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FAQs

Have a question that's not answered below? Give us a call at 617-495-9629.

General

How do I get an athletic membership from the Recreation Department? Do I need one for CW classes?

The Center for Wellness classes are NOT part of the Harvard Recreation department, and no membership is required.  The Recreation exercise classes that meet in the Malkin Athletic Center (MAC), Hemenway Gym, and some other Harvard facilities are administered by the Harvard Recreation department. Information about Recreation memberships, eligibility, and class access can be found at recreation.gocrimson.com or by calling 617.496.1585.

What forms of payment do you accept?

The Center for Wellness accepts credit/debit cards, personal checks, term bill (students), or payroll deduction (employees). We do not accept cash.

Students

How can I get a prescription for birth control?

To help determine which contraceptive method might best suit you and potentially get started, you can schedule an appointment with your primary care provider at HUHS by calling (617) 495-5711.

How do I get tested for STIs at HUHS?

All Harvard students who have paid the Student Health Fee can access confidential STI testing without any out-of-pocket cost at HUHS. After meeting with an HUHS medical provider, you will visit Quest Laboratory to have samples collected. 

All STI test results are strictly confidential according to federal law. However, please note that if you are not on the Harvard Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), you should request that your test at Quest Laboratory be Client-Billed to Harvard in order to prevent an Explanation of Benefits being sent to your primary insurance.

 

How to Schedule for a Routine STI Test:

  • Call HUHS at (617) 495-5711 to make an in-person or virtual appointment with a member of the Primary Care team

How to Schedule if You Are Currently Experiencing Symptoms:

  • Call HUHS at (617) 495-5711 to make an Urgent Care appointment

How much sleep do I really need?

According to the National Sleep Foundation, all adults over the age of 18 should get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night. Only you will know exactly what is right for you, but staying between 7 and 9 hours is highly recommended to feel like your best self. Head to our sleep page for more information.

What kinds of safer sex supplies can I get?

At the Center for Wellness and Health Promotion we supply a wide variety of safer sex supplies free of cost for current students. Supplies offered include external (male) condoms, internal (female) condoms, flavored oral (dental) dams, and water-based lubricant. We are located on the 2nd floor of the Smith Campus Center.

Where can I get safer sex supplies on campus?

Safer sex supplies can be found at many offices around campus including the Center for Wellness and Health Promotion, Harvard College Women's Center, and the BGLTQ Office. External (male) condoms can be found in most Houses and First Year Dorms. For the most up-to-date map of all locations, please go to the interactive map on the sexual health information page.

Classes & Workshops

Can I get a refund for a class that I was not able to attend?

We require 24 hours' notice prior to the first class to cancel your registration. If you cancel with insufficient notice, you will be responsible for the cost of the first class. Withdrawals after the first class will not be refunded. *Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

How can I contact my instructor or therapist directly?

We do not provide contact information for any of our instructors or therapists. However, you can leave your contact information with the Center for Wellness office and we will request that the instructor or therapist contact you.

Who has to complete the Exercise Class Participant Agreement?

Harvard students, faculty, and staff are not required to complete the agreement. However, any spouses, dependents, alumni, or retirees taking a movement/exercise class, must sign an Exercise Class Participant Agreement in order to participate. 

Appointments

Can I go to work after an acupuncture appointment?

Yes, while acupuncture can affect people differently, we frequently have clients who have an appointment in the middle of their workday. It can be a pleasant experience to return to work relaxed or more energized.

Do the acupuncture needles hurt?

Fear not! The needles are very thin, the width of a couple of strands of your hair. Most individuals experience little or no pain and many people report feeling either energized or pleasantly relaxed following a treatment. If you are new to acupuncture, please feel free to discuss with the acupuncturist at your appointment.

How can I contact my instructor or therapist directly?

We do not provide contact information for any of our instructors or therapists. However, you can leave your contact information with the Center for Wellness office and we will request that the instructor or therapist contact you.

What is the cancellation policy for appointments?

Cancelling or rescheduling an appointment must be done with at least 24 hours’ notice. Otherwise, you will be held responsible for the full cost of the appointment. Please call 617-495-9629 at least 24 hours before the appointment time if you need to cancel or reschedule.

What should I wear to my appointment?

During the appointment, you should undress to your comfort level. It is suggested to wear loose, comfortable clothing. All the rooms are equipped with sheets and towels should the practitioner need to drape to access any specific part of the body. 

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