UGA counseling services more expensive than other schools in Georgia and SEC

While counseling sessions are considered some of the most costly health services offered at UGA, other SEC and Georgia universities do not charge anything for counseling sessions to currently enrolled students.

Unlike many other university health centers, the University Health Center offers dental and vision care. However, UHC prices for standardly offered services like counseling are typically higher than the rates at other universities, as reported in The Red & Black.

Kristine Groft, the senior communications coordinator for the UHC, said UGA’s counseling services range anywhere from $10-$47 for students who paid the health fee or from $27-$204 for students who did not. Counseling is free for students who paid health fees at several other universities including Louisiana State University, Auburn University, University of Arkansas, University of Florida, Georgia Tech, Georgia College & State University, Georgia State University and Kennesaw State University.

Daniel Martinez, a senior finance major from Alpharetta, has used counseling services at the UHC and said he wasn’t surprised by the prices.

“CAPs, obviously because it’s psychiatric services, are a little harder for pricing just because insurance doesn’t cover as much,” Martinez said.

The UGA health fee covers urgent care visits and routine medical needs.
 
The UGA health fee, however, is mandatory for students taking a minimum of six credit hours, though students taking less may also pay the fee to receive its benefits.

The health fee lets students visit their primary care provider without out-of-pocket costs — medical expenses not reimbursed by insurance providers. Procedures, lab and radiology services and pharmaceuticals prescribed during visits are at reduced prices for those who paid the health fee.

Jazmin Carswell, a junior advertising major from Macon, said she currently receives medical services elsewhere for cheaper general rates since she doesn’t have insurance.

“When I went the last two times I didn’t have insurance and … I think I ended up paying, without insurance, almost $100,” Carswell said. “I stopped going to the health center, and I actually started going to the Athens Health Clinic because it’s cheaper.”

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