Columbia University Health Services

Psychiatrists are available to help evaluate your problems, advise whether medication may be useful, and if you elect, prescribe medication when clinically indicated.

Our psychiatrists work closely as a team with our psychologists, social workers, and postdoctoral fellows. Prior to your first visit with a psychiatrist you will usually meet with a CPS counselor who will spend time learning about your symptoms, personal history, and present circumstances. In this way, when you meet with your psychiatrist, he or she will already have background information, and be able to use your time together to focus on the aspects of your health and health care needs that, as physicians, psychiatrists are uniquely qualified to explore.

To schedule your first intake, go to Making Appointments.

To accommodate all students who need services, our psychiatrists do not conduct psychotherapy but instead focus on medication consultation and management. We have a large staff of psychologists and social workers from whom you can select if you are seeking psychotherapy.

During your first visit, your psychiatrist will conduct a thorough assessment of your symptoms, your family’s medical history, and your personal medical history to evaluate the potential benefits of medication as a treatment option. They may request basic medical information, such as blood pressure or lab results, from Primary Care Medical Services. In some instances, your psychiatrist may conclude that medication is not appropriate to your condition. Otherwise, he or she will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of medication as a treatment choice, so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not you would like to try medication.

Our psychiatrists will work collaboratively with you and our psychologists to help determine the best treatment option, but the final decision as to whether to undertake a recommended trial course of medication is always yours.

If you elect to begin on medication, your CPS psychiatrist will meet with you periodically to monitor its therapeutic efficacy and any possible side effects. Your psychiatrist may find it necessary to adjust the dosage of your medication from time to time or, if indicated, may recommend changing or adding medications.

Some students find medication so helpful that they remain on that medication for an extended period. In these instances, your CPS psychiatrist will assist you with a referral to a facility or provider outside of CPS who can follow you for as long as necessary or useful. CPS psychiatrists do not ordinarily continue to treat students beyond the initial consultation and stabilization period, consistent with CPS’ mission to make its resources readily accessible to the entire Columbia community.

To learn more about medications and depression, go to  Health Topics & Resources .