• Emmons Health Center
• FAQ's

FAQ's

1. Do I need to have a physical examination before I begin school at Oxy?

Yes.  All incoming freshman and transfer students need to have had a Physical Exam within the last twelve months prior to being cleared to register for classes.  Physical Exams completed on or after September 2nd, 2012 will be accepted by the Health Center.  Please make sure you include a copy of the exam when you mail in your health forms.

2. What happens if I don't meet the medical requirements on time?

Your registration process will be delayed and once you are on campus, you will need to come to the Health Center and make an appointment to resolve any delinquencies. A $100.00 late fee will be charged to your student account in early September and every month thereafter until the delinquencies are satisfied.

3. We moved a lot during my childhood and I can't access my complete immunization records. What should I do?

If you attended school in the United States, your last school may have a record of your required immunizations. If you are unable to provide documentation of your immunizations, you will need to have lab tests that will indicate you were inoculated and/or additional vaccinations to get you current on your immunizations.

4. Do I need an appointment to be seen at the Health Center?

Yes.  Appointments are required for all services, however, the Health Center provides walk-in visits three times daily for quick medical visits (9-10AM, 12:00-1:00, and 3:30-4:30PM), and once daily for mental health quick visits 9-10AM.  To guarantee your visit, call ahead please! (323-259-2657).

5. What is a mantoux (PPD) skin test?

PPD is a purified antigen from the tuberculosis (TB) bacteria. It is injected under the skin and causes a local skin reaction if the individual has had previous exposure to TB.

6. What is Counseling?

Counseling (also referred to as psychotherapy) is the process of exploring thoughts, feelings, values and ideas about current and/or past situations and experiences. It has several goals including (but not limited to): greater personal awareness, positive behavioral changes, increased self-esteem, a more accepting attitude and increased coping and communication skills. There are varying approaches and styles depending on the training and personality of the individual therapist. Counseling is not about giving advice or the counselor "solving" a person's problem; it is rather about helping a person to reach their own new ideas about what is going to be helpful for them.

7. What can I Expect from Counseling?

You may or may not feel immediate relief from your problems when you start counseling, although a great many people feel significantly better after talking with the therapist, even one time. It takes time for a deeper understanding and trust to develop between the therapist and client. The therapist may utilize a variety or combination of approaches including insight oriented, problem solving, cognitive-behavioral, family systems or psychodynamic (understanding how past experiences influence current ones). There are times when your stress level may increase temporarily because you are actively working to resolve stressful issues in your life. As you gain a better understanding of yourself, your counselor will work with you to develop and improve your life skills. For many people, a good deal of improvement can occur in a relatively short amount of time. For others, the limited number of free individual sessions available (seven per school year) at Emmons may not be adequate. You may want to discuss a referral for on-going sessions with a therapist in the community.

8. Who can find out about the care and treatment I'm receiving at the Health Center?

Medical and counseling information may not be released without your written consent. If someone calls the health center with specific questions about your health, the health center staff will not disclose any protected health information without your written consent. Aside from a life threatening emergency or a significant crisis, where the Health Center may disclose information without consent, it is the your choice to share health your health information with others.9. I'm on several prescription medications.  Can I obtain these medications at the Health Center? It depends.  Emmons Health Center is equipped to care for most minor, episodic, physical or emotional problems. We stock common over-the-counter cold and pain medications, and a variety of prescription medications used to treat minor illnesses or injuries. If you have specific medication needs, please consult with your private physician on the best way to obtain your prescriptions while away at school.