Mental Health

Students who are an immediate danger to themselves or others should call 911 in the United States or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. The following hotlines are also available 24-7: 

• NYC WELL: 1.888.692.9355 (or text "WELL" to 65173)
• National Crisis Text Line: Text "Start" to 741.741
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
• National Graduate Student Crisis Line: 1.800.472.3457
• Trans Lifeline: 1.877.565.8860
• Trevor Project: 1.866.488.7386

Students studying outside of the United States can find crisis resources on the following websites:

• International Crisis Hotlines
• Befrienders Worldwide
• International Crisis Centers

Counseling sessions are offered online through HIPAA-compliant Zoom and in person at Student Health Services. We offer short-term flexible counseling and supportive services, provided by our counselors. During your first appointment (also called a brief assessment), you and a counselor will make a plan for treatment, based on your current needs. The first appointment will be a telehealth visit. If longer-term or specialized treatment is needed, the counselor can help you find an appropriate treatment option in your local community. To schedule your first session, visit the Student Health Services Portal. For general questions about counseling, email [email protected].

Please note: You must complete the self-check-in process on the SHS Portal before each telehealth counseling session. Please follow the Self-Check-In Instructions to complete this process.  

Before your first session, please complete the following documents:

• SHS Notice of Privacy Practices
• Telehealth Consent Form
• SHS Portal Required Form Instructions

Our psychiatrists are available only to students receiving counseling who are located in New York State. In some cases, exceptions can be made. Psychiatric services offered include psychiatric consultation, evaluation, and medication treatment and management. Students seeking psychiatric services who are not currently in counseling with an SHS counselor or are not located in New York State are given referrals to providers in their local community.

Group is a great way for students to create community, meet other students, reduce isolation, and get support. It’s completely confidential. No judgment—just sharing and connection. To view fall 2023 group descriptions and to RSVP, fill in your interest on the registration form.

Fall 2023 Groups

Monday
Black Women's Circle of Support, 2:00–3:00 p.m. (in person)

Tuesday
Interpersonal Process Group, 10:00–11:00 a.m. (in person), 3:00–4:00 p.m. (virtual)
Family Challenges and Self-Discovery, 1:00–2:00 p.m. (in person)
Good Grief, 2:00–3:00 p.m. (in person)

Wednesday
Creative Bloc, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 noon (in person)
Eating and the Body, 1:00–2:00 p.m. (in person)
Pet Therapy, 2:00–3:00 p.m. (in person), November 15 (SHS, 80 Fifth Avenue, 3rd floor), November 29 (UC Lobby); December 6 (UC Lobby)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Skills Group, 3:00–4:30 p.m. (in person)

Thursday 
Climate Distress, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 noon (in person)
Global Support Group, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 noon (virtual)

Friday
Acupuncture, 10:00–11:30 a.m. (in person), September 22; October 6, 20; November 3, 17; December 8
Neurodivergent Support Group, 10:00–11:00 a.m. (virtual)

Individual mindfulness sessions are 30 minutes long; students can attend up to five sessions. Mindfulness is a technique that helps students develop the capacity to manage anxiety and other challenging experiences more effectively. During mindfulness sessions, students have an opportunity to speak with a counselor and learn techniques for regulating emotions and attaining a comfortable state.

Problem Management Plus (PM+) is a five-session skills training program developed by the World Health Organization that helps individuals address both practical and emotional problems by teaching strategies to:

• Manage stress
• Manage problems
• Build motivation
• Strengthen social connection and support

Auricular acupuncture and acupressure are treatments based on traditional Chinese medicine. Acupressure involves attaching flower seeds or magnetic beads to specific locations on the outer ear using medical-grade adhesive tape. It is commonly used to relieve stress and promote comfort and relaxation. Ear seed/bead packets with easy-to-follow instructions are available at Student Health Services. 

The acupuncture provided at The New School occurs in a group setting and is based on the protocol developed by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association, which stimulates five points in the ear, corresponding to the sympathetic nervous system, shen men (a point in the outer ear), kidney, liver, and lung. This protocol has been proved effective in helping people relax, deal with cravings, balance their energy, and stimulate detoxification of the body.

For more information on the provision schedule and pickup of ear seed/bead packets, contact us at [email protected].

For students who are having trouble with or wondering about their alcohol and/or other substance use, BASICS (BASICS for Alcohol and Substance Use Questions) may be a helpful resource. BASICS is a two-session intervention offered through the Department of Psychology and New School Counseling Services.
 
While substance use is common among college students, many students lack personalized and helpful information about reducing the risks associated with alcohol and other substance use.
   
By offering a non-judgmental space for students to explore their alcohol and other substance use and to cultivate awareness of their substance use patterns, BASICS helps students develop ways of reducing the risk of using alcohol and other substances and enhances student well-being.
 
BASICS is available to all New School students who wish to reconsider their drinking and/or substance use habits and potentially make changes. Contact [email protected].

Healthiest You Virtual Counseling: If you are enrolled in the New School Student Health Insurance Plan, you have free access to board-certified psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors.

For help with finding mental health services in your community, please fill out this form. The SHS Referrals team will follow up with you within five to ten business days of your request. You can email [email protected] with questions about the referral process.