Johns Hopkins UniversityEst. 1876

America’s First Research University

Chat with a Counselor

Chat with a Counselor (CWAC) sessions are brief, informal, confidential, one-on-one virtual or in-person appointments for JHU students and learners to meet with a Mental Health Services clinician. If you are curious about mental health, have questions about our services, and/or want to find resources that fit your needs and/or identities, come chat with us! All topics and sessions are open to all students and learners.

It is important to note that CWAC is NOT considered a clinical appointment for mental health treatment. This means that the clinician you meet with will NOT be providing therapy, nor will they become your therapist. CWAC is an outreach program that aims to reduce barriers to mental health resources for our student and learner communities by providing informal and identity-based virtual sessions. Clinicians will listen to specific problems, help explore solutions and resources, and introduce you to what it’s like to speak with a member of our staff.

Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or having urgent or emergent mental health needs should NOT utilize CWAC but instead contact the Behavioral Health Crisis Support Team (BHCST) by calling 410-516-9355. The BHCST provides support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Ready to sign up for a CWAC? Students and learners who are enrolled in degree programs with at least one in-person class, residents, fellows, and graduate students* doing research can schedule a CWAC session through the myHealth portal. Looking for assistance with self-scheduling through the myHealth portal? We have a step-by-step guide to help you.

*Students and learners enrolled in degree programs that are online only cannot make an appointment through the myHealth portal, and should instead call Mental Health Services at 410-516-3311, and select any clinic to connect to an administrative staff member who can assist you.

Chat with a Counselor Session Options

General or Open Chat with a Counselor

A virtual space for any JHU student or learner to speak with a clinician about anything mental health related. Typical topics are how to schedule a therapy appointment, navigating Mental Health Service’s website, seeking a particular type of therapy for a particular mental health concern, should I go to therapy if I’m having trouble with _________, and many more topics.

Eating Concerns

A virtual space where students and learners who struggle with eating or appetite concerns can speak with a mental health clinician who specializes in treatment around these issues. Topics can include eating disorders past or present, unhealthy eating habits, finding support and resources, treatment options, unhealthy or healthy dieting, and much more.

  • With Maggie Hsu, LCPC; available upon request, please call to schedule

Navigating Grad Life

A virtual space where graduate and PhD students and learners can speak with a mental health clinician about anything related to mental health and well-being. Common topics include adjustment to being a graduate student, networking, program problems, cohort catastrophes, dissertation support, navigating barriers, creating balance, TA troubles, finding resources, connecting with other grad students, and much more.

Students in the School of Education

A virtual space for students and learners in the School of Education where they can speak with Mental Health Service’s liaison to the School of Education about anything related to mental health and well-being. Topics can include cultivating a sense of belonging, navigating obstacles, seeking support, building resilience, and much more.

Exploring Identities

A virtual space where students and learners who are curious about identities and/or those with identity-related concerns can chat with a MHS clinician who specializes in identity work. Clinicians can provide resources within the JHU community, support for mental health and well-being, and make recommendations for further identity advocacy. Topics can include adjustment, navigating barriers, finding resources, connecting with others, and much more!

  • Asian and Asian American Identities
  • Black and African American Identities
    • Tuesdays 4-5pm with Jay Blake, LMSW (Zoom only)
  • Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Identities
  • First Generation/Limited Income (FLI) Students
    • Wednesdays 3-4pm with Robert Hill, LCSW-C (Zoom only)
  • Latine/Latin-X/Hispanic Identities
  • LGBTQ+ Identities
  • Neurodivergent Identities
    • Tuesdays 3-4pm with Jami Imhof, DSW, LCSW-C (Zoom only)
  • Trans+Gender Diverse Identities

Are you interested in CWAC but can’t meet during any of the listed times? Please call Mental Health Services at 410-516-3311 and speak to our administrative staff about finding an alternative time on that clinician’s schedule.