About
Julia Sanford, LICSW and Adrianne Raymond, LPC serve as the embedded counselors for the students in the School of Medicine through a partnership between Student Counseling Services and the Professional Development Office. Through this partnership, Julia and Adrianne are able to meet the unique needs of students in Medical School by offering distance counseling through Zoom, as well as in-person appointments in two locations (Student Counseling Services and the Professional Development Office). They also offer extended hours as needed for medical students who are unable to attend counseling during traditional business hours.
Purpose
The partnership between the School of Medicine Professional Development Office and Student Counseling Services aims to:
- Increase access for medical school students seeking counseling by offering several options for students to connect to a counselor (distance counseling, in-person appointments in two locations, and evening appointments).
- Offer a holistic approach to student wellness by offering counseling and facilitating referrals (on and off campus) as needed.
- Serve as a liaison between School of Medicine faculty and staff and Student Counseling Services to offer consultation and mental health resources.
Services
Services offered through this partnership are an extension of services currently offered to all UAB Students through Student Counseling Services. These services include:
- Individual counseling
- Case management
- Outreach
- Support for crisis intervention and urgent mental health concerns
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I get connected?
How do I get connected?
SOM students wishing to connect with a counselor may schedule an initial consultation with Student Counseling Services through the Student Health and Wellness patient portal found here - https://studentwellness.uab.edu/login_directory.aspx.
You may also email Julia Sanford,
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , for more information about our services. -
What happens in an Initial Consultation?
What happens in an Initial Consultation?
The initial consultation is a brief phone call (10-15 minutes) with a Student Counseling Services staff member to learn more about you and why you are seeking counseling services. The staff member you meet with will work with you to determine which counselor may be the best fit for you to see on-going and schedule an intake session (50 minutes) with that counselor.
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Do I have to see Julia or Adrianne?
Do I have to see Julia or Adrianne?
No, you have the option to see any counselor on SCS staff. Julia and Adrianne may have some flexibility in scheduling that other counselors may not have (i.e. appointments available outside of traditional 8 AM - 5 PM hours).
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Who has access to my records?
Who has access to my records?
Student Counseling Services records are stored securely in an electronic medical record (EMR) that is not affiliated with UAB Heersink Medicine or UAB School of Medicine. Information shared in counseling will not be released to anyone affiliated with UAB Medicine or UAB Heersink School of Medicine without a signed release of information.
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How often can I see my counselor?
How often can I see my counselor?
Students typically see their counselor every 2 weeks, but when you meet with your counselor you will work together to determine what plan is right for you.
About Julia
Julia Sanford, LICSW, is a clinical counselor in UAB Student Counseling Services. She earned a Master of Science in Social Work from The University of Texas at Austin and Bachelor of Arts in English from Auburn University. She enjoys helping students through difficult life transitions, identity exploration, and issues related to grief and loss, as well as developing individualized strategies to help students manage symptoms related to depression, anxiety, and other life stressors. Julia is also certified as a Mental Health First Aid instructor through the National Council on Behavioral Health.
About Adrianne
Adrianne Raymond, MA, is a Licensed Professional Counselor and is a clinical counselor in UAB Student Counseling Services, a division of UAB Student Affairs. She received her Master’s degree in Community Counseling from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL. Adrianne has over 25 years of service at UAB and has worked extensively in the areas of substance abuse and professional wellbeing. She has focused much of her energies in working with health care professionals and trainees on normalizing the idea of asking for help. She is skilled in a number of treatment modalities including group and individual counseling and CBT.