Dear Editor,
We read the recent The Daily Pennsylvanian editorial about student health services, and I wanted to respond on behalf of the more than 150 Wellness at Penn team members. Conversations about student mental and physical health matter, and students deserve care that is timely, compassionate, and effective. That expectation is one we share.
Unfortunately, the article had inaccuracies and left out important resources, which could unintentionally discourage struggling students from seeking care. We’re taking this opportunity to correct some misrepresentations.
To begin with, Student Health and Counseling is comprised of medical care and counseling teams, a structure that reflects different areas of clinical expertise, not a lack of coordination. In practice, they work closely together so students don’t have to navigate care on their own. Medical providers coordinate across services, and behavioral health support is built into medical visits. A single phone number, 215-746-WELL (9355), connects students to all Wellness services.
Access is just as important. Students don’t have to wait weeks or months for an appointment. They can connect with a mental health clinician without an appointment by visiting 3624 Market Street or through Let’s Talk locations across campus. Support is also available 24/7 by phone, and teletherapy options have expanded through our partnership with Mantra Health.
The handling of crisis situations is more nuanced than what was conveyed. Mental health clinicians respond alongside the Penn Police Department to provide immediate support only when clinically appropriate. For students who have experienced sexual assault, the STTOP Team offers confidential care, advocacy, and connections to additional resources.
We know we don’t always get it right. That would be impossible. However, we are continually working to improve our processes through direct student feedback from groups like the Student Health Insurance Advisory Committee and the Student Wellness Advisory Group.
Perhaps most importantly, meaningful change requires engagement. Advocacy works best when it invites collaboration, not just critique. We remain committed to improving and ensuring every Penn student can access the support they need.
In good health,
BENOIT DUBÉ is Associate Provost and Chief Wellness Officer at Penn and a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the Perelman School of Medicine.
