We provide information to TU students on community providers, finding a therapist, using insurance, and what to do if finances are a concern.
We provide information to TU students on community providers, finding a therapist, using insurance, and what to do if finances are a concern.
The Counseling Center’s primary function is to provide brief solution-focused counseling
for issues that have arisen recently or that are likely to resolve quickly. Students
who would benefit from more consistent, ongoing therapy may be given the recommendation
to see a community provider off-campus that can better fulfill your current needs.
Students who wish to engage in off-campus therapy can meet with the Counseling Center's
Care Manager, who provides individualized support in helping students connect with
our large network of Towson community providers. Our Care Manager can help students
find a provider who fits their treatment needs and preferences, as well as navigating
barriers to accessing care, such as transportation or financial barriers.
Community providers are therapists in the surrounding area that can help you on a more on-going or frequent basis. Community providers may be able to meet several times per week and can continue to see you even after you graduate from Towson University.
Social Workers (LCSW-C) and Licensed Professional Counselors (LCPC) are therapists that have their master’s degrees and provide counseling and a variety of other services.
Psychologists (PhD, PsyD) are therapists who have doctoral degrees and can provide a variety of services including assessment, testing and psychotherapy.
Psychiatrists (MD) are medical doctors that can provide psychiatric evaluations and prescribe medication, some may also provide psychotherapy.
Nurse Practitioners (NP, CRNP, MHNP) are nurses who have completed a master’s degree and their services can include prescribing medicine and counseling.
The Counseling Center can help you determine what kind of help is appropriate for your needs, and we will continue to work with you to find a suitable mental health service provider. Call 410-704-2512 or stop by the front desk to schedule an appointment for referral services.
If you would be more comfortable assessing counseling services on your own, the counseling center webpage offers a Community Provider Database that can help you to arrange for outside help.
The following links and suggestions may be helpful to you in your search for treatment.*
TUCC understands the need and desire to work with a counselor with a shared identity. Below you can find a list of resources that can help in your pursuit*:
*NOTE: the above listings are not exhaustive, and our listing of these links does not constitute our endorsement of the links, nor of the clinicians that are listed there.
Other ways to find a therapist include:
Perhaps the most important factor in addressing your mental health needs is finding a provider with whom you can build a trusting and collaborative relationship.
Other important things to consider in your search include:
Remember, having a therapist you trust, feel connected with and who understands you well are the most important factors in finding a good therapist for you.
The majority of students that seek counseling or therapy services choose to utilize providers who are connected with their insurance company. You may find such a therapist by contacting your health insurance company either by phone or through their website — either route can help you locate a list of professionals that work with your particular plan.
The TU Student Health Plan therapist locater is called “Doc find.”
When accessing your health insurance company’s database:
If you need to find a therapist within walking distance of Towson University, use one of the following zip codes: 21252, 21204 and 21212.
As detailed above, you can obtain a list of providers from your insurance company. Further, you can find providers who take your plan, along with some additional information about them by consulting a website like Psychology Today, Good Therapy, or the Maryland Psychological Association. With all three, you are able to search by insurance company and other important criteria.
Therapists who are not on the panel of your insurance company may still be able to submit information for reimbursement by your insurance company.
If a non-participating provider was recommended to you, also called an “out-of-plan provider,” you should feel free to ask that therapist and your insurance company about the level of coverage.
When considering making an appointment with an off campus provider, many students are concerned about finances, particularly if they do not have insurance or feel uncomfortable letting parents know. Please know that financial limitations do not need to be a barrier to receiving mental health treatment.
If you find a provider in the community who interests you, consider contacting them to ask if they offer “sliding scale services” or a “reduced fee.” Be honest with the provider about what you can afford.
Low cost providers can also be helpful to consider. These are individual/group practices that offer low cost or sliding scale services (i.e., personal income is considered when determining cost of therapy). Some services may even involve no cost. Check out the list below for low cost options.