Counseling and Psychiatric Services

To support students in their growth and development during their time here at UC Hastings, SHS offers a variety of counseling and psychiatric services at no charge. We care about your wellbeing and are here to support you on your journey at Hastings. SHS is a safe and confidential place to discuss concerns related to your personal life, academic experience and professional development. Our staff is experienced in addressing the particular needs of students from diverse backgrounds who are studying the law. Call 415.565.4612 to schedule an appointment.

Why see a counselor or psychiatrist? Students utilize SHS Counseling and Psychiatric Services for a variety of concerns. Examples of student concerns include (but are not limited to):

• Managing the stress of being a law student
• Taking on a new professional identity
• Coping with depression and/or anxiety
• Dealing with grief and loss
• Struggling in relationships with peers, faculty, roommates, family or romantic partners
• Use of drugs and alcohol
• Relationship with food, eating and exercise
• Issues related to cultural, gender and/or sexual identities

Counseling is . . .

• Free
• Confidential
• Available to all UC Hastings students
• Appointments Monday through Friday
• Online - brief screening for depression, anxiety, eating disorders, bipolar disease, and post traumatic stress

All services at Student Health, including counseling, are paid for by a student's Health Services Fee each semester. There is no charge for counseling. In order to extend access to all students, there is a limitation on the scope of service.

Appointments are available Monday to Friday.

The SHS counseling staff consists of psychiatrists, a psychologist, and an MFT.They are available by appointment, and in some cases on an emergency basis. All counseling services and records are confidential.

Make an Appointment

• Phone 415.565.4612 to schedule a non-emergency appointment
• Or email nurses@uchastings.edu
• In an emergency, phone 911 or go to the nearest emergency room

When Student Health Services is closed

Students in emotional crisis, or anyone concerned about them, should call Hastings Security at 415.565.4611. In addition, outside counseling resources and hotlines are available.

Alleviating Stress: Help Coping with Life’s Tensions

It’s easy to let the little stresses of life pile up and overwhelm you all at once. With so many ongoing activities and events at work and at home, it’s easy to feel anxiety build up – usually at the worst moment. USA.gov can help put things in perspective with these helpful resources:

Constantly being on the go can be an added stress to an already busy day. The National Center for Telehealth and Technology has a free app, Breathe2Relax, available on androids and iPhones. The app includes instructions and practice exercises to help you conquer stress management. Breathing exercises have proven to help improve moods and lessen anxiety.

Stress can come in all different forms, and can affect you on many levels. Physically, you may notice a faster heart beat, rapid breathing, trembling and more. While certain life events like starting a new job or moving are typical stressful events, learn when it is time to contact a medical professional. Panic attacks and thoughts of fears you cannot control are critical moments to reach out to a medical professional.

Having some everyday stress is normal, and even healthy. But too much stress can lead to other unhealthy behaviors and lifestyles. Take the quick “Stress-o-meter” quiz to get your personal stress profile and make sure you aren’t letting life’s little tensions build up to an unhealthy level.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or severe emotional distress, call 1-800-273- TALK (1-800-273-8255), or if it is a medical emergency, call 911. USA.gov offers many resources on specific mental health conditions as well as substance abuse effects on mental health. You can learn about particular disorders and mental health topics from information across the federal government.