Counseling Referrals

Based on your needs and our resources, we may refer you to a provider off-campus. You do not need a referral to see an off-campus health care provider. But we are happy to meet with you to make a local recommendation, or help find providers in your area based on your needs.

For students with insurance other than the Smith College Health Insurance: It is your responsibility to determine whether a referral is needed or an off-campus visit will be covered. You can call the phone number on the back of your insurance card to find out this information.

Finding a Provider

Search Your Insurance Database

  • Go to your own health insurance provider’s website and follow the steps there. For Smith College insurance enrollees, visit the Student Health Insurance Plan site and then follow the subsequent steps.
  • Click on “Find a doctor” or “Find a clinician.”
  • It will search by location. If you are at Smith, enter “Northampton, MA” or “01060.” Narrow the search by lowering the searchable radius, as there are many therapists within walking distance of campus.
  • For specialization, choose “Behavioral Health”; this will include psychotherapists with many different levels of training, all of which are appropriate for therapy. If you are looking for someone to prescribe medication, you must choose a psychiatrist (MD) or a clinical nurse specialist (APRN).

Use the Psychology Today Therapist Finder

  • Go to Psychology Today webpage
  • Click on "Find a Therapist" or scroll down to the "Find a Therapist" search bar
  • Enter your zip code
  • Use the filter to choose your insurance (if you are using insurance)

Use these Other Therapist Finder Tools

Ask Us

You can also ask for a recommendation by emailing the Counseling Service. 

Ask Others

If you are studying elsewhere, ask someone you know or call a nearby college counseling service.

Contacting Off-Campus Therapists

This brief guide will give you the tools you need to schedule an appointment with a therapist off-campus.

General Tips

  • Reach out to as many people as feel like a good fit—if you get three referrals, we’d recommend trying to contact all three, as many therapists have limited availability.
  • Many therapists do not have the bandwidth to respond to every request—try not to get discouraged if you aren’t hearing back from people.
  • You can stay organized in your search for a therapist by using a Google Sheet or notes app to keep track of who you’ve emailed, who’s gotten back to you, etc.
  • Reach out to wellness@smith.edu if you need help navigating this process.

Making a Phone Call

Before You Call

Make sure you have:

  • Your insurance card
  • Your calendar
  • A quiet place to make the call

Leaving a Voicemail

Most therapists screen their phone calls and will not pick up right when you call. When you leave a voicemail, be sure to speak clearly and slowly. Include your name, insurance, and a brief sentence describing what you’re looking for.

Sample Voicemail

Hi, Sarah. My name is Sophia Smith and I use she/they pronouns. I am calling to see if you have any availability to take on new clients in your private practice. I was referred to you by Smith College counseling, and I’m looking to get connected to weekly therapy with someone who takes _____ insurance. If you have any availability I’d love to do an initial consultation with you. My number is 123-456-7890. Thank you so much!

Talking via Phone

On the off-chance the therapist does pick up the phone, make sure to communicate your name, insurance provider, and what you’re looking for. Have your calendar with you—they may only have time for a brief call and will likely want to schedule a longer intake appointment.

Sample Conversation

Therapist: Hi, this is Sarah Smith, LICSW.

Student: Hi, Sarah! My name is Sophia Smith. I was given your name by Laurie Wildhagen. I’m looking to find a therapist in Northampton and was wondering if you have availability?

Therapist: It’s good to meet you, Sophia! I do have room on my caseload right now. I take insurance, as well. What insurance do you have? 

Student: I have Blue Cross Blue Shield. 

Therapist: Great, I’m in-network for BCBS. Can we set up a time to do a longer intake so I can hear more about your goals for therapy? 

Student: Yes, for sure—when are good times for you? 

Therapist: I’m around next week on Monday at 9 a.m., Thursday at 3 p.m., or Friday morning. 

Student: Is your Friday at 10 a.m. available? 

Therapist: Yes, it is—I’ll schedule you in. 

Student: Sounds good! Do you need any other information from me before then? 

Therapist: Yes, I’ll send you an intake form over email. What’s a good email address to reach out to?

Student: sophia@smith.edu.

Therapist: Perfect, looking forward to chatting on Friday!

Student: Thanks so much, have a great day!

Sending an Email

  • This can be an effective way to reach out to therapists if you struggle with phone anxiety.
  • It is important to know that email is not a HIPAA protected means of communication, so you may not want to include information about your mental health or specific symptoms you are experiencing.
  • Make sure your email includes your name, insurance, and what care you’re looking for.
  • It’s also good to include who referred you, whether it was Schacht in general or a specific therapist within Schacht.

Sample Emails

Example Subject Lines
  • Referral to your practice
  • Requesting info about your practice
  • Seeking weekly therapy
  • Therapy referral
Example Body of Email

Hi Sarah,

My name is Sophia Smith. I am a Smith College student and was referred to your practice by _____ at Smith Counseling. I am looking to start weekly therapy with someone in the area and would love to hear more about your practice and whether you are accepting new clients at this time. I have ____ insurance and am typically free ____ days of the week at _____ times of day.

Thank you so much!
Sophia
she/they

Contact the Schacht Center for Health & Wellness

Schacht Center for Health & Wellness
Smith College
21 Belmont Avenue
Northampton, MA 01063

Hours:
M, T, Th, F 8:30 a.m–4:30 p.m.
W noon–4:30 p.m.

Phone: 413-585-2800

If there is an emergency, call Campus Safety at 413-585-5555

For non-urgent concerns, email us: