Counseling
It’s normal to feel stressed or overwhelmed. Whether you’re dealing with academic pressure, mood changes, mental health challenges, or social struggles—we’re here to help.
Our team of caring therapists offer:
- Free and confidential counseling for eligible students
- Flexible day and evening appointments—in-person or by Zoom
- Convenient locations on the Charles River and Medical Campus
- Short-term therapy typically in the range of 2 to 8 sessions
- Referrals for counseling in the community for ongoing support
When to reach out for help
Asking for help isn’t always easy, but it can make a real difference. Consider reaching out to us if you are:
- Stuck in negative thoughts or behaviors
- Feeling overwhelmed despite using your usual coping strategies
- Struggling with substance use, eating habits, or body image
- Having difficulty caring for yourself due to emotional distress
- Going through a major life change
- Feeling anxious, sad, or hopeless in ways that affect daily life
- Experiencing sleep problems or big mood changes
- Receiving concern from others about your well-being
Getting started
To start, schedule an initial appointment. This is a 20 – 30 minute appointment where you will:
- Meet with one of our counselors
- Receive a care plan tailored to your needs
- Be connected to support services such as therapy, psychiatry, referral options for ongoing care, and resources within the BU community
How to schedule an appointment
You can schedule a counseling appointment by calling (617) 353-3569 during business hours or by going online to Patient Connect.
To schedule online:
- Log into Patient Connect
- Select Appointments
- Select Schedule an Appointment
- Confirm that it’s not a life-threatening emergency
- Choose Counseling & Psychiatric Services (CAPS)
- Select I would like to schedule an initial evaluation with a provider
- Pick a time that works for you
If you need help right away, call 617-353-3569 or walk into our office on the Charles River Campus (881 Commonwealth Ave.) during business hours.
FAQs
Who can use counseling?
Any full-time student – regardless of what health insurance they have – can make a counseling appointment. Part-time students who have the Aetna Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) can also use counseling services. Learn more about
eligibility for services at SHS.
Is there a cost for counseling?
There is no cost for our appointments and we do not bill your insurance.
What is counseling?
Counseling – also known as therapy – is a safe and confidential space where you can talk with a trained professional about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. A therapist can help you manage stress, navigate challenges, improve relationships, and develop coping skills. Therapy looks different for everyone—some people come to process emotions, while others focus on setting goals, improving skills, or finding solutions.
What happens during the first appointment?
Your therapist will review the concerns that you would like to address. They will also review your health history including topics like past mental health concerns, current symptoms and social/family life. You will also create some goals for treatment to ensure you get the most out of your time.
Do I need to prepare for my session?
There’s no right or wrong way to do therapy! Some students like to take notes—mental or written—about things they want to talk about. Others prefer to come in and see where the conversation goes. Either way, your therapist will meet you where you are and help guide the process.
What is the wait time for a counseling appointment?
Most appointments can be scheduled within 3 business days. During peak times of year, this wait time can be longer.
Do you have a session limit?
We don’t have a specific session limit but do use a short term model of care. This type of care focuses on finding solutions within a set time frame, usually 3-4 sessions over a few months.
This can be helpful for students who:
- Are going through a crisis
- Are experiencing mental health concerns for the first time
- Are adjusting to a major life change
- Are new to therapy and want to try it out
- Need support while finding a long-term therapist in the community
I’m interested in getting counseling off-campus. Can you help me?
Absolutely! We have a team of dedicated referral coordinators who can assist you in finding any type of mental health care locally. We can make recommendations based on preferred identity or type of care you are looking for. This is a great option if you are feeling overwhelmed and need some support getting connected. Learn more about the
mental health referral process.
Do you offer counseling in multiple languages?
Yes! We currently provide direct services in Mandarin, Spanish, and American Sign Language (ASL). We also have
Interpreter Services in over 200 languages.
