Mental Health Referrals
We can help you find the right care off-campus and in the community—whether you need a therapist, psychiatrist, support group, neuropsychological testing, or a more intensive program for mental health or substance use.
Finding mental health care outside of BU can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone—our Referral Coordinators can help.
Why you might need a referral
There are many reasons you might need a referral to a mental health provider or program. Whatever the reason, we can help you find care that meets your needs!
Some common reasons for referrals include:
- You’ve received mental health treatment before and want to continue your care
- You need specialized care that’s not provided at CAPS
- You’d prefer to get your mental health care off-campus
How to request a referral
You can request a referral by calling (617) 353-3569 during business hours or by going online to Patient Connect.
- Log in to Patient Connect
- On the left-hand side, select Messages
- Select New Message
- Select Referrals
- Select Behavioral Medicine (Mental Health, Counseling or Psychiatry)
- Compose your message and select Send
FAQs
How can I prepare for a conversation with a referral coordinator?
Understanding what you’re looking for can help you find providers well-suited to your needs. Though you may not find someone who matches your preferences exactly, it’s helpful to consider these questions:
- What am I seeking support for?
- Do I want the provider to share any of my identities like gender, race/ethnicity, LGBTQIA+, language, or disability status?
- Do I want in person or telehealth appointments? (Note: in-person appointments can be more limited.)
- Can I be flexible on time of day?
- Could I pay out of pocket if it was the right fit or do I need services to be covered by insurance?
- Am I looking for a specific treatment or style?
Will my insurance cover mental health care outside of BU?
Insurance coverage varies based on your plan.
If you have the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), you can expect $10 co-pays for therapy or psychiatry with in-network providers, and no limit on the number of sessions. Be sure to request a referral from SHS before making an appointment outside of BU.
If you have another insurance, you can learn about your mental health benefits by calling customer service (sometimes called Member Services) on the back of your insurance card.
Here are some questions you can ask your insurance provider:
- How much are co-pays?
- Is there a deductible with my plan? And if so, how much have I paid so far?
- Does my insurance company use a different company to manage mental health benefits?
- Does my plan let me access mental health care outside of my home state?
Can I get a referral for neuropsychological testing?
Yes. If your provider has encouraged you to seek neuropsychological testing or you need testing to receive accommodations, our referral coordinators can help you.
Neuropsychological testing involves a series of tasks that help assess your memory, thinking, attention, and other cognitive abilities to identify any potential difficulties.
Neuropsychological testing appointments typically have a waiting period of a few months and require multiple visits for assessment. Please plan ahead to ensure you have enough time to complete the process.
Can you help me with accommodations?
If you are seeking accommodations for the first time at BU, contact the
Office of Disability and Access Services (ODAS) about what documentation is required.
If you anticipate needing accommodations for a board exam or similar, please contact the testing organization ahead of time to determine if you need updated testing.
Do you refer to any outside telemedicine platforms?
Yes. Our Referral Coordinators can enroll you in therapy and psychiatry telehealth services through Mantra, which offers night and weekend appointments.
I’m not sure what I need. What should I do?
