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 and a psychiatrist (the latter available by referral).
Psychiatric Evaluations
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 at (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 Services 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 the Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder website
for further information on assessment and treatment. SHS does not provide medication management of ADD/ADHD. If you have health insurance please contact your insurance provider. If you are uninsured testing and care may be available via county or community services.
Additional Community Resources
Psychiatric Services and Resources by County
All Counties
Mental Health Access Programs - Phone Number by County
San Francisco County
San Francisco Free Mental Health Chart – Including 24 Hr Hotlines
Network of Care for Behavioral Health
San Mateo County
Psychiatric Resources in San Mateo County
Alameda County
Behavioral Healh Care Services
Network of Care for Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services
Psychiatric Resources in Alameda County
State of California
Network of Care for Mental/Behavioral Health
Learn more about mental health:
Healthy Minds. Healthy Lives for College Age Students
If you are currently experiencing a mental health crisis
24 Hour Emergency Services
San Francisco County
On Campus:
San Francisco State University Police Department (415) 338-2222
Off Campus:
Westside Crisis and Outpatient Services (415) 355-0311
San Francisco Crisis Hotline (415) 781-0500
San Francisco Trauma Recovery/Rape Treatment Center (415) 437-3000
Alameda County
Alameda Crisis Hotline (800) 491-9099
