Some students’ needs or expectations may not fall within the University Counseling Center’s treatment model or scope of practice. When this occurs, staff assist students in getting connected to a community provider who can better meet their needs. Below are some tips that may be helpful to consider as you navigate the referral process:

If you have health insurance:

Contact the 1-800 number or visit the website located on the back of your insurance ID card. 

Questions you may want to ask your insurance provider:

• What coverage do I have for mental health care?
• What are the deductibles, copays, and session limits?
• Which providers in my area accept this form of insurance?

If you are covered under your family’s health insurance and are concerned about your privacy, you may contact your insurance provider to enquire about available options. For example, some insurance providers may mail your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statement(s) and other insurance information to your address instead of to your parent’s address.

If you do not have health insurance but would like to obtain health insurance:

To obtain health insurance coverage for medical or mental health services, you can apply for national or county-based programs, such as:

Medicaid 

Affordable Care Act 

If you do not have health insurance and are not interested in obtaining health insurance:

The following organizations provide free or low-cost mental health services:

• Community-based mental health centers
• Federally funded health clinics
• Many clinicians offer sliding-fee scales, which means the amount paid for therapy is determined by your income    

• Search online databases, such as Thriving Campus and Psychology Today.  You can narrow your search by your health insurance and the concerns you would like to focus on in therapy 
• Ask your primary care provider for a referral
• Ask a trusted person in your life for a referral (e.g., family member, friend, mentor, spiritual leader)
• Contact the Referral Coordinator at the UCC

Pick 3 to 5 therapists who may be a good fit for you and call all of them.  It is important to shop around before you begin therapy with a provider.

• Introduce yourself
• State your interest in receiving the service
• Briefly state reasons why you are seeking services
• Indicate whether you have health insurance.  If you do not have health insurance, ask about payment options, such as a sliding-fee scale
• Inquire about the provider’s training, approach to therapy, and area(s) of expertise
• Request to schedule an appointment

You may request a free consultation appointment if you would like to meet with a provider before you commit to starting therapy with them.  Many people choose to schedule a consultation to get to know the therapist, their approach to therapy, and assess whether they will feel emotionally safe.  Developing a trusting relationship with a mental health provider is essential for meaningful change and growth.  Finding a good fit can involve trial and error. It is common to consult with different providers before committing to one

First sessions are usually more formal and structured than future sessions.  You may be asked to complete some paperwork prior to your first meeting, such as information about you, the symptoms you are experiencing, and your insurance information.  You may feel a bit awkward and uncomfortable, but try not to judge therapy based on your experience in the first session.  It is normal to feel nervous about beginning therapy.  Your first session provides a great opportunity for you to begin to get to know your therapist and for them to begin to get to know you.  You may also collaboratively establish some goals for therapy. 

Mental health treatment is most effective when you are open and honest. It will take time to develop a therapeutic relationship with your provider.  If you do not feel emotionally safe with them and/or feel uncomfortable after a few sessions, you have the right to request a new provider, be referred to a new provider, and/or seek a new provider on your own.  Do not feel obligated to continue working with a provider who you do not feel comfortable with.  It may be helpful to consider the following questions:

• Do I feel validated and listened to?
• Is my provider sensitive to and understanding of my culture, beliefs, and identity?
• Do I feel judged?
• Am I learning and growing?
• Am I being challenged?
• Do I see progress?
• Am I being honest and open?
• Do I trust my therapist?
• Are my goals being met?
• Am I taking a collaborative role in my treatment?