Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) is available during the summer session to students who are in need of care for urgent medical and mental health needs. These services are designed to meet acute needs only— supplementary services such as laboratory tests and X-rays are provided only if advised by staff clinicians. Urgent medical and mental health care is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

Emergencies 

Any student experiencing symptoms of a medical emergency (e.g., chest pain, severe shortness of breath) should call 911 immediately. 

Urgent Medical and Mental Health Care* 

Urgent Care for non-routine, urgent medical or mental health concerns or symptoms is available 24 hours a day. Students who are experiencing severe medical symptoms should call (617) 495-5711 first to obtain advice from a nurse on duty, who may also facilitate scheduling an appointment. Students who require transportation to Urgent Care are advised to call the Harvard University Police Department. 

For mental health concerns, students can schedule initial phone assessments for Counseling and Mental Health Services (CAMHS) by calling the Harvard Summer School Mental Health Support Line at 617-998-2447. Whenever possible, students are encouraged to call first to obtain assistance from an on-call psychiatrist. (The CAHMS Cares Line will remain available to Harvard College students enrolled in summer courses.) 

Coverage 

Residential students are automatically enrolled in and covered by the Summer School’s Accident and Sickness Insurance Plan, with Global Assistance Services.  This plan is provided by On Call International and is considered secondary coverage to your own health insurance plan. On Call International responds to critical medical or safety emergencies and can also help you resolve non-critical day-to-day travel problems any time you are participating in a Harvard Summer School program. Patients are billed and held responsible for services not covered by their health insurance. 

Nonresidential students who are seen at Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) may be required to pay a fee for services. Students may also choose to visit a nearby hospital or clinic, such as Mount Auburn Hospital, if necessary. Services at HUHS will be billed to your insurance. Patients are billed and held responsible for services not covered by their health insurance. 

Confidentiality 

It is generally useful for the Summer School to know when a particular student has suffered a serious injury or illness, for such purposes as arranging academic relief or assuring that the student can return safely to residence. For this reason, it is the Summer School’s policy that HUHS will normally inform the Summer School when a student is admitted or discharged from its facilities or other area hospitals. In cases of hospitalization, while HUHS will not share medical or mental health information concerning a student without that student’s consent under ordinary circumstances, HUHS will customarily notify the  the Summer School that the student has been admitted. HUHS will not, without the student’s consent, disclose any other information about the student, such as diagnosis or treatment, but will only inform the Summer School of the fact of the student’s admission. This information is intended to alleviate the concerns of the Summer School as to the student’s whereabouts and safety, and to allow communication with emergency contacts and/or guardians who are unable to locate the student. 

Counseling 

Students with personal concerns may seek help or advice at any time from their proctors, resident deans, the Office of Student Affairs (OSA), or the Directors of the Secondary School or Pre-College Programs. Professional counseling services for urgent mental health concerns are available 24 hours a day by calling the Harvard Summer School Mental Health Support Line at 617-998-2447.