Resources

Videos

• Half of Us
  Artists and students from across the country share personal stories of dealing with everyday stresses and emotional issues in this five-minute video from the Half of Us campaign.
• Facing Bipolar Video Series

Websites

• UMass Amherst Response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Free downloadable therapy worksheets & CBT tools
• Strength of Us
  online community designed to inspire young adults impacted by mental health issues to think positive, stay strong and achieve their goals through peer support and resource sharing.
• Help Guide for yourself and others

• Active Minds: A national organization supporting a network of campus-based chapters made up of students passionate about mental health advocacy and education. They work towards changing the conversation around mental health and reducing stigma.

Crisis Contacts

• In a life-threatening Emergency, call 911
• UMass Amherst Police: (413) 545-2121
• Center for Counseling and Psychological Health: Mon – Fri, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (413) 545-2337
  On weekdays after 5 p.m., weekends, and holidays, call the ProtoCall Crisis Line at (877) 831-7421 to speak with a clinician.
• Center for Women and Community: 24 Hour Rape Crisis Hotline (413) 545-0800

Additional Services

• Center for Multicultural Advancement and Student Success (CMASS)
  Cultural enrichment, academic support, student development and support for institutional diversity.
  • Wilder Hall, 221 Stockbridge Road
  • (413) 545-2517
• Substance Use Recovery and Support
• Center for Women and Community
  24-hour rape crisis service; counseling; support groups; training and community organization on issues of violence against women; advocacy and cultural, educational, and social programs for women of color.
  • New Africa House, 180 Infirmary Way
  • (413) 545-0883
  • 24 Hour Rape Crisis Hotline: (413) 545-0800
• Dean of Students Office
  Student support, resources and referrals.
  • 227 Whitmore Admin. Bldg.
  • (413) 545-2684
• Residential Life
  • (413) 545-2100
• Ombuds Office
  Help with grade disputes, roommate conflicts, financial aid problems, academic dishonesty charges and other university-related issues.
  • Campus Center, Room 823
  • (413) 545-0867
• Office of Religious and Spiritual Life
  Educational programs, individual and institutional advocacy, interfaith dialogue, meditation groups and referral to pastoral counseling and support services.
  • 308 Student Union
  • (413) 545-9642
• Disability Services
  Support and accommodations for people with physical and psychological disabilities.
  • 161 Whitmore Admin Bldg.
  • (413) 545-0892
• Psychological Services Center
  A community mental health clinic operated by the Division of Clinical Psychology.
  • Tobin Hall, Room 123
  • (413) 545-2383
• Stonewall Center
  A bisexual, gay, lesbian, queer and transgender educational resource center.
  • Crampton Hall, 256 Sunset Ave.
  • (413) 545-4824
• University Health Services
  Comprehensive health and wellness services for the UMass Amherst campus community.
  • 150 Infirmary Way
  • (413) 577-5000 (24/7 triage and medical advice)
• Veteran Services
  Programming and support for families, actively serving military members, and separated veterans.
  • 19 Dickinson Hall
  • (413) 545-0939

Apps

• The Safe Space – Minority Mental Health App
• POC Meditation App
• Unity Wellness Warriors

Crisis Numbers

• Asian American Suicide Prevention and Education
• Trans Lifeline
• The Steve Fund
• The Trevor Project
• Stronghearts Native Helpline

Helpful Links

• UMass Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Mental Health and Solidarity Resources
• Going to Therapy as a QTPOC
• The Nap Ministry
• Effects of Racial Trauma on Mental Health
• Trauma and Racism
• Psychological Impact of Traumatic News
• How to Find a Therapist that Focuses on Black Mental Health
• What is Racial Trauma?
• Ethnic and Racial Identity in the Therapeutic Alliance
• Impact of Covid-19, Racial Discrimination on Asian-Americans
• Tips for Self-Care when Police Brutality has you Questioning Social Media
• Paths (Re)Membered Project

Mental Health Provider Directories

• Therapists for Black Girls
• Latinx Therapy Network
• QT Therapist of Color Network
• Asian Mental Health Network
• Asian Mental Health Collective Directory

Self Guided Resources

• Healing and Wholeness After Racial Trauma
• Black Emotional And Mental Health Toolkit
• Therapy for Black Girls
• Family and Community Self Care Kit
• Asians Do Therapy
• Black Zen
• IHollaBack Bystander and Resilience Trainings
• Tender Loving Self-Care for Asian Americans
• How to Talk to Asian Elders about Anti-Asian Violence
• Tips for Self-Care when Police Brutality has you Questioning Social Media
• We R Native
• Indigenous Wellness Resource Institute Mindfulness Resources

Therapy Funds

• National Queer & Trans Therapists of Color Network (NQTTCN) Mental Health Fund
• HealHaus Therapy Fund
• Loveland Therapy Fund for Black Girls

• Ambulance Transport
  • ​Ambulance (Amherst Fire Dept.) (413) 253-5378
• Hospitals
  • Cooley Dickinson Hospital (413) 582-2500
  • Holyoke Medical Center (413) 534-2500
  • Franklin Medical Center (413) 773-2100
  • Baystate Medical Center (413) 794-3360
  • Brattleboro Retreat (802) 257-7785
• National Suicide Prevention hotline
  • 1-800-273-TALK
• Poison control center/Amherst area
  • 1-800-222-1222
  • 1-800-244-5313
  • www.poison.org
• Police Departments
  • UMass Amherst Police Department (413) 545 -2121
  • Amherst Police (413) 259-3000
  • State police (Northampton) (413) 584-3000
• Psychiatric Crisis Services/Hampshire County Crisis Center
  • (413) 586-5555
• Rape crisis 24 hour HOTLINE
  • (413) 545-0800
• Rape crisis line/Spanish speaking
  • Wed-Fri, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • 1-800-223-5001
• Hampshire County Toll-Free Rape Crisis Hotline
  • 1-888-337-0800
• Substance Abuse Resources
  • Do you or someone you know need help with an alcohol or drug problem? Help is available at Helpline-online.com
  • Helpline TTY and ASCII users: 1-800-720-3480; Voice and Hearing Users: 1-800-327-5050
  • SAMHSA’s National Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
    24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
  • To see a list of local rehab centers, see this reference.
• Another substance abuse resource is Learn to Cope; 508-738-5148 
• TTY
  • (413) 577-0940
  • MA Relay 711

National Resources

• American Association of Suicidology
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
• American Psychiatric Association
• American Psychological Association
• Athletes Connected, University of Michigan
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Eating Disorder Hope
• GLBT Peer Counseling National Hotline
  • 1-888-THE-GLNH (843-4564)
• Jed Foundation
• Multi-service Eating Disorders Association
• National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders
• National Eating Disorders Association
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
  • 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network)
  • National Sexual Assault Hotline - 1.800.656.HOPE
• Suicide Prevention Resource Center
• Student Counseling Virtual Pamphlet Collection
• Trans Lifeline (Dedicated to the wellbeing of transgender people)
• SAMHSA’s National Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
  SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

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 The Shrink Space and Unmute 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.