Psychiatry Services:
University life can be stressful for many reasons, and it is not uncommon for students to experience emotional problems during this period of time. Many disturbances in emotional health, including depression, anxiety, self-destructive or suicidal thoughts, have a physical component. Conversely, some physical symptoms, e.g. sleep or appetite disturbance, chest pain, stomach upset, can be caused by emotional distress. If you have any concerns related to your mental health, a psychiatric evaluation by a medical professional can shed light on the cause of your symptoms and provide direction in how to treat them. At the Student Health Services, we have several primary care providers experienced in mental health care, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, and a psychiatrist (the latter available by referral).
Psychiatric evaluations may be scheduled by calling (415) 338-1251.
A psychiatric evaluation consists of a one-on-one interview in which you are asked questions about many different aspects of your life, including your current symptoms, any medical issues you may have, your family medical history and your use of alcohol or other drugs. Based on an assessment of your specific needs, the provider with whom you meet may recommend lifestyle changes, medication, and/or meeting with a psychotherapist (‘talk therapist’) on a regular basis.
Just Seeking Counseling/Therapy?
For many mental health issues, counseling or psychotherapy alone are sufficient to alleviate symptoms. If you suspect that this might be the case for you, rather than scheduling an appointment at Student Health Services, please contact the Counseling & Psychological Services Center, http://www.sfsu.edu/~psyservs/, phone (415) 338-2208. There are also many clinics in San Francisco which provide longer-term, low-fee and sliding-scale psychotherapy. See handout on Psychotherapy in San Francisco--On A Budget.
If you have health insurance. . .
Due to the limitations on our ability to provide psychiatric services to such a large campus, if a student has health insurance, at some point, we will likely recommend transferring care to a mental health provider in the community. If you are a student with insurance coverage who would prefer to bypass the Student Health Center and initiate treatment with a mental health provider in the community, please review the following guide See handout on Using Health Insurance for Mental Health Services.
Questions about ADD/ADHD?
SHS does not offer assessments to determine the presence of Attention-Deficit Disorder (or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). If you suspect that you might have this disorder, please visit http://www.chadd.org for further information on assessment and treatment.
If you have documentation of psychological testing confirming that you have this disorder, have been treated for it in the past, AND you do not currently have health insurance, you may qualify for treatment through Student Health. Call 338-1251 to find out.
Learn more about mental health:
http://www.healthyminds.org/collegementalhealth_new.cfm
http://www.revolutionhealth.com/healthfair/
If you are currently experiencing a mental health crisis:
24 Hour Emergency Services
On Campus:
Department of Public Safety
(415) 338-2222
Off Campus:
Westside Crisis and Outpatient Services
(415) 353-5050
Crisis Hotline
(415) 781-0500
San Francisco Trauma Recovery/Rape Treatment Center
(415) 437-3000
