UMass Boston

Workshops

Who can use our service?

Our academic and personal wellness workshops are available to all UMass Boston faculty, instructors, student groups, and campus programs. Faculty can request workshops to be held in their classrooms, and student organizations or campus programs can schedule sessions tailored to their group's needs.

What is the referral process?

To request a workshop, faculty, staff, or student leaders can complete our Workshop Request Form. Requests can be made for individual classrooms, campus events, or recurring programming in collaboration with academic departments or student services.

Who are our presenters?

Our workshops are facilitated by advanced doctoral students in clinical psychology, who are supervised by licensed UMB faculty members with expertise in coaching and consultation. Presenters have a variety of clinical experiences (in college counseling centers, community mental health centers, hospitals, etc.) who are now furthering their training in prevention, outreach, and consultation under the supervision of faculty on-campus. Presenters are trained to deliver content with cultural sensitivity and to foster inclusive, supportive environments.

Cost of Service

All workshops provided by UMB-UR-BEST are free of charge for the UMass Boston community.

Coaching

What is a UMB-UR-BEST coaching?

Coaching as implemented by UMB-UR-BEST is a one-on-one collaboration between a UMB student and a Clinical Psychology advanced doctoral student. It is short-term and focuses on specific goals that the student and coach agree to through a coaching contract. Coaching also aims to support students holistically in terms of their socioemotional and academic experience at UMass Boston.

When will I get connected to a coach?

Once the Coaching Service receives your referral (typically through the Ross center, counseling center, or other offices that we collaborate with) and assigns it to a coach, the coach will contact you via email or phone to schedule a first meeting or potentially a screening to make sure coaching is the right fit for your needs.

Is UMB-UR-BEST coaching different from therapy?

Although coaching sessions might draw on techniques used in some types of therapy, it is distinguished from therapy by its short-term, forward-looking, skill-building approach.

Who are the UMB-UR-BEST coaches?

The UMB-UR-BEST Coaching Service is staffed by advanced doctoral students in clinical psychology, who are supervised by licensed UMB faculty members with expertise in coaching and consultation. Coaches have a variety of clinical experiences (in college counseling centers, community mental health centers, hospitals, etc.) who are now furthering their training in outreach and consultation under the supervision of faculty on-campus.

Do I have to pay for coaching?

There is no cost associated with this service. Both the coaches, and the students who are referred for coaching, are engaging with this service on a volunteer basis. However, we ask that if you do participate in coaching, you adhere to the following stipulated scheduling guidelines and timelines  Following this timeline as this will facilitate our coaches’ ability to offer this coaching services to as many students as possible.

How many coaching sessions are offered as part of the coaching service?

It is typically short-term with 4-5 sessions offered on average. Coaching contracts may be renewed at times.

When is coaching offered?

Because coaches are psychology doctoral students, we typically provide coaching only during the Fall and Spring semesters until the final day of classes.

Assessments

What is a UMB-UR-BEST neuropsychological assessment?

Our assessments cover a wide range of cognitive and psychological abilities and skills, and the goal is to identify barriers and strengths to succeeding in an academic setting. Through a variety of cognitive and psychological tests, UMB-UR-BEST assessments aim to provide clarity about learning difficulties and academic challenges, and clinicians provide comprehensive, integrative reports with recommendations.

How can I get a UMB-UR-BEST neuropsychological assessment?

We receive assessment referrals from Counseling Center clinicians as well as from the Ross Center. If you are experiencing academic difficulties and think you might benefit from an assessment, you can discuss your interest in a referral to UMB-UR-BEST with your counselor at the Counseling Center or by scheduling a consultation if you are not currently meeting with a counselor. You also can discuss UMB-UR-BEST assessments with any staff member at the Ross Center, and they will facilitate the process of getting registered and being referred for an assessment.