Individual Counseling
Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) provides short-term Individual Counseling. If you’re interested in receiving individual counseling, begin by scheduling a Treatment Planning Session through the Patient Portal or by calling 212-854-2878.
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Individual Counseling Through CPS
CPS offers short-term, solution-focused individual counseling for students to talk with a mental health professional about concerns or problems. Some of these may include stress, feelings of low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, academic concerns, substance use, issues with friends and family, or relationship concerns. Counseling sessions usually last approximately 45-50 minutes.
CPS encourages students to find a provider that best fits their needs. If you feel for any reason that your provider is not a good match, we will gladly transfer you to another one.
Students may attend counseling sessions in-person or through telehealth (Zoom or phone) Students must be present in New York State for telehealth sessions. If you’re unable to come to campus and are currently outside of New York State, CPS has several support options to help you:
- Treatment planning by phone or Zoom. Call CPS at 212-854-2878 and request a Social Work Consultation.
- Virtual support spaces
- Virtual counseling through our partner agency, WorkPlace Options. You may schedule an appointment online and use “Columbia University” as the student code to log in. If you have trouble, call CPS at 212-854-2878.
Note that CPS adheres to strict standards of confidentiality.
What do I do if I’m experiencing a mental health emergency?
If you’re experiencing a mental health emergency outside of clinic hours, please call 212-854-2878 and follow the recorded directions to speak with a clinician or dial 911.
You may also contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 or visiting their website.
Who is eligible?
All Morningside and Manhattanville students who have paid the full-time Columbia Health and Related Services fee are eligible to receive individual counseling.
How do I get started with individual counseling?
Schedule a Treatment Planning Session
To get started with individual counseling, you must first schedule a treatment planning session through the Patient Portal or by calling 212-854-2878. Treatment planning sessions are required if you’re visiting CPS for the first time or if you have had a pause in treatment for six months or more. The purpose of these sessions is to ensure that if you’re in crisis, you will have immediate access to care. These also allow us to assist you quickly if you need referrals to off-campuses resources. These sessions are brief (about 15 minutes).
If you are seeking couples counseling, you do not need to schedule a Treatment Planning Session. Instead, call CPS at 212-854-2878 to request a couple’s intake appointment.
During scheduling, you’ll state your preference for attending the session via Zoom or a telephone call. You should plan to be in a private space during this session since you will be discussing personal matters.
During the treatment planning session, you’ll speak with a CPS counselor about the concerns you wish to address, and any counseling you’ve had in the past. You’ll also discuss your preferences, if any, for working with a specific counseling professional or in a specific counseling space. You may also be directed towards self-care resources to help manage any stress you’re experiencing. If you and your provider agree to start counseling at CPS, you’ll be invited for an initial appointment in-person.
You can see a CPS provider virtually, just ask! We can usually accommodate your preference, unless your provider determines it is clinically appropriate to see you in person. Note that telehealth appointments are available to students located in New York State at the time of the appointment.
Working with CPS
To schedule all counseling appointments after the Treatment Planning Session, please call 212-854-2878.
During the first counseling sessions, your CPS provider will help you develop an individualized treatment plan that best meets your needs.
Counseling at CPS is designed to be short-term, but there is no specific limit on the number of appointments you may have during your time as a Columbia student. Some goals that students have for counseling include improving coping skills, better managing distress, resolving immediate problems, or meeting near-term personal goals.
If you want or need more specialized or open-ended services, you may benefit from an off-campus referral.
How much does it cost?
There is no fee for individual counseling visits for students who have paid the full-time Columbia Health and Related Services Fee.
What else do I need to know?
CPS offers virtual Care Navigation Drop-ins to discuss topics like switching providers, planning care while traveling, or feedback about an off-campus provider. If the issue cannot be resolved during the drop-in, our social worker will follow up via phone or email. If you’re unable to attend one of the virtual Drop-in hours, please email [email protected]. A CPS social worker will reply in no more than 5 business days.
Note that these visits are not an alternative to therapy.
Does CPS have providers who specialize in certain mental health concerns?
CPS has providers with particular interests, experiences, or advanced training in a number of specific mental health concerns. Students are welcome to request one of these providers if they wish.
Click on the specific concern below to view the providers who specialize in it:
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, if you are returning to CPS after a pause of six months or more, you must schedule a treatment planning session to restart counseling at CPS.
Drop-in hours may help if you wish to have a single conversation about a time-sensitive concern. There are different drop-in hours intended to address specific concerns. A description of each may be found on the Counseling Drop-In Visits page.
Drop-in hours aren’t intended to replace therapy, and if needed, you may be connected to routine care with CPS after attending a drop-in.
Urgent Concerns drop-in hours are intended only for students experiencing high levels of distress or in crisis.
Yes, you may request a telehealth appointment if you are currently in New York State. However, ongoing telehealth counseling is generally not appropriate for students experiencing significant mental health crises or with certain other conditions. Your provider will let you know if telehealth can work for you.