Student Handbook

University Support Services

Counseling and Mental Health Services

Counseling & Mental Health Services (CMHS) offers University of Connecticut students (Storrs campus) an opportunity to discuss whatever personal concerns they might have, in a confidential and non-judgmental setting. Students experiencing difficulties often benefit from individual sessions with a therapist. In some cases, psychiatric medications can also be helpful. If a student needs services that Counseling & Mental Health Services is unable to provide, that student will be referred to other resources. The CMHS therapists include licensed clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, clinical social workers, an advanced practice registered nurse and advanced graduate students in clinical psychology and clinical social work. Appointments can be made in person at Counseling & Mental Health Services, which is located on the ground floor of the Student Health Service ("Infirmary") building, or by calling (860) 486-4705. Students coming to Counseling & Mental Health Services for the first time will fill out an Initial Assessment packet, which provides the therapist with important information about the nature and background of their concerns.

If there is an open Initial Assessment time for that day, a student may choose to be seen right away. The first meeting is a brief assessment to determine how our service may be most helpful. When further treatment is indicated, the therapist will schedule follow-up appointment(s). If there is a waiting list, the student's name will be added. A CMHS therapist contacts the student as soon as an appointment becomes available. However, emergency situations will be assessed/followed as appropriate.

Services include:

• Individual Therapy: CMHS utilizes a brief treatment model from 1 to 8 sessions per academic year. The goal of brief treatment is to focus on current problems and help reduce stress. Treatment often includes developing strategies for mobilizing internal resources. When long term treatment beyond our limits is indicated, a referral list of local providers will be given. The 8 session limit does not apply to appointments for psychiatric medications or therapy groups.
• Therapy Groups: generally comprised of 6-10 students. Students may attend group therapy for an unlimited number of sessions. Groups, typically led by two therapists, meet for 1 1/2 hours each week. They are for students who share a particular issue (e.g. eating disorders), students close in age, or those who come with a variety of concerns (general therapy groups). Specialty groups may develop as needed.
  There is no charge for the initial assessment. The fee for each individual session is $10.00. The fee for group therapy is $5.00 for each meeting. Additionally, there is a $20.00 charge for the first medication evaluation and a $10.00 fee for each follow-up visit with the psychiatrist or APRN. Fees may be billed as "Health Services Miscellaneous" on your University fee bill or they can be paid by cash/check at the Student Health Services business office at the time of your appointment. Service fees are not reimbursable by any insurance.

A charge of $15 is billed if a student does not show for a scheduled appointment or cancels/reschedules less than 24 hours in advance.