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Health & Wellness

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At AMDA, we prioritize the holistic well-being of our students. We understand that as performing artists, a strong foundation of personal health and emotional resilience is essential. Our dedicated team of professionals is committed to providing comprehensive support, guidance, and resources to ensure that every student thrives both on and off the stage. Through a range of services including mental health counseling, injury consultation, and performance enhancement sessions, our goal is to equip AMDA students with the necessary tools to excel in their artistic journey.

Actors performing

AMDA NY offers Mental Health Counseling services to help meet the emotional and psychological needs of our students. Our goal is to create a campus environment that facilitates the health and well-being of all of our students and advances our academic and performance mission. Our Counselors provide single-session or short-term counseling and can connect students to ongoing counseling and community resources. Services are free and confidential.

Hours

Hours are Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm EST.

Services

  • Individual Counseling (single-session and short-term)
  • Crisis Response/Intervention
  • Mental Health Programming/Events
  • Referrals to community resources

Location

The Mental Health Suite is on the 4th Floor of 61st Street. Students may check in for scheduled appointments at thereception desk. Services are currently being offered in-person as well as virtually, through a HIPAA-compliant video platform.

To make an appointment

Email counselorNY@amda.edu with your name and availability. A Mental Health Counselor will respond to confirm a time as well as provide supporting documents (e.g. consent form and privacy practices). Confidentiality as well as its limits will be thoroughly discussed with each student during the initial meeting.

Additional and Ongoing Counseling Resources

For students looking for support outside of AMDA, please contact your insurance provider to better understand your mental health benefits.

Here is a step-by-step guide to calling your insurance:

  • 1. Call the member services number on your insurance card. Ask if “behavioral health” is covered under your plan.
  • 2. Ask if you need prior authorization to start services.
  • 3. Ask if your plan has a deductible that needs to be met prior to your insurance company covering the cost.
  • 4. Confirm your co-payment amount.
  • 5. Ask for assistance finding providers who accept your insurance.

In addition to speaking with your insurance carrier, below are some online resources* for finding a provider:

  1. psychologytoday.com
  2. zocdoc.com
  3. betterhelp.com
  4. talkspace.com
  5. helloalma.com
  6. openpathcollective.org
  7. zencare.co
  8. inclusivetherapists.com

*AMDA does not endorse the directories listed above. This is to be utilized as a reference list.

Please note: if you need immediate assistance after hours please call NYC's 24/7 hotline at 888-692-9355 or visit nycwell.cityofnewyork.us. In case of a mental health emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE

Our Athletic Trainer, Marissa Adams, provides injury consultation, injury prevention, and performance enhancement services offered as a mix of in-person and virtual sessions. Our mission is to empower students to become active participants in their wellbeing and support a vibrant, healthy and engaged campus community.

LOCATION

Office of Student Success-4th floor of 61st St. Please note that services are currently being offered remotely, via video consultations/sessions.

CONTACT

NYHealth@amda.edu

SERVICES

  • Injury consultation
  • Wellness screening and individualized exercise programs
  • Promote optimal levels of conditioning and overall health
  • Education regarding injury prevention and self-care strategies
  • Referral and timely access to physician evaluation and care

PHYSICAL HEALTH

General preventative care (including routine physical examinations, immunizations, specialty visits, etc.) and emergency care will occur off-campus. Students are encouraged to understand their insurance benefits and find providers in the NYC area. Below is a list of local health clinics.

Local health clinics

If you need immediate medical attention call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

  • Nutritional Needs – Fueling your success
    • Create a budget for money management
    • Create a menu or prepare meals ahead of time
    • Be mindful of what you put in your body; limit fast food and look for balanced meals (healthy/nutritious meals are affordable, but typically require some effort and planning!)
    • If you need any additional support in this area, please reach out for advice and resources
  • Physical Fitness - Cardiovascular and Strength Training
    • Decreases rate of injury
    • Boosts your immune system to help avoid sickness
    • Increases your ability to concentrate and perform in class
  • Sleep Hygiene
    • Stick to a schedule; try to go to sleep and wake up around the same time every day
    • Avoid caffeinated beverages in the evening or eating a heavy meal right before bed
    • Engage in a “nighttime routine” to calm the mind and de-stress before you sleep, such as reading or other calming activities
  • How to avoid illness
    • Wash your hands, wear a mask and practice social distancing
    • Include healthy foods in your diet
    • Maintain an active lifestyle
    • Be sure to get an adequate amount of sleep