For many concerns, meeting with a counselor at CPS may be the best option. CPS offers short-term counseling for individuals and groups. Groups and workshops are available on a variety of topics. If the counseling offered at CPS is not right for a student, we will help the student find referrals in the community where sliding scale and low fee options are available.

How to see a counselor
To see a counselor for the first time, students should call (510) 642-9494. Students will be scheduled to speak by telephone with a triage counselor, who will assist with appropriate next steps. This might include a full in-person appointment (generally available within 1 - 2 weeks), emergency counseling (available each day 10 AM - 5:00 PM for urgent concerns), group counseling or a referral to other resources. See counseling appointments for more information.

Fees
Access to CPS counseling services are free to all registered UC Berkeley students. Students do not need to have purchased the Student Health Insurance Plan to see a counselor. Initial phone and in-person consultations, urgent visits, and initial counseling visits (up to 5th session) are all free. Minimal fees apply to other services. See counseling fee chart.

When Tang is Closed
Call the After Hours Assistance Line at (510) 643-7197 and ask to speak with a counselor. Counselors are available whenever CPS is closed. (See Referral List for Crisis/Suicide Prevention Hotlines)

Helping a student in crisis
For guidance when helping a student who appears to be in crisis, see Getting Help for a Student of Concern.

Drop-in counseling for emergencies
Monday - Friday, 10 am â€" 5:00pm

Cancellations
Call (510) 642-9494 (CPS) 24 hours a day, to cancel an appointment. You must cancel at least 24 hours in advance or you will be billed a late cancellation fee.

Urgent medical or mental health problems
If you have an urgent medical or mental health problem that cannot wait until the Tang Center is open:

• Call the After Hours Assistance Line at (510) 643-7197 for immediate assistance. If you need to speak with a counselor urgently, you will be connected to the 24/7 counseling line.

• Find a local Urgent Care Center with extended hours.

• Find a phone number for a crisis/suicide prevention hotline.

• See After Hours Assistance resources for information on emergency contraception, dental emergency, pharmacy refills and other services when Tang Center is closed.

• Find a local emergency room*. The closest to campus is Alta Bates Hospital, 2450 Ashby Ave., just east of Telegraph Ave.
  
  *Please note: care may be at your own expense; emergency room charges are usually more than urgent care centers.