Off-Campus Referral and Support

Finding an Off-Campus Provider

There are many options for finding a provider who is covered by your insurance. Start by calling one or two of the providers. It’s a good idea to call multiple providers, as many may not be able to accept new patients due to high demand for mental health services. You can follow the script below if you are unsure of what to say when you call.

Calling Your Insurance Company

• On the back of your insurance card there should be a phone number to connect with customer service. Some may also have a specific “behavioral health services” number. Here are some tips on reading your insurance card. 
• Call this number and ask for a list of providers near you or check your insurance company’s website to see if they have a “Find a Provider” search. 

Thriving Campus

• If you go to Thriving Campus, you will find a list of providers who have expressed interest in working with Tufts students. Providers on Thriving Campus are not reviewed by CMHS, but we do take feedback about clinicians listed on Thriving Campus seriously. 
  • ThrivingCampus (for all students)
  • ThrivingCampus for students on the Student Health Insurance (UnitedHealthcare StudentResources/Optum - $10/session)
    • On ThrivingCampus, the following 5 insurance names all apply if you have the student health insurance: Optum, Tufts Student Insurance [StudentResources], United Behavioral Health, UnitedHealthcare, and UnitedHealthcare StudentResources.
• You can sort through the list, adding filters based on your preferences. It’s a good idea to select your insurance as one of the filters so you can look at providers who are covered for you. However, selecting too many filters can be limiting.  Try starting with insurance and up to two other filters.
• Clicking on individual providers will bring you to a page with more information about them, including email and phone number. 

Other Referral Platforms

• For a more general list of providers in your area, or providers outside of the Medford/Somerville area, try the following websites: 
  • Psychology Today – Search for therapists or psychiatrists by city
  • Alma - Search for Optum, Aetna, and Cigna providers as well as other insurances by ZIP Code
  • Zencare – Search for Boston area clinicians
  • Innopsych – Search for clinicians of color by state 
  • Boston Area Gender/Sexual Minority Friendly Therapy Resources 
• You can sort through the list, adding filters based on your preferences. It’s a good idea to select your insurance as one of the filters so you can look at providers who are covered for you.
• Clicking on individual providers will bring you to a page with more information about them, including email and phone number.
• Start by calling one or two of the providers on this list. It’s a good idea to call multiple providers, as many may not be able to accept new patients due to high demand for mental health services. 

Script for Calling Providers

It’s common to leave a voicemail message when calling a mental healthcare provider. They might be meeting with a client, or their office may be closed when you call. If you reach their voicemail, you can use the following script: 

Hello! My name is _____ and I am a student at Tufts University. I am looking to connect with a therapist and I wanted to see if you are accepting new clients. I have [insurance name]. My phone number is _______. Again, that is [repeat phone number]. My email address is [spell it out]. If you could give me a call back or send me an email that would be great! Thank you so much.

If a provider has room in their schedule to start working with you, when they call back they’ll usually schedule a phone consultation. This is an opportunity for both of you to see if working together would be a good fit. Consider asking the therapist questions like:

• How much professional experience do you have?
• Have you worked with others with similar experiences to mine?
• How often would we meet? Would it be in person or virtual?
• To what extent does my insurance company cover the meetings?
• Are you familiar with my culture or community’s beliefs, values, and perceptions around mental health? If not, are you willing to learn?
• What languages do you speak? 
• Do you have experience treating people from my cultural background/sexual orientation/gender identity/faith?

Before your first appointment, confirm directly with your provider that they participate in your specific insurance plan.

Using Insurance to Cover Mental Healthcare

• Students with the student health insurance (UnitedHealthcare StudentResources) have $10 co-payments per visit for any in-network Optum/UnitedHealthcare provider. A co-payment is what you pay out-of-pocket for each session. It’s usually the same amount each time.
• If you have another insurance: 
  1. Find your insurance card. If you don't have your card at school, ask your parent/guardian to text you a picture of the front and back. 
  2. Get ready to take notes. When calling your insurance company, have something to take notes with. They’ll probably share important details like cost, definitions, or other important information
  3. Call your insurance company. Call the number on your card (likely on the back). Insurance cards are all different -- look for a number for member services, mental health services, or behavioral health services. 
  4. Ask about your benefits. After dialing the number for member services, you’ll be able to connect with a representative from your insurance company. They will ask you questions to verify your identity. When they ask why you are calling you can say “to find out what my benefits will cover for outpatient counseling.” Some insurance plans may require a: 
  • Co-pay: What you pay out-of-pocket for each session. It is usually the same amount each time.
  • Co-insurance: The percentage you pay out-of-pocket for each session (similar to co-pay). You’ll pay either a co-pay or co-insurance; not both. 
  • Deductible: The amount you pay for covered health care services before your insurance plan starts to pay.
• Coverage with UnitedHealthcare StudentResources for the 2024-2025 academic year ends on August 19, 2025. There is no referral required for mental health treatment. Please contact us via email at studenthealthinsurance@tufts.edu if you have questions.
• You can access your insurance card by creating an account (Pick the ID card link to see a digital version).

Counseling Options for International Students While Home or for       Students Traveling or Studying Abroad

Tufts offers two platforms for active students engaged in Tufts-sponsored education activities abroad and for those taking breaks internationally.

Workplace Options for any Tufts students outside of the U.S.

This platform provides free, 24/7 direct support and short-term counseling and is available for students to use while on vacation internationally during any break, regardless of the time of year. Students can call and identify themselves as a part of Tufts University to get access to the services. 

• For current Tufts students: international or domestic, active or inactive (on leave of absence), regardless of time of the breaks and purpose of being overseas.
• Services Offered:
  24/7 emotional support through short-term counseling services with a qualified and licensed clinician via telephonic, video or in-person sessions. This program also includes consultation, resource and referrals for dependent care, legal/financial referrals, daily living guidance/resources, life coaching, and Aware (a mindfulness program).
• Use the student code "Tufts" to access Workplace Options.
• International students are encouraged to check in about visa issues with the International Center before departure for international trips.

On-Call International for Tufts-sponsored activities abroad

• Tufts Global Education provides a series of "Know Before You Go" presentations, including sessions with representatives from On-Call International. 
• Students should reach out to local program directors (such as the Tufts Global Education director in Paris) for specific local referrals.
• Students needing medical or security assistance can contact On-Call International 24/7:
  • Phone: +1-978-651-9216
  • Live Chat or Text: +1-844-302-5131 

Lower-Cost Therapy Options

Several options are available for students who are having a hard time paying for off-campus counseling.

• Open Path Psychotherapy Collective is a non-profit nationwide network of mental health professionals dedicated to affordable, in-person and online therapy sessions. It costs $30-$70 for individual counseling per session; you can decide the exact cost with your therapist. First explore the Open Path therapist network to select a therapist and then register and pay a one-time membership fee of $65 to join Open Path. 
• Neighborhood Counseling and Community Services in Davis Square offers free group therapy.  
• Life Changes Group offers discounted rates for students.
• Domestic and international students with the student health insurance (UHCSR) have free access to mental health care through HealthiestYou, a national telehealth service. Please visit this FAQ page for more information on HealthiestYou's virtual counseling service.