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Getting Started with CAMHS
Interested in connecting with services within or outside of CAMHS?
The first step is scheduling a 20-minute initial phone consultation.
During the call, a CAMHS Access Coordinator will gather information about your concerns, review resource options, and work with you to determine which services align with your goals, preferences, and treatment needs.
Meet the CAMHS Access Coordinators!
Sarah Rayner, LICSW
Daniel Moreno Flórez, LMHC
Kim Herrmann, LICSW
Julia Curran, MSW, LICSW
Evy Tran, LICSW
Rebecca Nelson, LMHC
You can schedule an initial consultation with a CAMHS Access Coordinator directly through your HUHS Patient Portal.
Or call the CAMHS front desk during CAMHS business hours at (617) 495-2042, option (1).
Service options may include:
- Counseling/therapy and/or medication management through CAMHS, TimelyCare, or with a community-based provider
- Workshops/Groups
- Peer Counseling and Peer Education
- Immediate support resources, such as the 24/7 CAMHS Cares Line or CAMHS Urgent Care
- Resources with other groups at Harvard, such as the Academic Resource Center, your school’s Student Affairs office, Harvard Chaplains, or Center for Wellness & Health Promotion
The Access Coordinator will help schedule appointments and/or provide the information needed to begin services. After the call, you will receive a secure message summarizing next steps, and can reply if you have questions or need further support.
Interested in seeing a provider outside of Harvard?
If you are specifically seeking a mental health provider off campus, you can receive options from the Access Team without holding an initial phone consultation.
To receive a list of community-based providers aligned with your preferences, log in to your Patient Portal and send a secure message to the “CAMHS Student Mental Health Community Referral” mailbox. You will be prompted to complete an inquiry form, and an Access Coordinator will follow up after reviewing.
Getting Started at CAMHS FAQS
How do I schedule an initial phone consultation?
If you are a new student or have not been seen at CAMHS during the current semester, connecting with services will begin with an initial phone consultation. Schedule directly through the HUHS Patient Portal or by calling the CAMHS front desk at (617) 495-2042, option (1).
When are consultations available?
Initial phone consultations are offered each weekday during business hours (8am to 6pm Monday through Thursday and 8am to 5pm Friday). If you have difficulty finding a time that fits your schedule, please call the CAMHS front desk at (617) 495-2042, option (1).
How can I prepare for my consultation?
When you schedule your consultation, you will be prompted to complete a short survey. At the time of the appointment, the Access Coordinator you scheduled with will call the phone number indicated in your survey. If you have not completed the survey, the Access Coordinator will call the phone number indicated in your patient registration. Note that the call may show up as “blocked” or “private,” depending on your carrier.
Prepare to spend ~20 minutes speaking with your Access Coordinator during the scheduled time. We suggest finding a quiet place to hold the call where you have reliable reception and are comfortable speaking about your concerns.
What happens during the initial phone consultation?
During the call, you will have an opportunity to share about what prompted your outreach, the concerns or areas of focus you would like to work on, and any preferences you have regarding treatment options.
The Access Coordinator will review services with you and help determine which options align with your goals, preferences, and treatment needs. You can discuss questions about the scope of services, eligibility, any fees associated with services, any potential wait times, and the steps associated with beginning treatment.
By the end of the call, you will have a plan for next steps and an understanding of the resources and services available to you.
What happens after the initial phone consultation?
The Access Coordinator will send you a secure message summarizing the next steps determined during your call. If you have any follow-up questions, need further support with resources, or would like to pivot to different services, you can reach out to your Access Coordinator by sending a reply message through your Patient Portal.
What if I am not sure about wanting to start services?
Initial consultations can be helpful even if you are not ready to get started with services. During the consultation, you will be able to learn more about the resources available and receive information on how to get started.
There is no requirement to begin services after the consultation. If you decide to pursue services at a later date, you can send the Access Coordinator a secure message through your HUHS Patient Portal, and they will support you with next steps.