Counseling

Talking to a professional counselor can be an important part of healing.

Counseling is a safe, confidential, and non judgmental space where you can share things you might not be able to otherwise, and to receive support and feedback from someone with professional training about assault and trauma.

Counseling can help you manage trauma symptoms, figure out how to talk to people in your life about your experience, understand how to approach intimate relationships, and generally to feel safer and more in control.

Counseling Options

Crisis Intervention & Assistance

Student Health Center, Mental Health Services

Mental Health Services offers 24/7 crisis services at 202-994-5300. MHS also offers services by appointment. The first six (6) sessions are free of charge.

Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) 24/7 Hotline

RAINN offers crisis intervention services through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE and secure online chat.

Loveisrespect National Domestic Violence Hotline

Loveisrespect offers services:

by phone at 1-866-331-9474
through online chat
by text (text LOVEIS TO 22522)

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV)

The NCADV offers two hotlines at 1-800-799-7233 or (TTY) 1-800-787-3224.

Student Health Center, Mental Health Services

Counselors at the Student Health Center are trained to help address sexual and gender-based harassment, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, intimate partner violence, stalking and other trauma.

Counselors are available 24/7 at 202-994-5300 or you can make an appointment to see a counselor in person.

Make an Appointment on Foggy Bottom Campus

Call 202-994-5300 to make an appointment with Mental Health Services. Walk in hours are available on the ground floor of the Marvin Center.

Make an Appointment on Mount Vernon Campus

The Mental Health Services office at MVC is in Academic Building, Room 119. Services at MVC are available only by making an appointment--call 202-994-5300 to schedule. If the situation is urgent, students or staff can seek walk-in support at MVC during hours of operation.

Agencies with Sexual Assault Counseling

DC Rape Crisis Center (DCRCC)

DCRCC offers individual and group counseling services free of charge.

Psychiatric Institute of Washington (PIW)

PIW provides individual and group counseling as well as inpatient services for people who have experienced trauma. PIW accepts a variety of insurance plans.

Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Abuse (JCADA)

JCADA offers individual and group counseling.

Wendt Center for Loss and Healing

The Wendt Center offers individual and group counseling for trauma survivors. Wendt accepts a variety of insurance plans.

The Whitman Walker Clinic

Whitman Walker offers individual counseling, group support, and integrated health-mental health management for people in the LGBTQ community.

Private Mental Health Practicationers

Many independent therapists and counselors have special training and experience working with indiviudals who have experienced sexual or gender-based harassment, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, intimate partner violence or stalking. Private therapists will either bill your insurance or submit a receipt to you so that you can submit a claim. If you do have insurance, the customer service center (usually listed on your insurance card) can give you a list of practitioners who accept your plan. Most therapists will speak with you on the phone or in person for a consultation prior to making an appointment.

Feel free to ask them if they have special training or experience working with individuals who have experienced sexual or gender-based harassment, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, intimate partner violence or stalking. Staff in GW’s Colonial Health Center can help connect you to a private practitioner.

Financial assistance with counseling costs might also be available to you through the Crime Victims Compensation Program, a resource through the District of Columbia Courts. Contact GW’s Office of Advocacy and Support or the Network for Victim Recovery in DC for help accessing the funds.