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Mental Health and Counseling

FAQs

  • Who Is Eligible?
    Every Yale student is entitled to counseling at the Yale University Health Services (YUHS) Mental Health and Counseling Center completely free of charge regardless of your health plan.

    The official policy provides a "course of brief therapy." Brief therapy may be a semester or 3-4 months each year. Most students come for less time, and the number of sessions may be adjusted if needed.

    Some students go to the Mental Health & Counseling Center for ongoing therapy and some for just a few visits.

    Consultations, counseling, psychotherapy, and crisis intervention are available to all students and to eligible spouses and same-sex domestic partners. A referral is not needed and appointments can be made by phone and or in person for an initial consultation.

  • What about confidentiality?
    Mental Health & Counseling records are separate from other medical records and are kept in a locked room in the Mental Health & Counseling Center Department.

    The Mental Health & Counseling Center will not release information about who is a patient- not even to Masters, Deans, family, friends, coaches, employers, or the government.

    Everything discussed with a mental health clinician is held in strictest confidence and is not communicated to anyone without your permission, except in the rare of instance of a life-threatening situation.

    Deans are notified only in the case of hospitalization.

  • Is there a fee for Services?
    All mental health services are provided free of charge at YUHS.
  • Do you have emergency services?
    Mental health professionals are available 24:7 for emergency and urgent situations. During regular office hours a clinician may be reached through the Department of Mental Health & Counseling (203.432.0290). After office hours and on weekends and holidays, a mental health clinician may be reached through the Urgent Care Department (203.432.0123).

    For Rape Crisis/Sexual Assault call 203-432-6653. Counselors available to talk to students or meet with them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Information also available at: Sexual Harassment and Assault Resources and Education - The SHARE Center

  • What are some reasons to seek counseling?
    Students seek counseling for many different reasons, including:
    • Academic stress
    • Alcohol/drug issues
    • Anxiety
    • Body image
    • Competition
    • Compulsions
    • Depression
    • Eating concerns
    • Family illness
    • Gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender issues
    • Loss and grief
    • Obsessions
    • Parental divorce
    • Relationships
      • family
      • friends
      • romantic
      • roommates
    • Self-esteem
    • Sexual assault
    • Sexual concerns
    • Sexual orientation and identity
    • Traumatic experiences
  • Are they screenings available to help me determine if I might need counseling?
    • YUHS offers free, anonymous, and confidential online screenings to Yale students.
    • The purpose is to help students determine if consultation with a mental health counselor would be helpful
    • Only the student sees the results

    Click here for anonymous and confidential online screenings for Depression, Eating Disorders, Alcohol, Anxiety/PTSD

  • What are the different types of therapy sessions offered?
    • Individual & Couples Therapy
      Sessions are 45-50 minutes in length, once / week
    • How often you see a therapist depends on your personal needs
    • You can request a male or female therapist and can switch therapists if it does not feel like a good match
    • Sex counseling for couples or individuals
    • Couples counseling is available for same sex and opposite sex couples

    The Mental Health & Counseling Center has approximately 25 therapists. This staff includes psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers. Psychiatrists are always available and can prescribe medication if necessary.

    • Group Therapy
      Group therapy includes 5-8 people and 2 therapists. Groups meet once / week for the entire academic year. oups Current grinclude:
    • General therapy
    • Eating disorders
    • Sexual assault support
    • Return from medical leave
    New groups can be started when there is enough interest.
  • How can I reach a substance abuse counselor?
    Call Substance Abuse at 432-1891, Counselor Dr. Marie Baker
  • Are there Student Health Educators at the university?
    Yes, call Student Health Education at 432-1892
  • Is there somewhere I can find peer-to-peer counseling?
    Yes, Walden 432-TALK (8255); www.yale.edu/walden/
  • Are there any internet resources for information on mental health & counseling?