MAIN HOSPITAL NUMBER: (424)306-4000
GME Well-Being2024-01-08T11:35:49-08:00

Free confidential short-term counseling services at HUMC

You Are Not Alone

Why: Because we care about each of you and we know that these training years alone can be challenging—life outside of residency does not stop. We are here to support you through this journey.

How: Please email me at HUCLAGMEConnect@dhs.lacounty.gov to schedule an appointment. This email address will be strictly used for scheduling appointments. If there is an urgent issue that you need to discuss, you can reach me at 424-306-6187. If I am unavailable or out of the office, I will do my best to return your call in the next business day.

Where: My private office is located on 8th Floor (East), same wing as the GME Admin office—you can ask for me at the front desk. Office #8E-21. If you have any concerns regarding the meeting location, please contact me directly.

When: Since October 21, I have been reviewing referrals and scheduling appointments. Program Directors have agreed to support these counseling sessions similarly to attending a doctor’s appointment.

What to Expect: Asking for help and seeking out counseling can often times create anxiety, the
following information below can provide more clarification and ease into what short-term
counseling includes:

  • Confidential Services
  • 30 to 50 min sessions (schedule permitting)
  • Follow up appointments
  • Collaborative Environment
  • Intake Assessment (paperwork can be completed prior to appointment)
  • Sessions in a private office

*These counseling sessions will be approached like any other counseling session outside in the community—separate from your program and confidential. I will also discuss limits to confidentiality in our first session. Please see attached Notice of Privacy Policies for more information. Furthermore, I can help find additional resources in the community if you chose to seek therapy outside of Harbor UCLA.

If you are worried or concerned about one of your colleagues, please reach out and set up a time with me to discuss further. We are here to support you through these challenging and often, confusing times.

Please do not hesitate to email or call me with any questions you may have and/or to schedule an appointment. I look forward to meeting each of you at some point in your training journey.

Best,

Dr. Abou-Ziab

To watch the Full Video, please click the following link: Physician Suicide Awareness 2022

Pain isn’t always obvious.

The month of September is known as National Suicide Prevention Month, more specifically, September 17th has been designated as National Physician Suicide Awareness Day – physician suicide is a tremendous issue in healthcare today. Suicide is preventable. Join us as we #speakup and #breakthestigma on physician mental health at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. You are not alone.

* Directed, Filmed, and Produced by Caleb Jeon, MD; Dermatology 4th year Resident at HUMC

Public Resources:

National Suicide Prevention Line
(24hrs) 988 or 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)
Crisis Text Line (24 hours)
Text 988 from anywhere in the US
​Los Angeles Suicide Prevention Center
310-391-1253
California Medical Association (CMA)
213-383-2691
Samaritans Helpline (24hrs/7days)
877-870-4673 (HOPE)
Trans Lifeline
877-565-8860

Resources at Harbor-UCLA:

GME Psychologist:

Hoda Abou-Ziab, PsyD
424-306-6187

Helping Healers Heal (H3)
https://bit.ly/3jOtQrT

Physician/Provider Wellbeing Committee:

Ira Lesser, MD
424-306-6485

Do you need Counseling?

It may take some time and consideration before deciding that counseling is right for you. The initial session will also be spent clarifying that and your needs. In the meantime, if you are experiencing any of the following please make an appointment with me or any other psychologist in the community:

  • *thoughts of hurting yourself or ending your life

    • *please call National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 (24/7)

    • Or call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room

  • disproportionate rage, anger, or resentment

  • difficulties concentrating or loss of motivation

  • inability to recover during your time off

  • loss of interest in activities you enjoyed

  • anxiety or intrusive thoughts

  • challenges with transitions

  • increased irritability

  • loss of satisfaction or sense of accomplishment

  • isolating from others

  • withdrawal from responsibilities

  • increased negative outlook

  • experiencing an increase in medical/clinical errors

  • snapping at patients or colleagues or increased cynicism towards them

  • using food, drugs, alcohol to cope

  • grief and bereavement

  • loss (relationship, pregnancy)

  • difficulty adjusting at work or at home

  • relationship challenges

  • work challenges

  • confusion about your career path

Unsure?

If you are unsure, email or call Dr. Abou-Ziab to schedule your first appointment—you are not alone in this process. You may also confidentially contact:

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