Referral Services

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 Referrals Coordinator, who provides individualized support in helping students connect with our network of community providers. Our Referrals Coordinator 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. 

What Is a Community Provider?

Community providers are 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.

INFORMATION TO HELP YOU DETERMINE WHAT SORT OF REFERRAL WOULD BEST MEET YOUR NEEDS

Psychotherapy/Counseling

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.

Medication

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.

How Can I Find a Community Provider?

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, stop by the front desk or go online 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:

  • obtaining a list of providers from your insurance company
  • asking your primary care physician if there is anyone they recommend
  • asking friends or acquaintances about therapists they have enjoyed working with

Choosing a Mental Health Provider

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:

  • Individual, relationship, or family counseling?
  • Group counseling — either stand alone or in conjunction with another form of counseling?
  • Are you interested in medication or psychological testing?
  • Do you need someone with specific expertise in a particular area?
  • Can you meet with a generalist?
  • Is gender, cultural/ethnic identity, or the age of the therapist an important factor to you when you think about who could best provide you with assistance?
  • Are you able to drive or do you have easy access to public transportation?
  • Does your therapist offer services via telehealth? 

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.

Using Your Health Insurance

Students seeking out therapy services may choose to find providers in network with their insurance company.  You can find a list of local providers by contacting your health insurance company via phone or through their website, often located on the back of your insurance card. 

Student Insurance Plans (Aetna)

The TU Student Health Plan therapist locater is called “Doc find.”

When accessing your health insurance company’s database:

  • have your insurance card with you in order to provide information on your specific plan
  • keep in mind that therapists and psychiatrists are usually listed under “Behavioral Health” or “Mental Health”

If you need to find a therapist within walking distance of Towson University, use one of the following zip codes: 21252, 21204 and 21212.

Out-of-Network Providers

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.

If Finances are a Concern

Financial limitations do not need to be a barrier to receiving mental health treatment.  If you find a provider who does not accept insurance or you do not have health insurance, you can ask a provider if they offer "sliding scale" or "reduced fee" services.  Additionally, it may be helpful to consider low cost providers that determine cost based on your personal income.  Some options are listed below.