Problem-Solving Drop-in

Need to talk about everyday life concerns impacting your emotional well-being or to learn coping skills to deal with stress and anxiety? Problem-Solving drop-in is an opportunity to talk with a mental health professional about a specific situation that is causing emotional stress. Often a single conversation may help you gain clarity and find ways to address it. 

Problem-Solving drop-in is intended to be a one-time visit with a CPS provider who will work with you to understand the situation and help you develop a plan to address the problem. This may include connecting you to other campus resources that can help you along the way.

Among the typical problems discussed in these sessions are relationship problems, adjustment to campus life, career concerns, acculturation, or anxiety about academics.

CPS also offers drop-ins for specific concerns:

• Multicultural Concerns
• Gender and Sexual Health
• Student Athlete Concerns

If you are already seeing a CPS provider, please call 212-854-2878 to determine the best course of action based on your treatment plan or visit our Coping Tools page.

Please note that Problem-Solving drop-in is a supplementary support that is not intended to substitute for traditional counseling or other appropriate treatment options. If you are seeking ongoing counseling or psychiatric care, please schedule a treatment planning session on the Patient Portal or by calling 212-854-2878 during regular business hours.

Eligibility

These sessions are available to Columbia students who have paid the full Columbia Health and Related Services Fee.

How to access drop-in

Walk-in only. Students are seen on a first-come, first-served basis. As needed, your drop-in provider may refer you to individual therapy, support groups, or urgent drop-in counseling so that you get the appropriate support.

Note: graduate students will not be able to access drop-in located in undergraduate residence halls.

Multicultural Concerns Drop-in 

Thursdays, 5:30 - 7 p.m. at Lerner 502

Note: When you check in, please let the front desk know you are there for multicultural concerns drop-in. 

Want to pursue individual counseling with a provider specializing in multicultural concerns? 

CPS has a number of providers with a specialty in multicultural concerns. Visit the Multicultural Concerns page to see a list and schedule an appointment with one of these providers.

Gender and Sexual Health Drop-in

This space will be for brief consultations, specific suggestions, or aid with connecting to ongoing care for sexual health concerns such as gender or sexual identity; sexual pleasure, pain, or functioning; romantic relationships; open relationships; kink; etc. 

Thursdays, 5 - 8 p.m. at Lerner 502

Note: When you check in, please let the front desk know you are there for "gender and sexual health" drop-in. 

Student Athlete Concerns

Mondays, 6 - 8 p.m. at DFC 321 (Dodge Gym)

Want to pursue individual counseling with a provider specializing in student athlete concerns? 

CPS has a number of providers with a shared interest in athletics and sports. Visit the Athletics Special Interest Group page to see a list and schedule an appointment with one of these providers.

We are committed to maintaining our posted office hours, however options may occasionally become unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances.

Other ways to get support

Columbia University has many resources to help you have a positive university experience.

• Visit Go Ask Alice!, Columbia's evidence-informed, accessible health Q&A resource for students.
• Talk confidentially with a health education specialist on a broad range of health and well-being topics at Health Education Drop-in Hours (or schedule a Health Education Visit).
  • You can discuss a variety of topics aimed at prioritizing your well-being including, but not limited to: improving sleep, managing stress, or reducing harm related to alcohol or substance use.
• Get connected with HIV/STI screening and testing, LGBTQ+ peer support, or explore gender affirming care options at Sexual & Reproductive Health Drop-in Hours.
• For resources regarding relationships and sexual respect, visit the Sexual Respect Initiative.
• To learn about nutrition and eating habits, visit the Nutrition page or make an appointment to see the Nutritionist via the Patient Portal.
• To explore your faith and spirituality, visit the Office of the University Chaplain
• To learn about and examine your substance use habits, take the alcohol self-assessment or the marijuana self-assessment.
• For customized recommendations on improving sleep hygiene, visit the Sleep page to get information and take the Sleep Assessment.

Last reviewed: 9/5/2024