Mental Health Referrals

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency or you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Counseling offers support with off-campus mental health referrals. Off-campus referrals may be provided to students who request a referral, present with an issue best suited for specialized treatment, long-term care, or in cases when a student’s schedule is not compatible with our business hours or therapist availability. Please note, a Counseling appointment may first be required to determine if or what type of referral is needed.

Many services and resources not available on campus are readily available in the surrounding community or virtually across New York State. Examples may include but are not limited to:

  • Formal psychological, psychiatric or neurological evaluations.
  • Intensive or extensive outpatient psychotherapy.
  • Specialized treatment programs, such as for alcohol or drug treatment or eating disorders.
  • Inpatient or day-treatment programs.

Establishing Care and Starting Therapy

In preparing to establish care with an off-campus mental health provider, consider the following factors or download our Therapist Checklist [PDF] for additional guidance and reflection around your individual preferences and needs.

  • Provider expertise and training.
  • Financial considerations and cost of care.
  • Availability and scheduling.
  • Service delivery method (in-person/telehealth).
  • Location, transportation and accessibility.
  • Consistency of appointments and length of therapy.
  • Therapist identity.

Additional reading on starting therapy and finding a provider can be found below.

Search Tools and Using Health Insurance

There are many self-directed search tools and resources available to assist in finding a mental health provider. Some commonly used search engines are included below. You can also use your private health insurance plan to locate a mental health provider. See below for more information on health insurance and consider using the Therapist Checklist [PDF] as you navigate your search process.

  • Psychological Services Center (Individual, couples, family and group services; psychological assessment and specialty services for Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder [ADHD].)
  • Couple and Family Therapy Center (Individual, couples and family services; Transgender Affirmative Support Team; resettled refugee support.)

Disclaimer: Barnes Center at The Arch Counseling does not endorse any specific providers included on the above search engines or lists. These tools are intended to assist in identifying and researching potential providers. It is the responsibility of the student/patient to exercise their own good judgment when evaluating providers. Inclusion of any provider on this site/list does not constitute, and shall not be construed as (1) an endorsement or approval by Syracuse University of the provider, or (2) a warranty or representation by Syracuse University as to the quality of the provider’s services. Syracuse University expressly disclaims any and all responsibility for any issues that may arise with regard to medical care provided by outside providers.

Need More Help?

Contact Counseling for clinical case management assistance. Our case manager can talk with you about local resources, your referral needs and any barriers that may be impeding your ability to establish care in the community.

If you are in need of crisis resources, please visit the Suicide Prevention webpage.