Health and Counseling Services

Students at the Involvement Fair

Mental Health

Bard College Berlin students can access free psychological counseling both online and on campus through our partners at Linden Counseling Services. The counseling services are designed to help students thrive and navigate the challenges of university life. Counselors support students in managing these challenges, enhancing their well-being, and fostering resilience. By offering empathetic and professional guidance, counselors empower Bard students to develop effective coping strategies and improve their mental health to achieve their personal and academic goals.

The Bard counseling team consists of highly qualified, internationally-minded counselors who bring diverse perspectives and a deep understanding of the unique issues faced by students in a multicultural academic setting. You can learn more about each counselor and their background through the booking link.

Please note that this service is only available to students currently enrolled at Bard College Berlin.

Meet the Counselors

Dino (he/him)

Specializing in: Trauma, Eating disorders, Family issues, Gender Dysphoria, Transgender transition, Substance Abuse, Sexual Health, Phobias, LGBTQIA2S+

Languages: English, Croatian, Bosnian and Serbian

Book an Appointment
Erin (they/them)

Specializing in: LGBTQ+ identities, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), anxiety, emotional regulation, and mindfulness

Languages: English

Book an Appointment
Pei (she/her)

Specializing in: Depression, Anxiety, Self-Esteem, Parent Coaching, Adjustment Issues, Relationships, Self-esteem, Emotional Regulation.

Languages: English, Mandarin

Book an Appointment
Sarah (she/her)

Specializing in: Specializing in: Anxiety, Depression, Stress Reduction, Relationships, LGBTQI+ Support, Adjustment Issues, Self-Esteem.

Languages: English

Book an Appointment

FAQ about Linden Counseling Services

How many sessions can I use each semester?

How many sessions can I use each semester?
Most students find that 2-4 sessions with a counselor are sufficient. However, each student is entitled to schedule up to 7 counseling sessions per semester. If you need more sessions, please reach out to your counselor to determine how many additional sessions you may need. If your counselor determines that you require additional sessions, or if special circumstances apply, additional sessions can be accessed.

Note: Bard's counseling services are not intended as long-term therapy; however, Bard Student Life Staff and Linden counselors can assist students in accessing external long-term therapy if needed.
Are sessions confidential?

Are sessions confidential?
Your sessions with counselors at Linden Global Learning are strictly confidential. Without your consent, counselors cannot share any information about you to anyone including Bard College Berlin staff. We follow the ethical guidelines of the American Psychological Association and the National Association of School Psychologists. If you are at high risk of harm to yourself or others, or in critical danger, your counselor will inform you before sharing information with designated staff at BCB. This is to ensure your safety and provide the best support possible.
How can I book a session?

How can I book a session?
Please book only one session at a time. You can discuss and schedule follow-up sessions with your counselor through the same link.
To book a session, use the scheduling link: https://koalendar.com/u/linden-counseling
You will automatically receive a Google Meet link for online sessions or details for in-person counseling on campus. Please check your email and calendars.

IMPORTANT: We want to make sure as many students as possible can get the support they need, so only book meetings you are sure you can attend and avoid last minute cancellations. Last-minute cancellations or frequent rescheduling can make it harder for other students to get counseling services.
What happens when I miss a session or need to reschedule?

What happens when I miss a session or need to reschedule?
Life happens, and sometimes you might need to cancel or reschedule. If that’s the case, please let your counselor know at least 48 hours in advance. Last-minute changes (less than 48 hours) prevents other students from getting the help they need. If you miss multiple sessions or reschedule often, it might affect your ability to book future appointments.
How long is a session?

How long is a session?
A single session typically lasts for 45 minutes.
What happens when I do not see an available slot?

What happens when I do not see an available slot?
If you have trouble finding an available slot, don’t worry! Send an email to [email protected] and state that you are a current Bard College Berlin student. The counseling team will assist you in finding an alternative slot.
What if I have GeoBlue insurance?

What if I have GeoBlue insurance?
If you have GeoBlue insurance and have questions, please complete the separate GeoBlue form available on the scheduling link.
What if I need long-term therapy?

What if I need long-term therapy?
If you feel your 7 sessions are insufficient and you require long-term therapy, do not hesitate to discuss your needs with your Linden counselor or contact the Health and Wellness Officer. They can help you connect with long-term therapy options and additional resources in Berlin.
What do I do in case of an emergency?

What do I do in case of an emergency?
In case of emergencies, or if you need urgent support, please call +49 157 57926095. This is a 24/7 emergency number answered by a Bard Staff member. You can also contact the Berliner Krisendienst to receive immediate support in your area (the crisis support service is provided in English as well). https://www.berliner-krisendienst.de/en/
Commitment to diversity & inclusion

Commitment to diversity & inclusion
Counselors are here for everyone, and we are dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming environment where you can feel seen and heard. Bard counselors warmly welcome all students, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, economic status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.

Physical Health

Finding a Doctor

For all general medical concerns, students can visit any doctor who accepts their health insurance. It is recommended that students find a primary care doctor (Hausarzt/Facharzt für Allgemeinmedizin), who can also refer them to medical specialists as needed.
Most health insurances have a website or phone number students can use to find a doctor close to where they live as their primary care doctor.
The Student Life staff can provide students with the contact of English-speaking primary care doctors or specialists and can assist in making appointments if students are unable to do so on their own.

Health Resources

Emergencies

BCB 24 h Emergency Phone: number posted inside every BCB campus apartment

As all students at Bard College Berlin must have health insurance, they are strongly recommended to seek emergency attention wherever it is best or closest for them. Students are advised to always carry their health insurance card or insurance certificate with them.

Types of Emergencies

Physical Health Emergencies
For physical health emergencies, students are advised to refer to the emergency room of their nearest hospital. For on-campus students, Maria Heimsuchung Caritas Klinik Pankow, located at Breite Str. 46/47, 13187 Berlin (M1 stop Pankow Kirche) is the nearest hospital.

Emergency Phone Numbers:
- Police: 110
- Ambulance / Fire Department: 112
- BCB 24hr Emergency Phone: number posted inside every BCB campus apartment (24 hours a day, seven days a week)
Mental Health Emergencies
For all mental health emergencies, students are advised to refer to the emergency room of their nearest psychiatric hospital. The one closest to campus is St. Joseph-Krankenhaus Berlin-Weißensee, located at Gartenstraße 1, 13088 Berlin, reachable by bus (255) from S+U Pankow.

Emergency Phone Numbers:
- Police: 110
- Ambulance / Fire Department: 112
- Crisis Hotline (Berliner Krisendienst): 030 390 63 00
- BCB 24hr emergency phone: number posted inside every BCB campus apartment (24 hours a day, seven days a week)

Health Insurance

Students studying at a state-recognized college or university in Germany are legally required to have a valid health insurance for the duration of their enrollment. A valid health insurance is needed to enroll at Bard College Berlin and must be maintained during semesters of study abroad or leave of absence, regardless of location during these semesters.

Health Insurance Options

German Public Health Insurance

(e.g. AOK, BKK, GKK, TK)
Students have the possibility to sign up to German public health insurance upon enrollment at Bard College Berlin. It allows students to go to most doctors and specialists without receiving a bill. All that is needed for a doctor’s appointment is a valid health insurance card. For prescription medication, some medical appliances and hospital visits small co-pays may be necessary.

German public health insurance cards come with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which is valid in most other European countries.
Private Health Insurance

Students with a private health insurance in Germany are generally billed for their doctor’s visits and then reimbursed by their insurance provider. This includes prescription medication, medical appliances and hospital stays. Some private health insurances may have direct billing relationships with certain doctors and hospitals so that no pre-payment is necessary.

Students who would like to keep an existing private health insurance instead during their studies need to apply for a waiver from German statutory public health insurance upon enrollment.
GeoBlue

Visiting students on Bard Abroad Programs (Arts and Society, LAB or Begin in Berlin) are insured through GeoBlue for the duration of their enrollment at Bard College Berlin. GeoBlue is a private health insurance with direct pay relationships with a number of doctors and hospitals in Berlin.

Students insured through GeoBlue need to apply for a waiver from German statutory public health insurance upon enrollment.

More Resources on Public
and Private Health Insurance >>

Resources

Image credit: Brian D'Cruz Hypno Plus

Health and Counseling Quicklinks

BCB 24 h Emergency Phone:
number posted inside every BCB campus apartment

Ambulance/Fire Department: 112

Contact

Mental Health Counseling: Book an appointment here.
Disability Registration: [email protected]

Health and Counseling Services

Mental Health

Meet the Counselors

FAQ about Linden Counseling Services

How many sessions can I use each semester?

Are sessions confidential?

How can I book a session?

What happens when I miss a session or need to reschedule?

How long is a session?

What happens when I do not see an available slot?

What if I have GeoBlue insurance?

What if I need long-term therapy?

What do I do in case of an emergency?

Commitment to diversity & inclusion