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!
Mental Health Resources for Graduate Students
Individual and Couples Counseling
To get started or to determine whether counseling is right for you, call Amy Honigman, Ph.D. at (510) 664-5117. Or schedule an appointment over eTang.
- 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 that 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 from 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.
Group Counseling for Graduate Students
- Group counseling specific to graduate student needs
- Skills groups for managing stress, anxiety, and depression
- Referrals for both graduate women and men support groups
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
Mondays, 5:00 - 6:30 pm
Facilitated by Linda Zaruba, PhD.
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*
Thursdays, 1:30 - 3:00 pm
Facilitated by Richard Chiovarelli, PsyD.
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 Berkeley students on the Group Counseling web page.
Let's Talk Consulations
Let's Talk Drop-In Consultations are informal, brief, free consultations with UHS mental health counselors. They do not require any insurance or paperwork.
For Graduate Students
| Hours & Link | Counselor | Specialty |
|
Mondays, 1-2 pm Let's Talk consultations are currently scheduled by email: |
Amy Honigman, PhD
|
|
Looking to speak with a counselor specializing with a different part of your identity?
Visit the Let's Talk web page for more specialty consultations.
Faculty/ Staff/ GSO's
Do you work with Graduate Students and need a consult? Email Amy Honigman ahonigman@berkeley.edu.
Counselors Specialized for Graduate Student Needs
Amy Honigman
Graduate Assembly Wellness Office 444D Eshleman Hall 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 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.