Frequently Asked Questions : Center for Counseling and Psychological Health : UMass Amherst

Select topics below for FAQs

Let's Talk (15 min)

Individual Therapy (45 min)

Am I eligible for services?

Actively enrolled students (5 credits or more) are eligible
Must be in the state of Massachusetts during the session

How do I schedule?

Call (413) 545-2337 Monday-Friday between 8:30 am to 4:30 pm to schedule a 45 minute consultation with a licensed clinician.
Or schedule online. Note that there may be more appointments available by phone.

What can I expect from my first appointment?

Prior to your session, there are forms to complete within the patient portal.
After your consultation we will help you create a plan that may include group or workshop participation, a follow-up session with the same clinician, medication consultation referral, or other resource recommendations. To remain accessible to the greatest number of students, CCPH provides short-term and solution-focused therapy. For longer-term therapy, we can help connect you with a local provider. In a crisis, CCPH offers 24/7 emergency consultation. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911.

Which forms do I need to complete before my first appt?

There are a few forms you will be prompted to complete within the patient portal. It is important that these are completed prior to the start of your first appointment. For reference, these forms are:
- Consent to Telehealth at CCPH
- Informed Consent for CCPH
- Initial Consultation Form
- CCAPS
- (for minors) Consent to Treat Minor Patients at CCPH

What is CCPH’s Brief and Intermittent Therapy model?

Many students utilize 3-4 sessions and generally meet every 2-4 weeks to meet their mental health goals.

What is the cost?

4 pre-paid sessions (as covered by student activity fee) prior to billing insurance. Renews annually in September.

How do I Contact my Provider?

To ensure your privacy and confidentiality, you can communicate directly and securely by phone (413-545-2337) or through the patient portal.
Secure messaging is for non-urgent concerns only.
Note: Email is not a secure method of communication so we will not use this as a way to discuss your health concerns.

What are End of the Semester appointments like?

To best accommodate the end of semester needs of our students, CCPH is available for single session individual therapy (for students who will be leaving the state at the end of the semester) and brief individual therapy for students who will remain in Massachusetts during breaks.

Workshops and Therapy Groups

What different group programs are offered at CCPH?

Therapy Groups:

Group therapy is a form of therapy where people meet regularly in small groups to discuss and explore their problems with each other and the group leader(s). Groups offer students a safe and confidential place to work on problems and hear different perspectives. Group members can deepen self-awareness, enhance relationship skills and experiment with new ideas and ways of being.
Therapy groups tend to be “closed” meaning that once a group of participants have been identified, no new members can join until the group re-opens the following semester. Once therapy groups are full and have started, they often run through the end of the semester.
Therapy groups involve a commitment of regular attendance on the part of the participant.
Therapy groups involve a commitment to engaged participation on the part of each group member.
Therapy groups are billed through health insurance as half of a therapy session.
Annually student have 4 pre-paid sessions with CCPH - these can alternatively be applied to 8 group therapy session.

Workshops:

Workshops involve participants meeting to discuss a particular theme or topic. Workshop facilitators will come to each session with a specific plan for the day.
Workshops involve a moderate level of sharing. Typically, in workshop set ups, you will be presented with psychoeducation information or activities. Workshop facilitators may ask you to answer specific questions or to participate by sharing your perspective. Sharing openly in workshops is not an expectation, and students can choose how actively they wish to share with other members.
Workshops are not billed through insurance and are free to students.

Drop-in Groups:

Drop-in groups at CCPH are one-off, drop-in support spaces. You can register to participate once, or as many times as you wish. Commitment to returning in the future is not necessary. These spaces are intended to be open to anyone, and also open to a wide variety of conversation topics.
Your level of participation in a community conversation is entirely up to you and you comfort in the moment.
Group facilitators are present to provide general support, but not specific clinical interventions.
Drop-in groups are not billed through insurance and are free to students.

What are the goals of therapy groups, workshops, and drop-in groups?

Gain an understanding of personal problems and explore possible solutions
Give and receive feedback and support
Feel more connected to other students who are struggling with similar issues
Learn more about how others might perceive you
Learn tangible and practical skills to manage issues
Improve your ability to identify, understand, and express your feelings
Connect with others and feel less socially isolated

What kinds of group programs are offered?

We are always interested in meeting the needs of students, so please contact us with ideas of groups you would like to see offered.

How do I get into a therapy group, workshop, or drop-in group?

To register for our workshops, you may be directed to our secure Provider Portal. Some groups require a pre-screening, while others do not.

If you already have a therapist you are working with at CCPH, they can also assist you in connecting with a facilitator. If you have any questions, please contact us at (413) 545-2337.

How do I make the most out of my time in the workshop, drop-in group, or therapy group?

Attend regularly
Share your hopes and fears for participating
Share with other members what you’re struggling with
Take some emotional risks
Be direct and honest with your feelings
Be willing to give and receive feedback
Share your own experiences and ask others about theirs
Let the other members know both positive and negative feelings that come up for you in the meetings

Common misconceptions about therapy groups/workshops/drop-in groups

"I'll be forced to tell my deepest thoughts, feelings and secrets."
You control what, how much and when you share. Most people find that when they feel safe enough to share what's troubling them, a group can be helpful and affirming. Even if you're not ready to talk about something, listening to others can help. What they're saying may apply to you.

"Group therapy will take longer because I'll be sharing the time."
Group therapy is often more efficient than individual therapy for two reasons: First, you can benefit from the group, even when you're quiet and listening carefully. Second, group members may bring up issues that strike a chord with you - things you may not have been aware of or brought up yourself.

"Others in the group will verbally attack me."
It's important for members to feel safe and leaders will help develop that environment within the group. While feedback is often hard to hear, groups can point out damaging behaviors in a respectful, gentle way, so you can hear and use the insights. As trust grows, group members generally experience feedback (and even confrontation) as a sign of caring.

"I have trouble talking to people. I'll never be able to share in a group."
Most people are anxious about talking in a group, but this almost always fades quickly. You are likely to get a lot of support when you do begin talking.

"Group therapy is second-best... isn't individual therapy better?"
Group therapy is the most effective treatment approach for many issues college students face. When a group is recommended, it's because your therapist believes it's the best way for you to be helped. They can discuss the reasons for the recommendation with you.

Common concerns adapted from Counseling Services, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York.

What about confidentiality?

All therapy groups, workshops, and community conversations are confidential, meaning that what members disclose in sessions is not shared outside of the group. The importance of confidentiality and concerns about are reviewed with group members at the first meeting.

Adapted from Counseling Services, State University of New York at Buffalo, and Cornell University, CAPS

What do former participants say about their experiences?

We asked our clients who were in therapy groups/workshops/drop-in groups at CCPH about their experience, and these are some of their comments.

What did you like about this program?

"Being able to talk about anything and feel supported."

"I learned that it’s okay to be different and to accept who I am."

"Hearing about how other participants are going through similar things."

"As someone with a small support system (or non-existent one) on campus, group helped me feel connected to other students."

"Having people relate to my experience, helping me identify my emotions, and having the leaders facilitate our conversations."

What did you learn about yourself during the experience?

"I learned that I am doing a lot better than I give myself credit for."

"I learned not to be ashamed when relaying my personal experience; on the contrary, my group experience helped me connect with others and gave me a sense of pride and belonging."

"Group has helped me see that my problems don’t define who I am, because everyone has insecurities and we all have so much more to us than our problems."

"I learned that I’m not the only one struggling with difficult issues. A lot of people I know on campus pretend/seem to be fine and it was great to know that I’m not abnormal in my struggles."

"I can get through this. I am not alone, other people have done this, others care about me, so I will be ok."

"Before coming to group, I felt alone, now I feel better about talking to people and connecting with them."

View the current list of offerings.

Psychiatry Services and Medication

Crisis Services

Who should I contact if I’m struggling with a mental health crisis?

You can walk into CCPH at the Middlesex Building during business hours Monday-Friday 8:30am-5pm (doors close at 4:30pm) OR call us and follow the prompts to speak to the emergency/on-call clinician.
After hours, weekends, and holidays, call our main phone lines and follow the prompts to speak to the emergency/on-call clinician.

Who should I call if it is a Life Threatening Emergency?

Off Campus – 911
On Campus – UMass Police Department: 413-545-3111 or 911

What if I am calling about someone else in crisis?

Anyone can contact us by phone if they are concerned about a student in crisis.

What is considered a mental health crisis?

Examples of crisis include:
- Suicidal or homicidal thoughts or impulses
- Hearing voices or otherwise misperceiving reality
- Overwhelming loss, such as a death in the family
- Sexual or physical assault (Also consult the Umass Title IX Website)
- Seeking consultation on an individual who you feel may be struggling with a mental health crisis.

What should I expect when I go to CCPH in a crisis?

The student in crisis will meet in a confidential space with the emergency/on-call clinician. The clinician will explore your needs, make recommendations for resources or a safe plan, and offer stabilization and support.
Meeting with our crisis clinicians can take anywhere from 30-90 minutes.

What are resources for Sexual Assault Services?

The Center for Women and Community (CWC) provides free and confidential crisis services for survivors of all gender expressions in the Hampshire County and Five College Community.
24-hour Crisis Hotline through CWC: Call 413-545-0800
Llamanos. 1-800-223-5001. Spanish Speaking Sexual Assault Support and Advocacy Counselors are available.

Can I use the crisis line during the summer?

Yes! If you are out-of-state, consider using your local crisis services in order to access more relevant resources, but you are still welcome to call CCPH.

Referrals

Off Campus and Home Mental Health Services

Mental healthcare can support you in coping with life's challenges and recovering from obstacles. If you experience challenges with access and affordability, while away from UMass Amherst start here:

Does my health insurance provide mental health coverage?

Call the phone number on your insurance card listed next to “Behavioral Health Benefits.” If you are not sure what number to call, dial member services and ask them to direct your call. Some questions to ask:

What are my mental health benefits?
What local in-network providers are accepting new clients?
Do I need a referral?
How many visits am I allowed?
Do I have a copay? Do I have a deductible?
Where is my Explanation of Benefits (EOB) sent?
Will my parents be notified by my insurance company when I obtain services? If I don’t want this, can I restrict this information?

Some insurance companies:

BlueCross BlueShield
Harvard Pilgrim
Tufts
Health New England
GIC/Unicare State Indemnity
Cigna
Fallon
United Healthcare
Unicare
Medicaid

I don't have a mental health diagnosis. Can I still get coverage?

Your mental healthcare may be covered even if you do not have a diagnosis. If you're experiencing distress and anxiety, but don't think you meet the criteria for an anxiety or other type of disorder, talk to the therapist you are interested in seeing – therapists are often able to work with insurance companies to get coverage.

Can I obtain mental healthcare if my income is low?

If you receive services through MassHealth, a MassHealth Primary Care Clinician (PCC) Plan, Community Care Cooperative (C3), Partners HealthCare Choice, Steward Health Choice, or BeHealthy Partnership, contact the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership (MBHP).

The NAMI HelpLine can help you with any non-crisis related mental health issue. For example, you can contact them with question like "Where's the free support group closest to me?" or "How do I find low-cost treatment?" You can also reach them at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).

Dialing 211 will connect you with a resource and information helpline in your community that can refer you to things like support groups, low-cost therapy, and other forms of support you might need.

Does my employer have any mental health support resources available?

Check with your employer's human resources department to see if they offer an employee assistance program (EAP). EAPs are confidential and can refer you to licensed counselors for grief or trauma, stress management, anxiety support, relationship issues, and more.

How can I get help for substance abuse?

The mission of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities. SAMHSA's treatment locator can connect you to substance abuse and mental health treatment providers (see instructional video). Massachusetts residents can call the Mass Substance Use Helpline at 800-327-5050.

How do I find a non-UMass affiliated mental healthcare provider?

Some UMass students prefer to manage their mental healthcare outside of the campus community. Your primary physician’s office or local hospital may refer you to therapists or outpatient behavioral services. Matching services such as Welltrack Connect pair you with compatible therapists by zip code, insurance accepted, treatment specialty, language, and more. Online therapy (also known as e-therapy, distance therapy, Internet therapy and web therapy) is an option for many students. Online therapy such as ihope network utilizes a variety of methods such as apps for texting, video chatting, voice messaging and audio messaging. Some other online resources are talkspace and 7cups.

Three things to keep in mind:

Similar experience – A clinician with experience treating issues similar to yours will be able to offer more insight and specific support.
Type of therapy – There are many different types of therapy. It’s helpful to learn about different therapy orientations so you can find the clinician with a treatment style that works for you.
Trust your feelings – You should feel comfortable and safe with your therapist. If the connection does not feel right, try another provider. Sometimes it takes a few tries with different therapists to find the right fit. A professional therapist will respect your choices and should never pressure you or make you feel guilty for discontinuing your sessions.

What can I do if I need something more than therapy?

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) and substance abuse day programs are hospital-based nonresidential treatment programs. These provide diagnostic and treatment services at a similar level of intensity to an inpatient program without 24/7 residency. Check SAMHSA's Find Treatment to find help for disorders (mood, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, eating) and chemical dependency. The intake coordinators at a PHP program can answer questions and let you know whether your insurance is accepted.

For Parents and Caretakers

How can I support my student?

Stay connected. Listen to your student. Often students simply need to talk about what's going on in their lives and want a familiar, trusted person to listen.
Ask questions. Show that you're interested in what your student is doing, how they are adjusting, or what they are learning. Your student may not want to talk in depth each time, but they will know you are there for them when they need someone to talk to.
Expect change. Your student is having many new experiences and is learning about him- or herself. You may see them change quickly.

What should I do if my student calls me in distress? What if I'm worried?

When you talk with your student, try to identify the nature of the issue and suggest available resources. For:

mental health emergency: If there is an immediate risk of injury, call 911 or the UMass Police Department (413) 545-3111. If your student can't care for themselves or is at risk for hurting themselves or someone else, call CCPH and ask to speak to the on-call clinician - dial (413) 545-2337 and select the crisis option.
academic concerns: students can speak with their professor or academic dean. For accommodation related matters students can speak to Disability Services. For other general questions related to academics, students can meet with Dean of Students Office.
medical concerns: contact University Health Services, (413) 577-5000.
housing or roommate issues: call Residential Life, (413) 545-2100.
depression, anxiety, relationship problem or other issues: Students can contact the Center for Counseling and Psychological Health (CCPH) by calling (413) 545-2337 or walk in during business hours to schedule. After an initial consultation, the clinician will make recommendations that best meets your needs. This may include registering for a group or workshop, a follow up appointment with the clinician, referral for a medication consultation, or recommendations for other resources. In order to remain accessible to the greatest number of students, CCPH focuses on providing short-term and solution-focused therapy. If your student need or want longer-term therapy, we can help connect them with a local provider. CCPH is open Monday – Friday, 8:30am to 5pm (doors close at 4:30pm).
For 24-hour crisis support call 413-545-2337 (and select the crisis option).

If you are concerned about your student's wellbeing and want to speak to one of our professionals about your student, call CCPH and ask our front desk staff for the on-call clinician Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5p.m (doors close at 4:30pm) OR call and select the crisis options available 24/7.

My student is in long-term treatment and/or on psychotropic medication. How can I help with the transition to college?

Continuing care can be critical to adjustment and wellbeing and we recommend planning well in advance of your student's arrival on campus. In many cases (particularly for stable, routine medication management), it may be best to continue seeing your home provider. For other students, it may make sense to receive services on campus or from a local provider. If a transition is planned, it is critical for your home provider to be in contact with the new provider to ensure continuity of care. It is important to allow plenty of time for the transition.

The CCPH does not have the capacity to manage chronic mental health conditions requiring intensive or frequent contacts. If our short-term care model won't adequately meet your student's needs, the clinician will recommend referral resources. We maintain relationships with community providers offering a range of expertise, and who accept a variety of insurance plans.

Can my student get ADHD prescriptions at CCPH?

We prescribe medication for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder to students who have a diagnosis of ADHD confirmed by formal psychological testing. This testing is done by a psychologist and generally occurs over several sessions. The testing should be relatively recent. If your student has not been diagnosed with ADHD via psychological testing, we can help your student schedule testing either at CCPH or in the community. This can take some time, so be sure to arrange continued medication from your student’s current provider.

If your student has not had psychological testing and does not wish to be tested, we recommend that they continue to get medication for ADHD from their current prescriber. A student may also seek care from community psychiatric providers in the Amherst area.

Event Requests and Outreach

Who should I contact for CCPH to present or attend an event?

Please complete the CCPH Outreach Inquiry/Request Form

What types of presentations can CCPH offer to interested Registered Student Organizations, faculty, staff and the community?

Stress Management with Mindfulness

Support spaces for students and faculty following a critical incident on campus such as death of a community members, natural disaster, or anything that invokes emergency response systems within the university.

Mental Health Consultations on issues such as self-injurious behaviors, eating disorders, substance use, anxiety, depression, and more.

What are Suicide Gatekeeper Trainings?

CCPH offers free group suicide prevention trainings for the UMass Amherst campus community. Learn to recognize the warning signs of suicide and what to do if you see them – you could save a life.

The 'gatekeeper' model, developed at Syracuse University, focuses on training those who most directly interact with students. Experiential exercises replicate the emotional experiences of someone in crisis, giving participants the skills and information they need to assist at-risk students. Topics include:

Warning signs

Myths

Response modes

Campus and community resources

Current suicide statistics and research

Trained gatekeepers do not provide mental health care; rather, they use the techniques and resources learned to offer support and guidance, and to help connect students with needed services.

Why is Suicide Gatekeeper training important?

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students.

5,000 young adults (1,100 college students) die by suicide every year.

Research indicates 10% of college students have suicidal thoughts.

Even one death is one too many.

What are other resources available for critical incidents and/or student loss?

Supporting Students Through Tragedy or Loss

CCPH Critical Incident Response Plan

Trauma Reactions Continuums from Riverside Trauma Center

Documentation and Letters