Student Handbook

Counseling and Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

https://camhs.huhs.harvard.edu/

Counseling and Mental Health Services provides services to students year-round. Short-term counseling is available for a wide variety of concerns, including:

  • Adjustment difficulties
  • Depression, anxiety, or stress
  • Mental health concerns affecting academics or work
  • Loss/bereavement
  • Relationship concerns and sexual health
  • Concerning issues around food or alcohol and/or other substances.

To learn how to get started at CAMHS, students can visit the CAMHS website.

In general, CAMHS services include the following:

  • The CAMHS Cares Line, 617.495.2042, is available 24/7 to students who wan to talk with a counselor at any time about a mental health concern or a crisis.
  • Short-term Counseling with our staff of psychologists, social workers, and licensed mental health clinicians and supervised interns.
  • Prescribers include CAMHS psychiatrists and medical residents who conduct psychopharmacology evaluations and offer prescription management.
  • Referrals outside HUHS for longer-term counseling with providers and experts in the surrounding communities.
  • A partnership with TimelyCare that provides up to 12 telehealth Counseling sessions per academic year at no additional cost. Telehealth Psychiatry services are also available for a range of conditions (with some limitations) as well as unlimited health coaching to address concerns like sleep, exercise, nutrition and more. Self-Care content on the app includes yoga and meditation sessions, as well as group conservations on a variety of health and wellbeing topics. There is also a Peer Support feature providing a moderated community forum with other university students.
  • Workshops to learn coping skills/psychoeducation and Support Groups to address a variety of mental health concerns and topics (see CAMHS calendar for in-person and virtual offerings).
  • In-person urgent mental health appointments during regular business hours (M-F). Students should call ahead to speak with a mental health provider.

Students may also use the anonymous mental health screening tools that may help them decide to try counseling or other supports and/or CAMHS resources.

Please view the CAMHS website for details on operating hours and more information and resources. All CAMHS visits are confidential, and mental health records are held separately from the rest of a student’s medical record in HUHS, except for information on medications. CAMHS also offers services at satellite HUHS sites in the Longwood Medical Area.