Where are you located?
The CMHS is located in Sawyer House at 120 Curtis Street, on the corner of Curtis Street and Curtis Avenue. (See Campus Map and click on Counseling and Mental Health Services under "Academic Buildings and Administrative Offices".)

How do you make an appointment?
Appointments can be made in person by coming to the CMHS or by calling x73360 from phone on-campus or 617-627-3360 from an off campus or cell phone.

Are services available in any language other than English?
We have counselors who speak French, Hebrew, Turkish, and Korean as well.

How long is each appointment?
Counseling appointments are generally 45 minutes long. Consultations for medication are usually approximately one hour for the first meeting, and 30 minutes for follow-up appointments.

Do you provide after-hours emergency mental health services?
In the case of a life-threatening emergency or mental health crisis after hours, telephone the University Police at x73030 or 617-627-3030 and ask them to page the counselor-on-call.

Do many students use the CMHS?
Yes. Last year over 900 students were seen, which represents about 15% of the student population. In fact, it is common for students to come for a talk with a counselor. Being in college or graduate school entails many changes and challenges; leaving home, choosing majors, negotiating intimate relationships, and moving on when graduation approaches. It is natural for people to want to talk with someone about these complex developmental issues. And, of course, other students may have additional concerns such as depression, anxiety, eating concerns, self esteem issues, sexuality, family illnesses and so on. The CMHS staff is sensitive to the broad range of concerns that students have.

What if I just want my medication prescribed?
See our Psychiatric Medication Evaluations information.

I think I might have ADD/ADHD. Can I see someone at CMHS to find out?
We do not provide diagnostic evaluations for ADD/ADHD. Evaluations for ADHD/ADD can be costly, but in some cases may be partially covered by health insurance. Check with your insurance carrier for details.

I have a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD. Can I get my medication from CMHS?
Stimulant medication is widely misused on college campuses. Hence, we are quite conservative about prescribing these medications. Students who wish to have their ADD/ADHD medication managed by our psychiatry service are required to provide complete documentation of the diagnosis, including neuropsychological testing completed within the past 3 years, and a clinical diagnosis of ADD/ADHD. They are also required to participate in counseling.

How do I pay for services?
Intake appointments and visits with counselors are free for those students who have paid the Comprehensive Health Fee. Faculty and staff are not eligible for services - see Eligibility for more information. Psychiatric medication consultations are free for the first three visits. Subsequent visits can be charged to insurance, or paid for out of pocket.

How can I get the most out of my counseling sessions?
You can maximize the progress you make in counseling by being actively involved in the work you and your counselor are doing. Some suggestions include:

• Try not to miss any of your scheduled meetings
• Between sessions, make time to think about the things you have discussed with your counselor
• Invest in following through on any homework assignments your counselor has suggested for you
• Be as honest and open with your counselor as possible

What if I cant make a scheduled appointment?
Call the front desk at 617-627-3360 as soon as possible after you become aware that you cannot come to your appointment. You can leave a message on the voice mail if you are calling outside of office hours. Please try to call at least 24 hours before your scheduled meeting.

Will my privacy be protected?
See our Confidentiality Policy.

What can I expect in the first appointment at CMHS?
Before you meet with a counselor, you will be asked to complete some forms, including a form for Informed Consent to Treatment. You will be given an opportunity to discuss these forms and to ask any questions you may have about them with the clinician you meet with for the Intake. In the initial appointment, you and your counselor will review the concerns you came in to discuss, and will consider these in light of your personal history and life experiences. Additionally, you and your counselor will be usually be able to assess whether CMHS can meet your needs, or if referral to another agency would be more appropriate.

What if I am not happy with the counselor I am assigned, or with my contact at the CMHS?
Generally, it is possible to change counselors if you do not feel you are well-matched with the person you are seeing. If you have difficulties with any aspect of your contact at the CMHS, call 617-627-3360 and ask to speak with Julie Ross, the Director, or with Linda Escoll, Assistant Director. They want to know about and help remedy any problems which may arise.