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, 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, conducted remotely, 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 first-come, first-served, with appointments available for booking one week in advance. Link to 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:
- Let’s Talk
- Urgent Contact
- One Session at a Time
- Brief Counseling
- Long Term Counseling (referral to community providers)
- Psychiatry
- Relationship Counseling
- Consultation
- Case Management
- Clinical Groups
- Outreach
Other Services:
- TAO Connect Self Help
- Request for Documentation
- ADHD Evaluation
- Navigating Your Appointment
- FAQ
Urgent Care Options
You have several options for seeking care if you are in the Bay Area and have an acute issue arise. SMHW is always there to assist you and provide triage over the phone during business hours. Please see other options for medical and mental health needs below.