Wellness at Penn announces the appointment of Philip (“Phil”) Meilman as the new director of counseling services within Student Health and Counseling, effective July 15, 2022. Dr. Meilman is a college mental health scholar and clinical expert who brings a wealth of experience to the University of Pennsylvania. 

“I am thrilled to have joined the team at the University of Pennsylvania,” said Dr. Meilman. “I look forward to engaging with students and supporting the Student Health and Counseling staff as we work together to offer a welcoming and supportive environment for students and mental health care services.”

Dr. Meilman previously served as the director of the Counseling and Psychiatric Service at Georgetown University from 2005 to 2020 and as a professor in the department of psychiatry there. Before Georgetown, Dr. Meilman worked at Cornell University, the College of William and Mary, Dartmouth College, and the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He earned an AB from Harvard University and a PhD in clinical psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 

Dr. Meilman served as editor of the Journal of College Student Psychotherapy for five years and has authored numerous books, monographs, and journal articles. 

“We are extremely fortunate to have Dr. Meilman join our Wellness team,” said Benoit Dubé, associate provost and chief wellness officer. “His extensive experience in behavioral health, and his understanding of the complexities of the college experience, will be a tremendous asset to our clinical team. Together, we will remain dedicated to caring for students through their academic journey.”

In his role, Dr. Meilman will assist the current leadership team to improve access to and support of behavioral health services. Dr. Meilman will oversee Penn’s mental and behavioral health services in an effort to nurture the resilience and success of more than 26,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.