Northeast Health Services is dedicated to supporting your mental health. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, we encourage you to reach out for immediate support through your local crisis services by dialing 988, contacting your local emergency services, or visiting your local emergency room.

Boston is home to more than 150,000 college students across dozens of universities and community colleges. Northeast Health Services is part of this community, offering therapy and psychiatric services at our South End and  Government Center locations so students can access care close to campus.

This guide explains where Boston college students can go for psychiatric help and what to expect from the process. At Northeast Health Services, with two locations right in Boston, we work every day with students who need care that fits into their busy schedules.

Where to find psychiatric help in Boston

Start on campus

Most Boston colleges and universities offer some mental health services through a health office or counseling department. For longer-term support, Northeast Health Services provides therapy and psychiatric medication management at our Boston clinics, so students can continue care even after campus resources reach their limit.

Look off campus

Many students choose to see psychiatric providers outside their college system. This is especially helpful if you need ongoing care, medication management, or more specialized services. Northeast Health Services has clinics in Boston’s South End and Government Center where students can access therapy and psychiatric medication management. Both offices also offer convenient telehealth appointments if getting to an office is difficult between classes, jobs, and internships.

Explore community resources

Boston has a wide range of community supports, from urgent care mental health clinics to nonprofit organizations. If you need immediate help, calling 988 or a local crisis line will connect you to trained counselors 24/7. Some students also benefit from peer support groups available through NAMI Massachusetts or local organizations.

What to expect from a psychiatric appointment

Seeing a psychiatric provider for the first time can feel intimidating, but knowing what to expect makes the process less stressful.

• Intake and assessment: During your first visit, the provider will ask about your symptoms, history, and goals. You may discuss things like sleep, classes, relationships, and any past treatment.
• Diagnosis and plan: The provider may talk with you about possible diagnoses and create a care plan. This might include therapy, psychiatric medication management, or both.
• Follow-up visits: Most students return every few weeks at the beginning, then less often once treatment is stable. You may use these sessions to adjust medication, track progress, and talk through challenges.
• Collaboration: If you want, your provider can coordinate with your college counseling service or primary care provider so your support system works together.

Appointments are also a chance for you to ask questions. You might want to know about side effects of medication, strategies for managing stress, or how to balance care with your school schedule. Psychiatric care is not one-size-fits-all, and your provider should work with you to find what feels realistic and effective.

Why college students seek psychiatric help

Mental health challenges can look different for everyone, but many students reach out for psychiatric help when they:

• Feel constant stress, worry, or panic that does not go away
• Notice changes in mood that affect school or relationships
• Struggle with concentration or motivation, especially when studying
• Experience major changes in sleep, eating, or energy
• Use alcohol or substances to cope with emotions or stress
• Feel overwhelmed by balancing school, work, and personal responsibilities

Getting help early matters. College is a time of big transitions, and strong mental health support can make a real difference in your academic success and overall well-being.

How NEHS can support Boston students

Northeast Health Services is proud to serve students right in Boston. Our South End and Government Center locations provide:

• Therapy with evidence-based approaches
• Psychiatric medication management with experienced providers who understand the demands of student life
• Convenient telehealth appointments that make it possible to keep appointments between classes or from your dorm room

Students may feel pressure to “handle it on their own.” At NEHS, we encourage you to see care as a strength. Our providers will work with you to create a plan that fits into your busy schedule and supports both your academic goals and your mental health.

Find help from NEHS

If you are a Boston college student looking for psychiatric help, remember that support is available both on and off campus. Whether you start with your school’s counseling office, explore community resources, or connect with NEHS directly, the most important step is reaching out.

Taking care of your mental health in college is just as important as keeping up with your assignments and exams. If you are ready to take the next step, Northeast Health Services can guide you. For new clients, please click here to schedule an appointment. For existing clients, please click here and find your office location to contact your office directly.