Embedded Psychologist
Supporting Your Well-Being
Medical school presents unique academic, personal, and professional challenges. The embedded psychologist at the School of Medicine & Health Sciences' Office of Student Success & Well-Being provides confidential support tailored to the needs of medical students, helping them navigate stress, enhance well-being, and build skills for success throughout their training.
Meet Your Embedded Psychologist

Emily Heavner, Ph.D
Emily is a licensed psychologist who is passionate about providing mental health care and support to college and university students. Emily received her Ph.D. in counseling psychology from the University of North Dakota in 2024. She has experience providing therapy, psychological assessment, and crisis services to adults and young adults in rural and urban areas. Additionally, Emily has training in and experience providing services in integrated healthcare settings. Emily’s clinical interests include working with students experiencing depression, anxiety, traumatic stress, academic distress, relationship concerns, difficulty with life transitions, career concerns, and concerns about identity development. Additionally, Emily is passionate about providing support to students in the LGBTQIA+ community, first-generation students, and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. In her work as a therapist, Emily takes a client-centered, holistic approach that considers important aspects of the client’s culture and overall wellbeing. She utilizes a relational and trauma-informed approach and often incorporates interventions from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), and mindfulness-based approaches into treatment. Emily believes strongly in the power of the therapeutic relationship and works to build a safe environment for all clients. In her current role as a psychologist embedded in UND’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Emily is honored to support the wellbeing and mental health of the college’s developing medical and health sciences professionals.
How Your Embedded Psychologist Can Help?
Students may seek support for:
- Stress and burnout
- Anxiety and adjustment concerns
- Academic challenges
- Time management and work-life balance
- Relationship and interpersonal concerns
- Resilience and coping strategies
- Professional identity development