Skip to main content

Health and Wellness Services

Northwestern University recognizes that students’ well-being is central to their academic and professional success. The Graduate School (TGS) encourages and supports students in prioritizing their wellness and in taking advantage of the following resources. 

Primary and urgent care

Northwestern offers primary and outpatient care services on both campuses. Students also have access to after-hours urgent care. For life threatening or severe emergencies call 911 or go to the emergency room. Read more about Primary & Urgent Care resources. 

Patient support services

Patient Advocacy Coordinators on each campus can assist students with a variety of patient care issues, including coordinating referrals, interpreting medical bills, and connecting with resources to resolve issues with health insurance. Visit the Patient Support Services website for more information.

Counseling and mental health 

With offices on both the Evanston and Chicago campuses, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) serves as the primary mental health care service for students. In addition to short-term individual counseling, they offer educational workshops on topics such as stress management and sleep hygiene; Let's Talk drop-in consultations; group counseling; and support groups. Read more about Counseling & Mental Health resources

Student Affairs has partnered with TimelyMD, a leading provider of virtual health and well-being services for higher education, to offer Northwestern students free virtual mental health support through the TimelyCare platform. TimelyCare provides access to a number of virtual well-being resources, including scheduled counseling, the TalkNow on-demand service, health coaching, and group sessions. Learn more about how to access TimelyCare services.

Spiritual well-being and pastoral care

Religious and Spiritual Life fosters a community of conscience and spiritual awareness and supports the University's search for and celebration of "whatsoever things are true." Northwestern University chaplains and campus ministers also provide confidential crisis support and pastoral care and are available to discuss any issues, including relationships, feelings of guilt, and vocation and career choice. Visit the Religious & Spiritual Life website for more information. 

Accessibility and accommodations

AccessibleNU aims to make all aspects of a Northwestern education accessible and to provide reasonable accommodations and services to all students registered with the office.

Health insurance

Northwestern University requires all students to maintain health insurance coverage. Read more about Health Insurance. 

Fitness and recreation

Taking part in physical fitness and recreational activities can help with your physical well-being, your focus and engagement, and your social wellness. Read more about fitness and recreation.

Alcohol and substance abuse

Health Promotion and Wellness is the primary provider of health promotion, education, and prevention programs and services on alcohol, other drugs, and wellness issues for Northwestern University students.

Northwestern supports students who require support or who are in crisis through a variety of offices and resources.

Medical Leave of Absence (MLOA)

If you need time away from Northwestern to focus on treatment and recovery for a mental or physical health condition, you may request a Medical Leave of Absence (MLOA) from the Dean of Students Office.