Columbia University Health Services

To accommodate the many students who wish to consult Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS)   each year, the number of visits is limited per student, based on CPS clinicians’ assessment of the needs of each individual student. When longer-term psychotherapy or medication management is recommended, counselors and therapists assist students in finding appropriate and affordable off-campus resources. The Health Service Fee includes a psychotherapy benefit that assists students in paying for ongoing counseling. Please note that to use the psychotherapy benefit , students must first be fully evaluated at CPS before beginning treatment elsewhere.

To utilize the benefits available under the Health Service Fee for off-campus services, except in emergencies, a referral from a CPS clinician is required. Clinicians at CPS provide referrals after evaluation and treatment on-campus has been completed, and as the need for outside services is clinically indicated.

• You must obtain the referral from a CPS clinician prior to receiving any off-campus counseling or psychiatric services. Services rendered without an appropriate referral will not be covered under the Health Service Fee .
• You do not need separate referrals each time you see the same clinician for an on-going condition.
• If you are injured or become ill while traveling or spending an extended time away from Columbia, you will need to call and speak with your CPS clinician, who will help you determine what kind of treatment is appropriate.

A referral is not required under the following conditions, though your CPS provider can assist you in finding appropriate services.

• Continuing treatment for a condition established in a prior year under the Columbia Student Medical Insurance Plan
• Advance consultation with a CPS clinician is not required in a mental health or psychiatric emergency.
• After emergencies, you must return to CPS for necessary follow-up care