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Frequently Asked Questions on Counseling Services for Fall 2020

There are many mental health challenges associated with the impact that COVID-19 is having on AU and the world. Given the need for social distancing, the dispersal of our campus community for online learning, and state regulations governing mental health services, we have moved to a telemental health (TMH) model, which we believe puts us in the best position to support our community at this time.

For additional questions about AU's response to COVID-19 (including academics and campus support services), visit the community FAQ. 

Yes, The Counseling Center is open during Fall 2020. We will be offering our services virtually.

The Counseling Center is open during the academic year on Monday and Thursday: 9 AM-6 PM and Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday: 9 AM- 5 PM. At present, these hours are virtual. 

Crisis intervention is available 24 hours a day through AUProtoCall, 202-885-7979.

There are limited services available during the period when AU is suspending in-person classes due to the evolving response to COVID-19, and we know this is challenging. We continue to be here for you and to do all we can to support you virtually.

For students physically located in DC, Initial Consultation appointments can be scheduled either by calling our main number, 202-885-3500. They can also be scheduled through our appointment scheduler Monday-Friday from 10 AM -12 PM and 2 PM- 4PM.

During this appointment, students will meet (virtually) with a clinician to determine a collaborative plan of care. Please refer to our webpage for more details on scheduling initial appointments online.

Virtually, yes. We cannot offer services in person. 

Virtual care hours are Monday-Friday, 2-4 pm EST.

These are generally 15-30 minute meetings, similar to our urgent care drop-in hours.

Due to applicable licensure laws, please be advised that the AU Counseling Center can only offer clinical services (e.g., Urgent Care, Initial Consultation assessments, ongoing counseling) to students who are physically located in the District of Columbia. Students located outside the District will be given referrals to providers in their current location.

Follow this link to access these virtual services

This will take you into a “virtual waiting room.” Please be advised that, due to high volume, you may experience slow load times. Please be patient if that’s the case.

Clinicians will meet virtually with students through a secure HIPAA compliant video conference platform

Due to applicable licensure laws, the AU Counseling Center is only able to provide the full scope of our current clinical services (e.g., Urgent Care, Initial Consultation assessments, ongoing counseling) to students who are physically located in the District of Columbia. We recognize this is a challenge in current circumstances; please read on to find out what we are able to provide to support students in a wide range of circumstances.

If you are physically in Washington, DC:  AU students in Washington, DC can access all current clinical services.

Maryland and Virginia: We are taking steps to make it possible to provide all services for AU students physically located in Maryland and Virginia during Fall 2020. Staff have applied for licensure in Maryland and Virginia; we hope to provide services for students located in these two areas in the Fall. However, this depends on how the speed at which our applications are reviewed.

Students Outside of Washington, DC: All students, wherever you are located, can use Virtual Urgent Care Drop-In services for help with referral resources. We will support you in finding a provider in your current location. You have access to AUCC Protocall services if experiencing a crisis and need to speak with a clinician.

Please contact the main Counseling Center number (202-885-3500) and speak with a clinician on the telephone.

Calls that cannot be answered immediately will be returned within 24 business hours.

Yes, absolutely. These sessions use a secure HIPAA compliant video conference platform.

In addition to clinical/therapy services, the Counseling Center offers a number of resources on our webpage on COVID-10 mental health resources. We hope these will be helpful in navigating these difficult times.

Yes, the counseling center will help support students in finding referrals in their respective location. Students can attend our virutal urgent care drop-in hours through our virtual counseling center, Monday- Friday 2-4 PM for referral support.