Integrating an Acupuncture Service at an Ivy League University Student Health Service

Background: Acupuncture is a commonly utilized complementary and alternative modality in the United States. Acupuncture is well-positioned to be integrated as a therapy in allopathic settings because there is strong evidence for its efficacy for addressing several conditions. College health populations use acupuncture more than other populations; therefore, college health centers are ideal locations to add acupuncture services Methods: The Integrative Medicine Working Group at Columbia University, New York, NY, added an acupuncture session for students on the university's Morningside Campus by aligning with the priorities of Columbia Health Services, including key stakeholders in planning, and developing a collaboration with the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. Results: The new acupuncture session has been highly utilized with a low no-show rate and high patient-satisfaction scores. Conclusions: Program evaluation and collaboration between key stakeholders can guide the creation of a successful acupuncture service. The addition of an acupuncture service in a college health setting was well-received by students and could be replicated in other college health centers.