Mental Health and Counseling Services

Confidential, Supportive Care for Every Student’s Journey

At the University of Maine at Farmington, we understand that college is a time of growth, discovery, and new challenges. That’s why our Counseling Services are here to support students in navigating everything from stress and homesickness to relationships and academic pressures. Parents can feel confident knowing that their student has access to professional, confidential care right here on campus.

Our mission is to provide a safe, welcoming space where students can talk openly, gain coping strategies, and build resilience for the future. Whether it’s a one-time conversation or ongoing support, our counselors are committed to helping students reach their academic, social, and personal goals. Together, we create a community that values mental health as an essential part of student success.

Your Well-Being Matters at UMF

Flexible appointments

Get in quickly to meet with a counselor in person or through telehealth, depending on what works best for you.

Affordable support

Counseling services are available to students with a variety of insurance options, including limited no-copay visits for students with billable insurance.

Personalized approaches

Our clinicians bring diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and therapeutic approaches, including creative and art-based approaches.

A welcoming space

Counseling is a supportive, inclusive environment for students of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.
Framed quote held by two hands:

Ready to talk? Getting started is easy.

Email umfcounseling@maine.edu or call 207-778-7034 to schedule an appointment.

Judy Burdick will provide information about registering with Medicat, UMF’s electronic health record system.

Appointments may be available in person or through telehealth, depending on your needs and clinician availability.

Open wooden shelf filled with art supplies—markers, colored pencils, paints, baskets, and notebooks; rainbow poster on the door nearby.

Confidentiality

Counseling is a confidential service, and counselors are not Title IX mandated reporters. Counselors may be legally required to break confidentiality if someone is in immediate danger and/or if a minor or disabled/elderly adult is experiencing current abuse or neglect. As an integrated campus health service, information and electronic charts are shared between MCHS and the Student Health Clinic, in order to coordinate care. Additionally, limited information may be shared with residence life or disability services in order to coordinate support or ensure a student’s safety.
Wooden sideboard with woven doors, adorned by a yellow lamp, vases, and a plant against a green wall in a living room.

Billing and payment information

Prior to your first visit, you will email Judy Burdick a copy of both the front and back of your insurance card. All students with billable insurance can have up to three visits per semester without a co-pay charge. After three visits, you will be charged the co-pay amount associated with your insurance plan.
  • Students with insurance that we cannot bill, who pay out of pocket, or who fail to present a health insurance card will be charged $20 for every visit.
  • Students who have not met their annual insurance deductible or whose insurance company denies a submitted claim will be charged $20 for the office visit.
  • All copays and fees will be applied to your student bill; we do not collect payments in the office.
Smiling woman with glasses sits beside a fluffy white therapy dog wearing a blue bandana that reads 'Love on a Leash Therapy Pet'.

Decompression Space and Dogs

Sometimes you don’t need a formal counseling appointment—you just need a place to take a breath. UMF offers a welcoming decompression space where students can slow down, reset, and take a break from the demands of college life.

We also partner with a couple of therapy dogs who visit campus regularly, giving students an opportunity to spend some time with a furry friend and enjoy a little extra comfort and connection.

Meet Our Staff

252 Main Street
Farmington, ME 04938
Phone: (207) 778-7034
FAX: (207) 778-7069
TDD: (207) 778-7000

Please email umfcounseling@maine.edu or call 778-7034 to schedule an appointment.
Sarah Carnahan ’06
Sarah Carnahan ’06

Director of Mental Health and Counseling Services

About Sarah
Gavin Pickering ’08
Gavin Pickering ’08

Mental Health Counselor
Outreach Coordinator

About Gavin
Kristie Backus ’07
Kristie Backus ’07

Mental Health Counselor

About Kristie
Danielle Tekut
Danielle Tekut

Mental Health Counselor

About Danielle
Judy Burdick
Judy Burdick

Administrative Specialist CL2

About Judy