The U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix Medical Student Mental Health Services (MSMHS) provide free, professional, and confidential counseling specifically tailored to address the mental health and wellness relevant to medical trainee life. Services are designed to foster the academic potential of medical trainees by enhancing their personal development as well as their psychosocial and emotional health. Services are currently being offered through HIPAA compliant virtual platform. In-person and virtual sessions are available.

Residents and fellows may seek therapy for a wide array of concerns. Individual counseling services address:

  • Depression – Providing support and promoting healing through hopelessness, low motivation and energy, sadness, irritability, sleep disturbance, and loss of interest and pleasure in life.
  • Anxiety – Coping with excessive worry, nervousness, or stress; intense discomfort in social settings; sudden and intense feelings of panic.
  • Personal and Professional Identity development – Understanding, accepting, and strengthening one’s sense of self through the exploration of family, work, and personal  and professional values; Exploring topics of racial, cultural, and ethnic background as it relates to one’s family origins and personal identity.
  • Self-esteem – Cultivating self-compassion, assertiveness, and confidence; developing ways to reduce suffering, anxiety, social withdrawal, and self-neglect.
  • Stress management – Strengthening effective ways of coping with the stress of life and change; managing expectations of self and others.
  • Emotion regulation –Learning how to identify, express, and manage feelings in safe, in-control ways.
  • Interpersonal difficulties – Developing ways to maintain healthy relationships whether it be with family members, friends, romantic partners, peers, instructors.
  • Career concerns – Learning to utilize and highlight strengths, effective and practical stress-management, focusing on fulfillment, utilizing communication skills, and enhancing efficiency to reduce burnout.
  • Academic issues – Adjusting to studying and working; managing developmental and emotional challenges when studying for boards; balancing work and personal life.

If it is a medical emergency and/or there is a life-threatening situation, call 911.

Contact Information:

Currently only available for crises, not therapy
Dr. Donna Johnson PhD
Email: @email
Phone: 612-803-3737

Additional local resources:

  • Maricopa Crisis Line: 602-222-9444
  • Maricopa Warm Line: 602-347-1100
Establish Primary Care Physician

We encourage our residents and fellows to establish care with a Primary Care Physician (PCP) early on in their Graduate Medical Education career. This will make it easier to attend annual physicals and any necessary check-ups in a timely fashion. Two on-site options are below; the third and fourth options will assist residents and fellows in finding a provider located off of our campus.