Psychiatry
The Cal State East Bay Student Health and Counseling Services (SHCS) provides psychiatric assessment and medication management to currently enrolled CSUEB students.
If you prefer to seek psychiatry care outside of SHCS, or are graduating or separating from the university, here are some additional resources:
Free and Low Cost Psychiatry Referrals
Guide to Finding a Psychiatrist in the Community
Appointments:
Psychiatry appointments are by referral only by a SHCS counselor. Even if you have already seen a SHCS medical provider, you will still need to see a SHCS counselor for assessment of a psychiatry referral. Once you have been referred, you can schedule an initial psychiatry consultation by calling 510-885-3735. Please note that psychiatry appointments cannot be scheduled or cancelled online.
There is no limit to the number of sessions you may receive during the academic year.
Fees
There is no fee to schedule an appointment with the psychiatrist, but you may have an out-of-pocket cost for medications. If you cannot afford a prescribed medication, please inform the psychiatrist and they will be happy to help you find affordable alternatives.
Services:
The psychiatrist does not provide urgent or emergency psychiatric evaluations:
- For emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
- Counseling Services has urgent mental health drop-in hours Monday through Friday, 1-2pm and 3-4pm.
- When the center is closed, call (510) 885-3735, option 2 to speak with a live counselor.
- Call 988 or text HOME to 741741 to reach The National Suicide Prevention Hotline.
Psychiatric treatment is a medication-based service and does not provide therapy. If you are interested in therapy, you can schedule an appointment online at call (510) 885-3735, or email shcscounseling@csueastbay.edu. For more information about our Counseling Services visit: /shcs/counseling/index.html
What to Expect
Please bring one of these forms of identification (ID) to your intake – for both in-person AND telehealth appointments:
-Passport
-Government ID (either a driver’s license or just ID)
-CSUEB Bay Card (with photo)
The ID must:
-Be a hard copy (no digital copies or photos)
-Be active (cannot be expired)
-Have a clear and recent photo such that your identity can be easily verified
SHCS does not accept any other form of ID, no exceptions.
If you are not able to provide a valid form of ID, or your photo is not sufficient to identify you, your appointment will be rescheduled.
During your first appointment, the psychiatrist will complete a psychiatric assessment and provide diagnostic and treatment recommendations. This first appointment is a consultation and does not establish a patient-physician relationship with the psychiatrist. If indicated, medications may be prescribed.
Please note: medications may not be prescribed at the intake visit, especially controlled substances like stimulants. Some students may be referred to community providers for treatment outside the scope of care.
If medications are recommended, the psychiatrist will discuss with you medication treatment options, potential side effects, how to manage them, and what you are comfortable with. You will also have a chance to ask questions.
Confidentiality
SHCS maintains the highest standards of confidentiality and meets all legal and ethical standards in this area. Information received in psychiatry appointments will not be released without your written consent, except in situations dictated by law, including but not limited to: child abuse/neglect, elder and dependent adult abuse/neglect, danger to self or others, or by a specific order of the courts. The psychiatrist may consult with counselors, medical doctors, nurses, or other SHCS staff as needed to benefit your care. The psychiatrist will document all clinically relevant information in your chart, including but not limited to, current and past substance use.
Missed appointments/Cancellations/Late Arrival
If you fail to show for a scheduled appointment without notice (no show), or do not cancel a scheduled appointment at least 24 hours in advance, you will be charged a $25 no show/late cancellation fee.
If you check-in late to an initial or follow-up appointment, you may not be seen and your appointment may be rescheduled by SHCS.
For initial psychiatry consultations, please check-in at least 20 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time, to allow yourself enough time to complete the paperwork. This paperwork is required and the psychiatrist is not able to begin the appointment until all required paperwork is completed.
Scope of Care (includes but is not limited to):
- Depression
- Mania/hypomania
- Bipolar mood disorder
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- OCD
- PTSD/trauma
- Insomnia
- ADHD (please refer to ADHD Treatment for more information on required documentation for treatment with stimulant medication)
There are situations where you may be referred off campus for treatment. These are per the psychiatrist’s clinical judgment, and may include:
- Neuropsychological testing and diagnosis for ADHD, Learning Disorders, Autism, non-specific diagnoses like neurodivergence, and other complex diagnostic disorders
- Unstable or severe, persistent disorders that require appointments more than once per month
- Substance use disorders or substance use withdrawal (drug, alcohol)
- Eating disorders
Many individuals wonder if they might be on the autism spectrum. Student Health and Counseling Services does not provide an initial assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or non-specific diagnoses such as neurodivergence, but here is a link to a few ASD resources you may want to explore: Wellness Resources
If your treatment needs fall out of the scope of care that SHCS can provide, or you prefer to seek care outside of SHCS, here again are resources: