Counseling, Health, and Wellness
Counseling
At Bay State College, students have access to free, short-term, individual counseling with an on-site Mental Health Counselor. The mission of the counseling center is to support the overall well-being of both students and the community as a whole. Students may seek support through counseling for a variety of reasons. These reasons may include, but are not limited to:
Adjusting to college life
Time management skills
Anxiety
Depression
Grief and loss
Interpersonal relationships
Referrals to outside resources
Risk Assessments
Self-care strategies
Difficulties with academic achievement
Self esteem
Sexuality/Identity
The Counselor is available for private assessment, free-of-charge, as well as referrals to off-campus facilities in the Boston and Taunton areas. Walk-ins are welcome or students can schedule an appointment in advance via email or phone.
Confidentiality - Sessions with the counselor are fully confidential and private. Confidentiality of the student will not be broken unless concern is present for immediate danger of the individual or another person. A student's counseling will not be a part of their academic record and information will not be shared to outside parties (faculty, outside providers, etc.) without the consent of the student.
Emergency Care - If you are currently experiencing a mental health emergency outside of the counseling center's hours, please call 911, contact your local emergency room, or reach out to one of the following emergency resources:
- National Suicide Prevention Hotline
Call 1-(800)-273-8255 - Text Line
Text "Start" to 741-741, 24/7 Free and Confidential - Boston Area Rape Crisis Center
Call 617-492-RAPE - Fenway Community Health Center's Violence Recovery
Call 617-927-6202 - Samaritans Crisis Hotline (National Suicide Prevention)
Call 877-870-HOPE (4673) - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Text "TalkWithUs" to 66746 or call 800-985-5990 - Casa Myrna Domestic Violence Support
Call 877-785-2020 for 24-hour SafeLink Hotline or visit casamyrna.org
Medical Care
Although Bay State College does not have an on-campus health center, we are located in an area which provides students with a variety of healthcare options. It is highly advisable that students contact their health insurance provider prior to arriving on campus to discuss which facilities are covered and select a primary care physician in the immediate area.
Area Health Care Providers
Beth Israel Walk-in Clinic
330 Brookline Ave, Boston
(617) 667-3337
Harvard Vanguard Medical Center
165 Dartmouth St, Boston
(617) 859-5000
Mass General Clinic
(This hospital also has a walk-in psychiatric clinic.)
15 Parkman St, Boston
(617) 726-2000
Massachusetts state law requires all students enrolled ¾ time (9 credits per semester) or more to carry comprehensive health insurance. Many students are covered under a parent/guardian insurance plan. Please check with your insurance company for details. Students who are in need of insurance coverage may take advantage of an agreement between Bay State and American College Student Association, an independent insurance carrier. PLEASE NOTE: "Free Care" is not an acceptable form of health insurance for students enrolled at the College.
Addiction Resources
- Alcohol Harm Reduction Tool this extensive guide provides info on the consequences of heavy drinking, an alcohol cost and BAC calculator, DUI consequences and prevention, myths about ways to sober up, tips on how to stay safe, how to spot an impaired driver, signs of alcohol poisoning etc.
- Narcotics.com helps people find local Narcotics Anonymous meetings and provides resources for various types of treatment including inpatient, outpatient and support groups.
- Rehabs.org provides info for people at any stage of their recovery journey, including info on different types of therapy/recovery options, warning signs, how to talk to a family member, definitions of different types of treatment and a local treatment center directory.
- freerehabcenters.org provides the most complete list of free, low-cost, sliding scale, and low-income assisted rehab lists on the Internet. We scoured thousands of non-profit organizations that provide alcohol, drug, another other assistance with substance abuse rehabilitation.
- Detox.com is a network of addiction treatment facilities that provide drug and alcohol detox, support, and comprehensive substance abuse treatment services to the individuals and families struggling with addictions.
- StartYourRecovery.org, a resource for young adults who may be struggling with substance misuse.