Availability of personal counseling in medical schools

The deans of student affairs at 114 medical schools were surveyed about the availability of counseling services for medical students. There were 85 respondents (75 percent), all of whom indicated that some counseling services were available at their schools. One-third felt the services were not adequate. In addition, student representatives at these 114 schools were surveyed on the same topic, 53 responded (46 percent), and most said there was underutilization due to poor communication, problems resulting from initial contacts through the administration, and concern about confidentiality. Recommendations are made to help increase the utilization of counseling resources.