Mental Health Resources

University Student Health Services > Patient Resources > Mental Health

Emergency Numbers

  • VCU University Counseling Services After-Hours Line: 804-828-6200
  • 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 or 1-800-273-8255 (En Espanol: 1-888-628-9454)
  • 24/7 Crisis Text Line: Text "START" to 741-741

VCU Resources & Services

University Counseling Services (UCS) 

UCS offers free individual, group, and couple's therapy services to VCU students.  Two locations are available on the Monroe Park and VCU Medical Center campuses.

To schedule the initial intake appointment, students can present in person to either location or use the new online option at counseling.vcu.edu/appointments.

Students experiencing a mental health emergency can speak with a crisis clinician by:

  • Calling University Counseling Services at (804) 828-6200 day or night. 
  • Walking into University Counseling Services at either campus location Mon-Fri, 8am - 4:30pm.

Student support groups are also offered by UCS via Zoom.  Students do not need to be enrolled with UCS to participate in a support group.  Current groups include:

  • ADHD Strategies & Support Group
  • Asian Voices
  • Black Voices
  • International Student Discussion Hour
  • Latinx Voices
  • Rainbow Group
  • Support Group for Survivors
  • Support Group for Students with Chronic Health Conditions. 

Follow this link for more identity-based resources.

UCS also offers an extensive variety of well-being resources.  Two popular self-help modules created by UCS include Stress Management and Coping with Overwhelming Feelings.

TimelyCare

TimelyCare is a new emotional and mental health resource available to students whenever and wherever they need it.  TimelyCare offers free 24/7 access to virtual care, self-care, and well-being tools.  Virtual services are provided by licensed clinicians and include emergency crisis counseling, scheduled therapy sessions, and health coaching. 

Not sure if you need or want to pursue virtual care?  That's okay.  Check out their self-help and well-being resources and videos.  All students are encouraged to create an account (online or through the app with your eID and password) so you always have it at your fingertips.

VCU's Center for Psychological Services and Development (CPSD) 

CPSD offers individual and group counseling services to the Richmond community on a sliding fee scale.  No referral is needed.  To apply for services, clients can submit applications online, by fax, by mail, or in person.  Group therapy options include:

  • Anxiety Group: This group therapy program uses cognitive-behavioral therapy to target social anxiety, panic attacks, worry, obsessions and compulsions, phobias, post-traumatic stress, and other anxiety-related concerns. Group leaders provide education about anxiety and teach specific coping skills.
    • Fees range from $5-10 per session; 10-12 sessions total.
    • Call 804-828-8069 to learn more. The deadline to join is by group start date as long as seats are available.
  • Process Group: These are un-themed group therapy sessions open to any problem type. Enrollment is ongoing as long as seats are open. Fees range from $5-10 per session. 
RecWell (Recreation & Well-Being)

VCU RecWell offers a variety of well-being resources to students, including info on mental well-being & mindfulness and substance use.

Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity (SAEO)

Some students with mental health conditions (such as Attention Deficit Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, etc.) may qualify for services and academic accommodations through SAEO.  Health Sciences students should contact the Division for Academic Success for assistance.

Student Health Brochures