The University of Massachusetts, Amherst provides many resources for students' mental and physical well-being. Below is a list of many of the resources available to you. If you need immediate care for your physical or mental health, please contact UMass Crisis Intervention or call 911.
University Health Services (UHS) should be a first stop for your healthcare needs, that are not emergencies. In the event of an emergency always dial 9-1-1. UHS provides a wide range of services, including but not limited to; immunizations, pharmacy, sexual health, eye care, and urgent care.
All full-time students must carry health insurance. For those that do not already have such, there is the Student Health Benefit Plan (SHBP), which operates on a semi-annual schedule. It is important to note that health care received at UHS is covered by the SHBP. Also, if you are not taking more than five credits and would like to be covered by the SHBP (as can sometimes be the case for graduate students), then you must enroll explicitly. Otherwise students are automatically enrolled, but coverage can be waived by providing proof of an existing plan. If you have questions about insurance coverage or services offered, call 413-577-5101.
UMass Dining has a large array of healthy options at their locations. Within the four dining commons, there are vegetarian, lactose-free, and gluten-free options. Also, items are listed with their calorie count, ingredients, and basic nutritional information; for those who are trying to follow a more rigid diet.
Graduate students purchase meals in blocks. These meals are loaded onto your UCard and can be used at any of the dining commons or at retail locations with the specified cash equivalency. These never expire. Also, it is good to stock-up when the semester starts as the meal-plan office usually runs a promotion granting bonus-meals per block.
Campus Recreation serves as a place for recreation and exercise. They have a large assortment of endurance, strength, flexibility, and balance training equipment. There is an indoor track and basketball courts, the latter have scheduled times where they are transformed for volleyball and badminton. Furthermore, they offer group fitness classes throughout the day, but these classes have limited spots and often fill up fast. See the other facilities for additional offerings.
They also offer nutrition advising and personal training. The latter is subject to an additional charge. Membership details vary with enrollment status.
Finally, for structured competitive fitness outlets, there are Club & Intramural sports.
The Center for Counseling and Psychological Health (CCPH) provides a collection of mental health services to our community. Your student health fee covers basic access to a variety of CCPH resources and programming.
Group programming changes by time of year, so check their website.
Individual therapy includes an intake appointment followed by three visits. Visits thereafter are subject to availability and additional charge. They will also help you find a therapist, either in the Psychological Services Center on campus, or in the broader Pioneer Valley (while being mindful of your travel ability).
Should you have a diagnosed mental illness or disability you will likely qualify for course and / or work accommodations through Disability Services.
GEO (Graduate Employee Organization) members: You have access to a premium mindfulness application Calm.