics such as stress management and relaxation.
Consultation services are available to help people who are concerned about the emotional well-being of any friend, relative, or acquaintance.

Workshops

Counseling Center staff conduct workshops and presentations on a variety of topics including stress management, self-esteem, problems with self-control, interpersonal relationships, gender, and diversity issues. Students, staff, and faculty may request workshops. If you are interested in participating in or organizing a workshop on your own, information and guidance can be provided by the counseling center.

Examples of workshops that have been provided in the past include:

Making Peace with Food and Your Body.
Study/Exam Skills.
Relaxation Training.
Date Rape Issues.
Stress Management / Time Management.

Appointments and Costs

Appointments may be scheduled over the phone or in person. Same-day appointments are available in urgent situations. An initial Brief Assessment appointment will be scheduled within a few days. During this 20–25-minute appointment, students may be assessed as appropriate for short-term, goal-directed therapy at MCAPS; or they may be referred out for long-term, more intensive, or more specialized treatment. There are no costs or fees for Monsour counseling services.

Confidentiality

All sessions and discussions with a therapist are confidential.

Emergency Services

During office hours, (8:30-5:00 p.m.) students experiencing psychological distress can come to MCAPS and be seen by a counselor for an assessment and/or counseling.

When Monsour Counseling and Psychological Services (MCAPS) is closed, students experiencing a crisis can call (909) 621-8202 the voicemail message will prompt you to press “1” to be connected to an on-call therapist.