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
Daniel (he/him)
Specializing in: Academic and Career Counseling, Family Issues, Parenting, Relationships, Depression, Self-Esteem, Cultural Adjustment, and Life Transitions.
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?
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?
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. 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?
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?
A single session typically lasts for 45 minutes.
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 counseling[at]linden-education.com 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?
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?
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?
BCB 24h 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.
You can also contact the Berliner Krisendienst to receive immediate support in your area (the crisis support service is provided in English as well).
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.
If you are in a life-threatening situation or there is risk of permanent injury, then call the emergency number 112.
If you are not in a life-threatening situation, but feel like you need to see a medical professional for examination or to prescribe medications, then contact your Hausarzt to make an appointment or ask if you can come by without an appointment. A Hausarzt is the best first step because they will be able to provide you with more personalized attention (i.e. knowing about past illness, allergies, if you take regular medication, etc) if you have been there before. If you still do not have a Hausarzt for whatever reason, please see the section titled How to find a General Practitioner (Hausarzt) below.
While it is also better to call ahead and schedule an appointment, it is also worth knowing that all doctors’ offices have walk-in hours for urgent medical situations, which are known as Sprechstunden or Notfallstunden. If you do go to the doctor’s without an appointment and during their walk-in hours, expect a long waiting time. If you have Techniker Krankenkasse or GeoBlue health insurance, one other option is to take advantage of their Telehealth apps. This service is available 24/7 and is covered by your respective health insurance provider.
If you need medical attention outside of normal doctor office hours (i.e. evenings, weekends, holidays, etc.), you can contact on-call doctors by dialing 116 117, or you can check whether there is a "Bereitschaftspraxis" nearby. This can be an emergency clinic affiliated with a hospital or located in a central, easily reachable location in town. These clinics pull together medical specialists from various disciplines so that you can find help in the evening or on the weekends.
For those of you coming from the U.S. or another country with “Urgent Care”, unfortunately there is not an equivalent in Germany. Therefore, please use your best judgment and proceed with one of the other options described above.
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.
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.
