Counseling & Mental Health Services | Boston Health Sciences and Grafton Campuses
Overview and Eligibility
University Health Services provides counseling and psychiatric services for eligible students enrolled in the Boston Health Sciences and Grafton campuses.
The Boston Health Sciences campus includes:
- School of Dental Medicine
- School of Medicine
- Public Health Professional Degree Programs
- Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy
- Tufts Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
The Grafton campus includes:
- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine
In-person and telehealth appointments are available. Students must be physically located in Massachusetts or another state where their provider is licensed at the time of a telehealth appointment.
Students on the Maine campus receive counseling and psychiatric services through telehealth, as counseling providers are not located on site.
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students receive health and counseling services through resources coordinated by the School of Medicine. Counseling services are not provided through University Health Services. Please contact your program administration for information about available resources.
Services We Provide
Our team is here to support your emotional and mental wellbeing throughout your time at Tufts. We offer:
- Counseling
- Psychiatric services: diagnosis, treatment, and medication management
- Crisis support
- Evaluation, screening, and referral for substance use disorders
- Referrals based on your individual needs
Regular counseling appointments are available during business hours and offered both in person and through telehealth.
Services Not Provided
Some services are outside the scope of Student Counseling and Mental Health Services. These include:
- Long-term weekly therapy
- Court-ordered evaluations
- Disability evaluations
- Emotional support animal documentation
Locations and Contact Information
Hours
- Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., excluding university holidays
Boston Health Sciences Campus
- Location: 136 Harrison Avenue, Suite 142, Boston, MA 02111
- Phone: 617-636-2750
- Fax: 617-636-2794
Grafton Campus
- Location: Administration Building, 200 Westboro Road, Suite 103, North Grafton, MA 01536
- Phone: 508-887-4300
- Fax: 508-887-4751
How to Make an Appointment
- Patient Portal: Most appointments can be made online during the academic year through go.tufts.edu/portal.
- Phone: Call during business hours. Same day appointments can only be scheduled over the phone.
- In-person: Visit our office during business hours.
24/7 Mental Health Support
- Call your campus Student Health Services Clinic. During business hours, our staff will help connect you with the appropriate mental health provider.
- Students with urgent concerns may be offered same-day consultation or crisis support based on clinical need.
- After business hours, follow the telephone prompts to reach the Counselor on Call.
- The Counselor on Call provides crisis assessment, urgent mental health support, safety planning, and referral to a higher level of care when appropriate. This service does not provide ongoing therapy, routine counseling appointments, or prescription refills.
- Prescription refill requests should be directed to your treating provider during regular business hours.
When to Seek Immediate Help
If you are concerned about your safety or the safety of another person, seek immediate assistance by calling 911, Tufts University Police, or your campus Student Health Services.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger:
- On campus: Call 617-627-6911
- Off campus: Call 911
- Go to the nearest emergency department
Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find answers to commonly asked questions about Counseling and Mental Health Services on the Boston Health Sciences and Grafton campuses.
Office visits with Counseling and Mental Health Services are covered by the Student Health and Wellness (SHAW) fee for eligible students.
If you already have a therapist, you are welcome to continue working with them while enrolled at Tufts. University Health Services can work with you and, with your permission, coordinate care with your outside provider when appropriate. Depending on your needs, we may also provide psychiatric consultation, medication management, crisis support, or referrals to additional resources.
If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please do so as soon as possible through the Patient Portal or by calling your campus health service during business hours.
Your first appointment is an opportunity to discuss your concerns, learn about available services, and work with your provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan. Your visits are confidential. Information is shared only as permitted or required by law and University Health Services policies.
During your first visit, your provider will:
- Learn about your concerns and goals.
- Ask questions about your mental health history and current situation.
- Discuss treatment recommendations and available resources.
- Develop a plan for next steps, which may include follow up appointments, psychiatric services, or referral to community providers when appropriate.
University Health Services provides short-term counseling and psychiatric services. If your needs are best met through longer term or specialized care, your provider will help connect you with community resources.
University Health Services offers short-term counseling to help students address immediate concerns, develop coping strategies, and support their academic and personal wellbeing. The number and frequency of appointments are based on your individual needs and determined collaboratively with your provider. If your needs are better met through ongoing or specialized care, your provider will discuss treatment options and help connect you with community resources.
Yes. Your visits are confidential, and your information is protected in accordance with applicable privacy laws and University Health Services policies. Information is shared only as permitted or required by law.
In most cases, appointments are conducted one-on-one, so your provider can better understand your concerns and needs. If you would like a support person to accompany you, please discuss this with your provider or contact the clinic before your appointment.
You do not need a referral to schedule an appointment with Counseling and Mental Health Services. Students may schedule an appointment on their own or be encouraged to seek services by a faculty member, advisor, dean, or another university office. Your participation in counseling is voluntary, except in rare circumstances required by law or university policy.
Telehealth appointments are available only when you are physically located in Massachusetts or another state where your provider is licensed to practice. If you are outside those states, our staff will work with you to identify available options.
University Health Services provides short-term counseling and psychiatric services. If you would benefit from ongoing or specialized treatment, your provider will help connect you with community-based resources.