Medical school is an extremely stressful experience even for the most well-adjusted and healthy student. Challenging curriculum, rigorous schedules, stressful clinical experiences, exposure to human suffering, and the pressure of national boards can all combine to create significant strain on a student’s mental wellness.

To add to the challenge, life doesn’t just stand still while a student pursues medical training. Students often experience the death of close family or friends, physical injuries, health issues, relational issues with spouses/significant others and children, and other very difficult situations. 

We believe a student’s mental well-being is crucial to success in medical school and beyond. We have partnered with Central Washington Comprehensive Mental Health to provide unlimited, free, confidential counseling to our students. 

This service is available not just to our first- and second-year students in Yakima, but also to our third- and fourth-year students regardless of their location. Please call 509-575-4313 or 1-800-321-3498 to access this confidential service. Make sure you identify yourself as a PNWU student, otherwise they may mistake you as a private pay and it can take longer to get an appointment. 

If your need is urgent, let them know so they can schedule you an immediate appointment, otherwise it may take up to 48 hours for your first appointment.  Additionally, the Office of Student Affairs is always available to you by calling 509-452-5100.