Mental health articles

Medical Leaves of Absence
When a student’s substance abuse seriously hampers academics or is a threat
to safety and well-being, a medical leave of absence is in order. In our own settings,
the counseling service articulates recommendations for treatment and
requirements for return. In cases of substance dependence, we usually recommend
successful completion of an accredited inpatient treatment program or
IOP, followed by a program of less intensive care, including weekly psychotherapy
and regular AA or NA attendance. We further require evidence of
successful daily functioning (letters of reference from a work supervisor or
a transcript of at least three courses from another institution), 6 months of
continuous sobriety, an articulated plan for sober support upon return to the
university environment, and an in-person assessment.