Graduate Students

Welcome to UHS, graduate students!

Resources at UHS

University Health Services provides comprehensive medical, mental health, insurance, and health promotion services to all UC Berkeley students. All registered students at the University of California are required to meet the university’s health insurance mandate. Registered UC Berkeley undergraduate and graduate students are automatically enrolled in the Berkeley Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) as a way to meet this mandate.

All UC Berkeley students can:

  • Use services at UHS
  • Access 24/7 Nurse Advice Line: (510) 643-7197
  • Access free short-term mental health counseling and group counseling at UHS
  • Access free career counseling and stress consultations
  • Access free health coaching and other Health Promotion services
  • Access free drop-in nutrition counseling

Mental Health Resources for Graduate Students

University Health Services offers short-term counseling for academic, career, and personal issues for graduate and professional students. There is no charge to get started, and all registered students can access services regardless of insurance. Professional counselors are available at the Tang Center, as well as at the Graduate Assembly (GA) Suite in Eshleman Hall. For graduate students who do not want to run into the undergraduates they teach, it won’t happen at the GA Suite! 

Individual and Couples Counseling

To schedule an appointment, you can book Mental Health appointments specifically for graduate students through the eTang Patient Portal or by calling Amy Honigman, Ph.D. at (510) 664-5117.

  • Many students benefit from just one or a few sessions of counseling. If you need longer-term counseling or specialized services, we can help connect you with community mental health providers who work with your insurance plan. 
  • Psychiatric medication can be helpful for some emotional difficulties. Students can get referrals to a psychiatrist from a UHS counselor or their primary care provider.
  • For couples counseling, only one partner needs to be a registered student. 
  • As a satellite office, appointments at the GA can be scheduled 3 weeks in advance. 

Groups Especially for Graduate Students

Group counseling is a powerful and effective way for students to share, give and receive support, learn, and heal. Many students can benefit from counseling in a group format. 

  • Graduate Women's Support: This support group is offered for students who self-identify as female graduate students who wish to come together to share the challenges and struggles of being a grad student, discuss ways to balance school & personal life, discuss relationships with advisors and peers, increase self-confidence, and develop relationships with other women in grad school.
  • Graduate Men’s Support*: This weekly support group is offered for students who self-identify as male grad students who wish to come together to discuss the challenges of being a grad student, ways to deal with the hurdles & hassles of school, find ways to connect with others, discuss relationships issues, and consider ways to manage stress & live a balanced life as a Berkeley student.

View the full schedule of available groups for all UC Berkeley students (both graduate and undergraduate) on the Group Counseling web page. Register for a group through the eTang Portal. 

Let's Talk Consultations For Graduate Students 

Let's Talk Drop-In Consultations are informal, brief, free consultations with UHS mental health counselors. They do not require any insurance or paperwork. 

Hours & LinkCounselorSpecialty

Mondays, 1-2 pm

Let's Talk consultations are currently scheduled by email:

ahonigman@berkeley.edu

Amy Honigman, PhD

Amy Honigman head shot

  • Graduate Students
  • Stress, Coping, and Resilience
  • Graduate student issues with advisors
  • Health/Wellness
  • Mindfulness

Looking to speak with a counselor specializing in a different part of your identity? Visit the Let's Talk web page for more specialty consultations.

Counselors Specialized in Graduate Student Needs

UHS Mental Health Counselors that specialize in working with graduate students at UC Berkeley:

ImageBio
Amy Honigman head shot Amy Honigman - Dr. Amy Honigman, a Cal Alumna, specializes in graduate student wellness. Housed in the Graduate Assembly Suite, 444 Eshleman Hall, Dr. Honigman is available to meet with graduate and professional students. She is also available to give talks and workshops on issues related to graduate students’ well-being across campus.
Sasha Blum Sasha Blum - Sasha specializes in working with first-generation and underrepresented graduate students. Sasha Blum started her career at CAPS as a postdoctoral fellow in 2002. After spending three years in private practice, she joined CAPS as a staff psychologist in 2006.  Sasha received her bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Florida and her PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Akron. From 2006-2016 she served as the psychologist for the Incentive Awards Program, a scholarship program for first-generation, low-income, underrepresented students. Since 2016, Sasha has served the general student population, providing both individual and group services. She has also been active in the training program and served for one year as the Interim Postdoctoral Training Coordinator. Sasha enjoys running, racing, and spending time with her friends and five children.

For Faculty, Staff, and GSOs

Do you work with graduate students and need a consult? Email Amy Honigman at ahonigman@berkeley.edu.  

Resources on Campus

  • UC Berkeley Graduate DivisionThe Graduate Division oversees graduate admissions, fellowships, grants, academic employment, preparation for teaching, mentoring activities, professional development, academic progress and degree milestones.
  • Graduate AssemblyThe Graduate Assembly is the official representative body of the graduate and professional students at the University of California Berkeley.
  • GradPro helps Berkeley graduate students develop their skills, succeed in their programs and launch their careers.
  • Graduate Writing Center - The Graduate Writing Center assists graduate students in the development of academic skills necessary to successfully complete their graduate programs and prepare for future faculty and professional positions.
  • Graduate Student Service at the Berkeley Career Center - Whether you are interested in pursuing a career in academia or exploring the broad range of other professional options, Berkeley Career Engagement has workshops, events and online resources that can help you find job announcements, prepare your credentials, and bring you face-to-face with potential employers
  • Graduate Students & Internships - Opportunities for UC Berkeley graduate students. 

  • Public Service Center - The Public Service Center can support graduate students by providing ways to connect to community organizations, by offering resources for incorporating community-engaged work into your teaching and scholarship, and by creating opportunities to support those participating in community-engaged learning and public service.
  • Tech Resources for Graduate Students - Student Technology Services provides assistance and resources to all graduate and professional students at UC Berkeley.
  • Basic Needs Center - A list of resources for graduate students
  • Undocumented Students Program - Undocumented students in graduate and professional degree programs have access to USP’s services such as Immigration Legal Support, Mental Health Support, and Financial Support.