Problem-Solving/Coping Skills Drop-in

Last reviewed: 4/4/2024

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/Coping Skills 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. When you come to a Problem-Solving drop-in, your provider 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.

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/Coping Skills 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 call 212-854-2878 during regular business hours to arrange an initial phone consultation that will help guide you to the resource that is right for you.

Eligibility

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

How to access Problem-Solving/Coping Skills drop-in

Walk-in only. Students are seen on a first-come, first-served basis. See below for hours and locations

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

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.

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.

Undergraduate Residence Halls

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

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.