University Counseling Services is still here for BC students. While BC classes are fully on-line through the remainder of the Spring 2020 semester, BC Counseling Services remains available through phone contact for support with mental health issues in these unprecedented times. Please see below for the current services update
We recognize that the recent events and disruptions due to the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19 is having negative impacts on the mental health of our community. We are particularly holding close to our hearts those students where BC is their only home and safe place. We will work together to provide ongoing support and care. We also share in your loss and mourning of not being able to finish out the spring semester together in the ways we had all hoped. And we are hopeful that the significant measures being put in place will contribute to improved public health for all people at BC and well beyond our campus.
Given the public health requirements and university decision to suspend all in-person classes and for students to go home, sadly we are unable to provide direct in person psychotherapy services to most students. We remain open, though working remotely, and available to schedule during our regular business hours M-F 8:45- 4:45 EST. Please call our office telephone at 617-552-3310 to either speak with our staff, or leave a message which will be checked each hour we are open. We have adjusted our services in following ways, and recognize that these plans could evolve:
- If you are an ongoing client of UCS, we are open and able to meet with you remotely by phone. Your clinician will discuss with you the differences in remote counseling sessions.
- If you are physically sick, or have reason to believe that you have been in contact with an individual exposed to COVID-19, we respectfully ask that you NOT come to UCS in person, but instead call our offices and ask to be scheduled for a telephone appointment or ask to speak with the Psychological Emergency Clinician (PEC).
- If you are an ongoing client UCS, please expect a phone call from your clinician at the time of your scheduled appointment. If the existing appointment time no longer works (e.g. due to time differences, change in schedule, etc.), please call our office to reschedule.
- If you are a new client looking for services, we are offering same day consultation appointments over the phone to assess your needs and work with you on problem solving the issue at hand. Each clinician will work with you on figuring out any phone follow up meetings and referral to a local clinician if needed.
- If you are in need of urgent clinical care and want to speak with Psychological Emergency Clinician (PEC), we will be available over the phone by calling our offices (617-552-3310) during regular business hours or calling BCPD (617-552-4440) or UHS (617-552-3225) after office hours or weekends. We also encourage you to be aware of your local emergency facilities including urgent care and hospital emergency room.
- Please review our Teletherapy Consent Form on our home page under “Forms For Download.”
- Students who are looking to connect with local clinicians for ongoing psychotherapy can access referrals through your insurance online search for local clinicians in your area, calling local hospital or nearby university counseling center for suggestions, or using these online resources (https://bc.thrivingcampus.com/; https://zencare.co/; https://www.psychologytoday.com/us). If you need additional help, please request a referral consultation appointment over the phone or in person at UCS.
- Prescriptions needs can be directed to the psychiatrist you are working with. Currently the best way to reach psychiatrists, in a confidential manner, is to call our office. Please be aware that there are various regulations regarding prescription refills across state lines. We will do our best to assist you but we encourage you to also be in contact with your PCP for medication needs.
- Periodically we will be adding new resources to our website and encourage you to try those that may be appropriate for your needs.
Please help us better communicate with you and be aware of the following:
- UCS clinicians will generally send emails via Virtru, a secure encrypted email tool. You do not need to have Virtru on your email to open and read the email from the clinician.
- Please check your Spam folder in case the encrypted email ends up there.
- Please note that a call from UCS might show up on your phone as unidentified phone number. If you missed the call, you can call back at 617-552-3310.
- It would be extremely helpful to set up voicemail boxes and make sure it is not full so that we can leave you a message if needed.
Strategies for coping with COVID-19 related anxiety
We are here for students of all identities, beliefs, and experiences
We recognize that ongoing incidents of social injustice and racism in our country and around the world continue to have negative impacts on our students, and that trauma in the context of negotiating marginalized identities is a real and ongoing source of stress for many. UCS seeks to provide welcoming and supportive environment for all members of the BC community and is committed to fully recognizing and valuing all identities, beliefs, or experiences.
We encourage anyone experiencing distress or wanting an opportunity to process your thoughts, feeling, and reactions to seek individual and/or group support from us, either by dropping by our offices (Gasson 001) or calling us at 617-552-3310. Remember, you are not alone.
WellTrack is a self-help app that students can use to address stress, anxiety, and depression.
News and Notes
Ask For Help
“[A mental health problem] doesn’t have to take over your life, it doesn’t have to define you as a person, it’s just important that you ask for help. It’s not a sign of weakness. ”