Frequently Asked Questions: Health and Counseling Services
What are the qualifications of the clinicians at Health and Counseling Services?
The health services area is staffed by a nurse practitioner and a consulting physician. Nurse practitioners are qualified to conduct visits with patients, administer medical care, and prescribe medication.
The counseling area is staffed by a licensed mental health counselor who is qualified to conduct individual or group therapy, assessment, and crisis management.
How do I make an appointment? Do you see students on a walk-in basis?
Please call 617-243-1381 to make an appointment Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Where do I go if I am sick or have an urgent problem when the Center is closed?
Please see the after-hours care section of the Health and Counseling Services page.
Where do I fill my prescriptions? Are you able to write prescriptions?
Nurse practitioners can write prescriptions. Prescriptions can be sent electronically to the pharmacy of your choice. The closest pharmacies are CVS and Walgreens in Newton Center. These are both accessible by Uber. For information regarding mental health prescribing please see counseling services.
Do you offer Plan B or other emergency contraception?
Emergency contraception (EC) medication is available over-the-counter at local pharmacies. Health services provides consultation for students seeking EC. Please call to make an appointment with a nurse practitioner if you have questions about EC. During your appointment, the clinician will assess your need for EC and make suggestions for medications. Most insurances DO NOT cover emergency contraception. The clinician will also discuss options for regular ongoing contraception and can prescribe contraception in the office or refer you to off-campus providers as needed. EC can be taken up to five days after an occurrence of unprotected sex, but the earlier you seek treatment, the more effective it is. Pregnancy tests are also available in our office.
Do you offer STD testing? What about other blood work and other testing? What lab do you use?
We offer ALL STD testing. Most students are tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea (urine test) and HIV and syphilis (blood tests). Other testing is available. General and diagnostic blood work are available as needed. We DO NOT perform x-rays, ultrasounds, or other imaging in our clinic. These tests can be ordered by your provider and be done at the local hospital.
UMass uses LabCorp for its blood work and diagnostic testing.
What do I do if I have experienced a sexual assault?
If you would like to be seen by a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), go directly to Newton Wellesley Hospital Emergency Room. If you would like to speak with a Nurse Practitioner or Counselor in our office, please call 617-243-1381.
Can I get a note for missing class when I am sick?
We can provide a visit verification note, which will inform your instructor that you had an appointment with a clinician. We do not provide class excuse notes.
Is my visit confidential? How do I access my records?
ALL visits with health care providers and counselors are confidential. You can access your health record by submitting a signed request form. Health records can be sent directly to you or an outside health care provider.
Do you provide letters of recommendation for an Emotional Support Animal (ESA)?
Per Health and Counseling Services policy, we will not provide letters for students who are requesting Emotional Support Animals (ESA). These letters must come from a student's primary medical or mental health provider off-campus. In other words, professionals with a longstanding/documented history of the student's diagnoses, symptoms, level of functioning, and knowledge of specific ways that an ESA would alleviate a particular set of symptoms.