Psychiatry & Medication
Medication is an effective treatment option for many mental health conditions. Whether you are starting a new medication or looking to continue one, our experienced providers can help. Medications can be combined with therapy, or as a stand-alone treatment depending on your condition.
Our team of providers offer:
- Free and confidential appointments for eligible students
- Flexible day and evening appointments—in-person or by Zoom
- Convenient locations on the Charles River and Medical Campus
- Referrals for medication management in the community for ongoing support
When to reach out for help
Medication decisions are personal ones. Consider reaching out to us if you are:
- Experiencing significant changes in mood, sleep patterns or appetite
- Having symptoms that are interfering with daily activities or functioning
- Finding it harder to cope with behavioral strategies alone
- Diagnosed with a chronic mental health diagnosis, such as bipolar disorder
Getting started
To start, schedule an initial appointment. This is a 20 – 30 minute appointment where you will will:
- Meet with one of our clinicians
- Receive a care plan tailored to your needs
- Be connected to support services such as therapy, psychiatry, referrals for ongoing care options, and helpful resources within the BU community.
How to schedule an appointment
You can schedule a psychiatry 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 psychiatry services?
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 psychiatry appointments?
There is no cost for our appointments and we do not bill your insurance. The cost of prescriptions vary based on the specific medication prescribed and your insurance coverage.
I’d like to learn more about medication. What are my options?
Taking psychiatric medication is a personal decision that requires close collaboration with a healthcare provider you trust. Our prescribers can help by evaluating your needs, identifying the available treatment options, and discussing the pros and cons of each – without any obligations. If you are interested in speaking to a non-BU provider, our
Referral Coordinators can help you to find providers in the community who fit your needs, preferences, and insurance.
I’m on medication and need help transitioning my care to BU. Can you help?
If you’re a new student and on medication through a provider at home, we first recommend that you request a 1 – 3 month supply before coming to Boston. Next, we recommend you send a message to our
mental health referral coordinators before the semester starts to get connected to a provider near campus for ongoing care.
How do I get my medications once they are prescribed?
Your provider will send a prescription directly to the pharmacy of your choosing. They will be available for you to pick up shortly after your visit. There are local pharmacies that are close to campus for easy access.
How do I get a refill?
If you notice your medication is running out,
schedule an appointment or contact your provider using
Patient Connect to request a refill. Be sure to allow several days for the request to be processed. If the pharmacy does not have any refills left on file, they may contact you to request one from your prescriber. If your provider hasn’t seen you in awhile, they may have you schedule an appointment first.
How much will medication cost?
Prescriptions vary based on the specific medication prescribed and your insurance coverage. If you have concerns about the cost, be sure to discuss this with your provider.
I’m interested in getting psychiatry services 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 any outside telemedicine platforms?
Yes, we offer free therapy and psychiatry services through Mantra. Our team of
referral coordinators can enroll you in their telehealth services. Night and weekend scheduling is available.
Do you offer services 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.
