Overview of Services

We care about your well-being and are here to support you on your journey at UCSF. Student Mental Health and Wellbeing (SMHW) provides a safe and confidential place to discuss concerns related to your personal life, academic experience and professional development.

Our staff is experienced in addressing the particular needs of students from diverse backgrounds who are pursing graduate-level training. SMHW offers counseling and psychiatry services to all registered students at no charge, ensuring that everyone has access to the support they need, regardless of their insurance.  

Students utilize SMHW services for a variety of concerns. Examples of student concerns include (but are not limited to): 

  • Managing the stress of being a graduate/professional student 
  • Taking on a new professional identity 
  • Coping with depression and/or anxiety 
  • Medication management
  • Dealing with grief and loss 
  • Struggling in relationships with peers, faculty, roommates, family or romantic partners 
  • Misuse of drugs and alcohol 
  • Relationship with food, eating and exercise 
  • Issues related to cultural, gender and/or sexual identities 

We provide a variety of options for accessing counseling and psychiatric services.  

Brief Consult: Your First Step 

Your first contact with our mental health services may be through a Brief Consult. This initial consultation, which can be conducted remotely or in-person, follows a collaborative care model. Our approach focuses on promoting student autonomy, resilience, and readiness for change. We utilize solution-focused and strength-based models to foster a community of care and support. 

Making a Brief Consult Appointment: 

Online consultations are scheduled on the same day and on a first-come-first-served basis. Appointments become available for scheduling each day, up to 16 hours in advance (i.e., a day before). Student Portal

Call our Practice Coordinator when urgent, non-emergency support is needed. Additional consult appointment options are also available by calling the main office at 415-476-1281 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - noon, and 1 - 5 p.m.). 

Explore Your Mental Health Options 

During your Brief Consult, you and your mental health clinician will explore a variety of options to best support your needs. If you already have an idea what might work best for you, be sure to share your preferences with the provider. 

Counseling Options: 

Other Services: