Counseling and Mental Health Services

Typically, 10-12 sessions of short-term counseling of 45-50 minutes long sessions.

Individual counseling also referred to as “psychotherapy” or “therapy,” is a transformative process in which you work with a counselor in a safe, non-judgmental, and confidential space. The purpose of individual counseling is to delve into your emotions, beliefs, and behaviors, as well as navigate through difficult or impactful memories. Additionally, it aids in establishing and striving towards personal objectives, while also equipping you with the skills to cultivate more meaningful relationships and interactions with others

The life of a law student is characterized by a multitude of changes, novel challenges, and never encountered sources of stress. In recognition of these unique circumstances, our counselors employ a comprehensive range of therapeutic interventions drawn from psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, family systems, and multicultural approaches. By combining these diverse methodologies, we strive to provide effective support and guidance as you navigate the complexities of your legal education and personal growth.

Support Groups have day and evening program options, consist of 4-8 members, and meet in sessions that are 60-90 minutes long.

To join, submit your registration using the online form.

BIPOC Support Group (Mondays & Fridays) This wellness support group aims to create a safe and empathetic space, specifically designed for BIPOC individuals, especially those who are the first in their families to attend college and then pursue a legal career.

Bar Buddies Support Group (Mondays) This law student support group is designed to promote the overall well-being and mental health of individuals pursuing a legal education.

Support group counseling is a highly effective tool for addressing common challenges faced by law students. By joining a group facilitated by a professional and consisting of four to eight peers experiencing similar issues, you gain a valuable opportunity. This experience reassures you that you are not alone in your struggles. In a secure environment, you can share your story, receive support and understanding from others, learn from their approaches to similar issues, and offer feedback in return. Many individuals find that the feedback received in group counseling provides valuable perspectives, enabling them to enhance their academic and personal lives.

What are groups?

Groups are weekly therapy sessions facilitated by licensed professional clinicians. The meetings are sequenced to help members make progress in their individual journey toward desired change, so it’s not a drop in service.

There are groups for common concerns such as depression, panic disorder, ADHD, social anxiety, eating disorders, etc. Other groups build up helpful skills that can help address social confidence, loneliness, and low self-esteem, and life skills.

Why seek out a group?

• commitment – making time to regularly explore what you are going through can help
• community – finding others who are facing the same difficulties can provide perspective and relief!
• shared experiences can help individuals make the desired progress.

Current Groups

To learn more or sign up for current groups, email mentalwellness@law.cuny.edu.

Request a Discussion or Presentation

Students, staff, and faculty can request a facilitated discussion and/or presentation on student mental health topics for their organization, department, or program.

Single-session support spaces that focus on skill-building for your personal mental health toolkit.

We have adopted an online conversation simulation, At-Risk for Faculty & Staff, to help us learn to notice signs of distress, use techniques to discuss our concerns, and, if necessary, refer students to appropriate resources.

Students today face increasing pressures that can lead to emotional distress, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and even thoughts of suicide. As faculty and staff, we can take small steps that make a big difference.

At-Risk for Faculty & Staff lets you practice these challenging conversations at your own pace through role-play with virtual students. In a national study of effectiveness, this simulation has been shown to increase the number of student referrals to counseling. It is also listed in the Suicide Prevention Resource Center’s Best Practices Registry and under review for inclusion in the National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices. Faculty and Staff can contact their campus Kognito representative to sign up!

https://cuny.kognito.com/

Togetherall is a safe, anonymous, online peer community to support your mental health. Get support from an anonymous community to share how you’re feeling, listen and be heard. You will have free mental health support in minutes, with no waiting list to access the platform.

https://account.v2.togetherall.com/register/student

The eCHECKUP TO GO substance programs are designed to motivate students to reduce their consumption using personalized information about their own use and risk factors. The programs are updated with the most current and reliable research available. The eCHECKUP TO GO for alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine can all be completed completely anonymously.

When completed anonymously, students can answer honestly and receive more-accurate feedback knowing that their answers are safe and non-identifiable. Because it is brief and personalized to the student’s current behaviors, students can complete a “check-up” on multiple occasions to track changes in use and risk behavior. Students can also choose to share their results with counseling or health offices to deepen their understanding of their use patterns and work to reduce or eliminate risk factors associated with use.

Alcohol eCheckUp

Cannibis eCheckup

Nicotine eCheckUp

NYC WELL 24/7 hotline for mental health and substance use concerns. Hotline is available to youth and adults through phone/text/chat and interpreters are available in over 200 languages.

Veterans Crisis Line 24/7 mental health and substance use hotline for Veterans. Hotline is available through phone/text/chat.

Trevor Lifeline 24/7 crisis intervention hotline for LGBTQIA. Hotline is available through phone/text/chat.

RAINN 24/7 hotline for sexual assault. Hotline is through chat.

Crisis Chat 24/7 Chat option for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Poison Control 24/7 NYC Poison Control Resources – 212.764.7667 (212.POISONS)

The Veterans Crisis Line – 24/7, confidential crisis support for Veterans and their loved ones – Available 24/7: Call 1-988-273-8255 and Press 1, Chat live, or text 838255.

NYC WELL 24/7 hotline for mental health and substance use concerns. Hotline is available to youth and adults through phone/text/chat and interpreters are available in over 200 languages.

OASAS HOPEline 24/7 hotline for substance use and problem gambling. Hotline is available through phone and text.

Naloxone Resources Naloxone is a medication that reverses overdoses from opioids. Explore resources to find out how you can get Naloxone and learn to use it for free.

Al-Anon/Alateen Support and assistance for adults and youth who are the relatives & friends of a problem drinker).

Alcoholics Anonymous A self-help organization for people struggling with alcohol use, mutual support based on the 12 step model.

Marijuana Anonymous A self-help organization for people struggling with marijuana use, mutual support based on the 12 step model.

Smart Recovery Self-help for people struggling with various addictions. Mutual support model based on a scientific approach.

The Trevor LifeLine 24/7 support for LGBTQIA questions or concerns.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender National Support  Support for individuals identifying as LGBTQIA.

Trans Lifeline Peer support service run by transgender people for individuals who are transgender and questioning.

NYC Anti-Violence Project Anti-violence resources for the LGBTQI+ community 212.714.1141

Safe Horizon Domestic Violence 24/7 Hotline / Safe Horizon Crime Victims 24/7 Hotline / Safe Horizon Rape, Sexual Assault, and Incest 24/7 Hotline Need help? Call our 24-hour hotline (para ayudarle) 1-800-621-HOPE (4673)

New York State Family Justice Centers Walk-in weekdays, 9-5, to get connected to free and confidential support for victims and survivors of intimate partner violence and domestic abuse.

National Domestic Violence Crisis Line 24/7 assistance through phone/chat.

NYS Domestic Violence hotline New York State hotline for intimate partner and domestic violence.

BRAVEline Hotline provided by the United Federation of Teachers to assist individuals being bullied in the NYC public and charter schools. Receive support and information on how to report effectively. Hotline is available through phone/text/chat.

Stopbullying.gov Provides information and training on how to recognize, respond and prevent bullying.

National Child Abuse Helpline Offers crisis intervention, information, and referrals related to child abuse.

Self-Injury Outreach and Support Resources and support for individuals who self-injure and their family and friends.

NAMI NYC Metro Offers support to individuals living with mental health concerns and their family and friends.

NYC WELL Peer Line 24/7 line where individuals can speak/text/chat with an individual living with mental illness or in recovery from substance use. Contact the NYC WELL hotline and select “Peer”.

National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders Operates 9am-9pm (Closed on National Holidays). The ANAD helpline is staffed with trained volunteers who are recovered individuals with lived experience of an eating disorder, and/or those who are passionate about eating disorder recovery.

Optionline Provides pregnancy support and opportunity to discuss options.

Planned Parenthood Empowers individuals to make independent and informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive lives. Provides information and health care.

Parental Stress Hotline Offers support to parents/guardians experiencing stress related to their children.

Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) Investigates complaints of police misconduct by NYPD officers including use of excessive force, abuse of authority, discourtesy, and offensive language.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) If you are in a hostile work environment/being harassed or discriminated against at work due to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability etc…).

NYC Mental Health How to Help Guide.

Psychology Today Use the website to find a private therapist who takes your insurance.

NYC WELL Find Services Use the website to find a program or clinic that offers services either for free or on a sliding scale or accepts your insurance.

SAMHSA Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – FindTreatment.gov, the confidential and anonymous resource for persons seeking treatment for mental and substance use disorders in the United States and its territories.

Vibrant Emotional Health– Formerly the Mental Health Association of New York City (MHA-NYC)- We provide people with emotional support and care when, where, and how they need it. We run innovative community programs for people at all stages of life, and state-of-the-art crisis lines like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline). Our advocacy and education work strives for systemic change. This hands-on experience gives us a unique understanding of the issues people face every day.