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School of Medicine Columbia

SOMC Counseling

The SOM offers counseling services to any student enrolled in one of our 6 programs.  Our staff are experienced with helping students manage stress and burnout as well as teaching skills to cope with emotional struggles.

 What We Do

Our staff are licensed, board certified and have many years of experience working with graduate student populations. Our familiarity with the six academic programs in the School of Medicine helps us provide support relative to your education responsibilities, as needed.

If you require outside services, we will assist in providing referrals as needed.  In addition to providing individual counseling services, we also offer workshops and Monday Mindfulness drop ins. Our goal is to assist in providing students the opportunity to thrive and flourish on our School of Medicine Campus.

Our Team

Photo of Ashley Jones

Ashley Blackmon Jones, M.D.

Dr. Ashley Jones is the Medical Director for Student Counseling and Well-Being Services.

Photo of Paul Toriello.

Paul Toriello, Ph.D.

Paul Toriello, PhD is the counselor on the SOMC campus. Working as the Assistant Dean for Clinical Graduate Programs, Toriello also has experience and expertise within the clinical counseling field.

Carolyn Bazen headshot

Carolyn Bazen, MS, LPC/A

Carolyn Bazen, LPC/A is the Assistant Director of Counseling and Testing at Francis Marion University in Florence. She is available to our M-III and M-IV students in Florence to schedule meetings and appointments with.

TAO (Therapy Assistance Online)

Current TAO User Login

The Therapy Assistance option of TAO allows you to get effective treatment when your schedule, or life, makes it hard to get to the counseling office. You will have access to highly effective therapy modules 24/7 and a dedicated time to meet online with your counselor each week via videoconferencing. 

New User (Account Set Up)

  • Enter First Name, Last Name, and your school email address
  • Enter your USC network password
  • Leave the 'Enrollment Key' field blank.
  • Click Sign Me Up

Check your email. You will be sent a Welcome to TAO email with a confirmation link which you must click on to sign in.


Student Appointment Forms

Prior to a students scheduled appointment with any one of our licensed counselors, we ask that they please review our our privacy practices form and sign the consent and treatment agreements.


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