Mental Health

Our psychiatrists are available only to students receiving counseling who are located in New York State. In some cases, exceptions can be made. Psychiatric services offered include psychiatric consultation, evaluation, and medication treatment and management. Students seeking psychiatric services who are not currently in counseling with an SHS counselor or are not located in New York State are given referrals to providers in their local community.

Group is a great way for students to create community, meet other students, reduce isolation, and get support. It’s completely confidential. No judgment—just sharing and connection. See a list of the spring 2025 groups and fill out the registration form to RSVP.

Individual mindfulness sessions are 30 minutes long; students can attend up to five sessions. Mindfulness is a technique that helps students develop the capacity to manage anxiety and other challenging experiences more effectively. During mindfulness sessions, students have an opportunity to speak with a counselor and learn techniques for regulating emotions and attaining a comfortable state.

Auricular acupuncture and acupressure are treatments based on traditional Chinese medicine. Acupressure involves attaching flower seeds or magnetic beads to specific locations on the outer ear using medical-grade adhesive tape. It is commonly used to relieve stress and promote comfort and relaxation. Ear seed/bead packets with easy-to-follow instructions are available at Student Health Services.

The acupuncture provided at The New School occurs in a group setting and is based on the protocol developed by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association, which stimulates five points in the ear, corresponding to the sympathetic nervous system, shen men (a point in the outer ear), kidney, liver, and lung. This protocol has been proven effective in helping people relax, deal with cravings, balance their energy, and stimulate detoxification of the body.

For more information on the provision schedule and pickup of ear seed/bead packets, contact us at [email protected].

For students who are having trouble with or wondering about their alcohol and/or other substance use, BASICS may be a helpful resource. A two-session intervention offered through the Department of Psychology and New School Counseling Services.

While substance use is common among college students, many students lack personalized and helpful information about reducing the risks associated with alcohol and other substance use.

By offering a non-judgmental space for students to explore their alcohol and other substance use and to cultivate awareness of their substance use patterns, BASICS helps students develop ways of reducing the risk of using alcohol and other substances and enhances student well-being.

BASICS is available to all New School students who wish to reconsider their drinking and/or substance use habits and potentially make changes. Contact [email protected].

For help with finding mental health services in your community, please fill out this form. The SHS Referrals team will follow up with you within five to ten business days of your request. You can email [email protected] with questions about the referral process.