Referral for Off-Campus Mental Health Treatment
Columbia Health provides Referrals for Off-Campus Mental Health Treatment through Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS). If you’re interested in being referred to off-campus mental health treatment, begin by contacting CPS at 212-854-2878 and request a Social Work Consultation.
Referral for Off-Campus Mental Health Treatment at Columbia Health
In addition to short-term counseling, Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) makes referrals for students who are seeking off-campus resources and long-term mental health support. Students can make an appointment for a “social work consultation” to receive these referrals.
Note that CPS adheres to strict standards of confidentiality.
Who is eligible?
All Columbia students on the Morningside and Manhattanville Campuses who have paid the full-time Columbia Health and Related Services Fee are eligible to receive referrals for off-campus mental health treatment.
How do I request a referral for off-campus mental health treatment?
You may request a referral for off-campus mental health treatment during a Social Work Consultation. Call CPS at 212-854-2878 and specify that you’d like a Social Work Consultation. All Social Work Consultations are confidential.
Once you receive a referral, please contact the off-campus provider directly to set up a meeting. Be sure to have your insurance information handy when making your first appointment. If you are on the Columbia Plan, you may visit the Aetna website to download your insurance card. You will need your UNI and date of birth.
How much will it cost?
There is no fee for Social Work Consultations for students who have paid the full-time Columbia Health and Related Services Fee. If you seek care outside of Columbia Health, your fees for appointments will vary depending on the provider whom you see and upon your specific insurance plan.
If you have the Columbia Student Health insurance, your first ten visits with an in-network provider are free. You can learn more about coverage on the Columbia Student Health insurance plan page.
If you’re concerned about the cost, you can discuss options that fit your budget during your Social Work Consultation.
What else do I need to know?
These appointments are typically 30 minutes long. During your appointment, you will meet with a social worker to discuss your treatment goals, preferences, and insurance coverage. If possible, we will refer you to a mental health provider or clinic that meets your needs. While we try to connect you with appropriate resources as soon as possible, it may take several meetings to find the ones that are best for you.
After your Social Work Consultation, we will send an anonymous brief survey through Secure messaging in your Patient Portal. Please consider taking it because your feedback will help us to provide the best service possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on your insurance. Students enrolled in the Columbia Student Health Insurance Plan (the Columbia Plan) require a CPS referral before accessing benefits. That referral can be generated during a social work consultation session. We can also assist students on other insurance plans in finding a provider who accepts their insurance.
No, they are an off-campus provider.
You can make an appointment with the off-campus provider to whom you are referred directly. If you’re having any trouble making an appointment or getting otherwise connected, let us know.
Let us know! We will help you find a better match.