We’re here to help—whether you’re managing everyday stress or facing more significant emotional concerns, the Roosevelt University Counseling Center (RUCC) provides a range of services to support your well-being and personal growth.
Our team of highly trained professionals includes licensed clinical psychologists, licensed therapists, and advanced doctoral trainees working under supervision (beginning during the fall term – 2026). Together, we offer individual therapy, group counseling, wellness workshops, and consultation services designed to help you care for your mental health, navigate challenges, and make meaningful life choices.
To request an Initial Assessment Appointment: call (312) 341-2032 or complete our online form.
An appointment is required to meet with a therapist. No walk-in services are available at this time.
Office hours are Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
The RUCC is located at the Chicago campus in room AUD 470, with services available to all currently enrolled students. Students based at the Schaumburg campus may access services virtually or schedule in-person sessions downtown.
To request an initial assessment appointment or inquire about services, please contact the RUCC by phone at (312) 341-2032 or fill out a brief appointment request form.
Online scheduling for initial assessment appointments will be available soon.
All students begin with an initial consultation appointment. During this meeting, a therapist will work collaboratively with the student to assess needs, discuss goals, and determine whether services at the RUCC are the best fit or if a community referral would be more appropriate.
All RUCC services are available at no additional cost to currently enrolled Roosevelt University students.
Therapy and consultation services are confidential except in the limited circumstances required or permitted by law. Counseling records are maintained separately from academic records.
RUCC services include:
- Initial assessments
- Short-term individual therapy
- Group therapy and support groups (based on student interest and therapist availability; launching Fall 2026)
- Psychoeducational workshops and outreach programming
- Case management and referral support
- Consultation for faculty, staff, and students concerned about a student’s well-being
- Self-help and wellness resources, including access to TimelyCare’s on-demand wellness tools
For students in crisis situations involving imminent safety concerns, individuals should contact Campus Safety or call 911.
RUCC follows a short-term therapy model, focused on helping students address current concerns, build coping strategies, and strengthen resilience. When a student’s needs require longer-term, specialized, or more intensive treatment, our therapists will assist with connecting to appropriate off-campus providers to ensure continuity of care.
Eligibility for Counseling Services
All currently enrolled Roosevelt University students are eligible to receive services through the RUCC.
Services will be available to students based at the Chicago campus as well as those based at the Schaumburg campus. Student based at the Schaumburg campus may access RUCC services either virtually or in person downtown.
Students who are currently on a leave of absence, are not enrolled in classes, or have graduated are not eligible for ongoing RUCC services, but may receive assistance with referrals to community providers or other resources as appropriate.
Faculty and staff are not eligible for counseling services, but may contact RUCC for consultation regarding student concerns or guidance on supporting a student in distress.
Common Concerns Addressed Through Our Services
RUCC therapists and psychologists work with students on a wide range of personal, emotional, and academic concerns. Common reasons students seek support include:
- Anxiety and stress management
- Depression and mood concerns
- Relationship issues (friend, family, roommate, romantic, or peer conflicts)
- Self-esteem and confidence concerns
- Academic stress or motivation difficulties
- Identity development and life transitions
- Cultural or adjustment concerns
- Grief and loss
- Coping with trauma or difficult experiences
- Concerns related to mild or moderate substance use
Our clinicians help students explore patterns of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, develop healthy coping strategies, and strengthen their ability to navigate life’s challenges. Our goal is to help students build insight, resilience, and self-understanding so they can thrive both personally and academically.
Concerns and Conditions That May Require a Referral for Off-Campus Care
Because RUCC operates from a short-term therapy model, some students may benefit from care that extends beyond our scope of services. In these cases, RUCC therapists will work collaboratively with students to identify and connect with appropriate off-campus providers or specialized services.
Students may be referred to off-campus care if:
- They are already working with a community-based therapist or psychiatrist and would best continue that ongoing relationship.
- They are on a leave of absence, not currently enrolled in classes, or have graduated.
- A student’s presenting concerns would be better supported through longer-term, more intensive, or specialized treatment.
- Ongoing weekly sessions or crisis stabilization are needed.
- Symptoms are severe, chronic, or significantly impair daily functioning.
- There is a history of recent hospitalization, suicide attempts, or ongoing self-injury.
- The student’s treatment needs include specialized care such as:
- Significant or chronic eating disorder symptoms
- Severe or chronic substance use that compromises therapy or health
- Active psychosis, delusions, or mania
- Forensic, court-ordered, or mandated treatment requirements
When students require services beyond RUCC’s scope, our therapists will provide individualized referral support and consultation to help ensure a smooth transition of care.
Services Not Provided by RUCC
The RUCC focuses on short-term, goal-oriented therapy and related mental health services. Certain types of evaluations, documentation, or treatment needs fall outside of our scope of practice. RUCC does not provide:
- Comprehensive psychological or neuropsychological assessments (including ADHD/ADD testing)
- Forensic, court-ordered, or mandated evaluations or treatment
- Fitness-for-duty, return-to-work, or pre-surgical evaluations
- Documentation or evaluations for emotional support animals
- Documentation for housing or disability accommodation requests
- Excuses or clearance for missed classes, assignments, or employment purposes
- Couples or family therapy
- Long-term or open-ended psychotherapy
- Walk-in services
- Urgent or Crisis intervention services
When a student’s needs require one of these services, RUCC staff can assist with referrals to appropriate community providers or external resources.
Roosevelt University partners with TimelyCare, a leading virtual health and well-being platform that offers students free, on-demand access to mental health support, medical care, and wellness resources—anytime, anywhere.
Through TimelyCare, all Roosevelt students can connect with licensed mental health providers for teletherapy sessions at no cost. Services are private, secure, and confidential, and are available days, nights, and weekends to fit your schedule.
TimelyCare offers:
- Scheduled therapy sessions with licensed therapists
- 24/7 TalkNow support for immediate mental health concerns
- Self-care and wellness content including guided meditation, yoga, and mindfulness tools
- Nutrition and health coaching resources
To get started:
- Visit timelycare.com/roosevelt or download the TimelyCare app.
- Register using your Roosevelt University email address.
- Choose a provider and appointment time that works for you.
If you need help getting started, visit the TimelyCare FAQ or contact their support team directly at help@timelycare.com.
These services are offered by request and depending on staff availability.
The RUCC offers outreach presentations and workshops by request for students, student organizations, and faculty. Presentations are available on a variety of topics, including:
- Mental Health Support 101
- Recognizing and Responding to Student Distress
- Common Student Struggles (stress, anxiety, adjustment, academics)
- Suicide Awareness & Prevention (offered annually)
- Coping Skills & Wellness (stress management, mindfulness, self-care strategies)
- RUCC Services & Referral Resources (scope of care, what we provide, and TimelyCare overview)
Additional topics can be requested, and presentations may be delivered in person or via Zoom.
To request an outreach presentation or for more information, please contact:
Dr. Gabe Becker
Director of Counseling and Wellness
gbecker02@roosevelt.edu
The RUCC encourages students to make use of both campus and community resources to support their mental health and safety.
Local and National Crisis Resources
- RU Campus Safety (Chicago): (312) 341-2000
- RU Campus Safety (Schaumburg): (847) 619-8950
- National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Dial or text 988 (24/7, free, and confidential)
- Suicide Prevention Lifeline Chat: 988lifeline.org/chat
- Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline: (888) 293-2080 (24/7)
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233 or thehotline.org
Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Resources
- Roosevelt University Title IX Office: roosevelt.edu/title-ix
- Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline: (888) 293-2080
- Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN): (800) 656-4673 or rainn.org
Self-Help and Wellness Tools
- TimelyCare — On-demand wellness tools, mindfulness exercises, and guided meditations
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) — Mental health information and education (nimh.nih.gov)
- Evidence-Based Mental Health Apps (Roosevelt University does not endorse or sponsor any vendors. These suggestions are simply meant to help students explore useful options. Before using any app, please take a moment to review its terms and conditions.)
- For Meditation & Mindfulness
- Headspace
- Evidence Base: Multiple RCTs show improvement in stress, anxiety, and sleep quality
- Features: Guided meditations, mindfulness courses, stress and focus tools
- Cost: Free basic; subscription for full
- Notes: Endorsed by NHS and APA
- Calm
- Evidence Base: Studies support benefits for sleep and stress reduction
- Features: Meditations, sleep stories, breathing tools
- Cost: Free trial + subscription
- Notes: Apple’s 2017 App of the Year
- Insight Timer
- Evidence Base: Peer-reviewed support for mindfulness engagement
- Features: Thousands of guided meditations; expert talks
- Cost: Free, with premium option
- Notes: Excellent for beginners and variety seekers
- Ten Percent Happier
- Evidence Base: Designed with evidence-based mindfulness teachers
- Features: Science-based mindfulness practices
- Cost: Subscription
- Notes: Built around research-based habit formation
- Smiling Mind
- Evidence Base: Developed by psychologists and educators; research-supported
- Features: Short, structured meditations for all ages
- Cost: Free
- Notes: Used in Australian schools
- Headspace
- For Mental Health Management & CBT Tools
- MindShift CBT
- Evidence Base: Based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy principles
- Features: Anxiety management, journaling, relaxation tools
- Cost: Free
- Notes: Recommended by APA
- MoodMission
- Evidence Base: Randomized controlled trials show reductions in distress
- Features: Suggests “missions” to improve mood
- Cost: Free + optional paid version
- Notes: Created by psychologists
- Calm Harm
- Evidence Base: Based on DBT principles
- Features: Strategies to resist urges for self-harm
- Cost: Free
- Notes: Developed by NHS clinicians
- Wysa
- Evidence Base: Supported by several studies for anxiety & depression relief
- Features: AI-guided CBT chat, mood tracking, journaling
- Cost: Free + premium coach
- Notes: Endorsed by ORCHA and NICE (UK)
- Stanley-Brown Safety Plan
- Evidence Base: Clinically designed by suicide prevention experts
- Features: Crisis planning, coping strategies, contact links
- Cost: Free
- Notes: Recommended by SAMHSA
- MindShift CBT
- For Meditation & Mindfulness
Tips for Finding a Therapist
- Define your needs and goals
- Identify the issues – what specific mental health issues do you want to address
- Consider your preferences – do you have any preferences for types of therapy, the therapist’s gender, or cultural background
- Determine your goals – what do you hope to achieve through therapy Seek referrals and recommendations
- Insurance provider – contact your insurance for a list of in network therapists
- Primary care physician – your doctor can provide referrals and recommendations for therapists
- Friends, Family, and other trusted individuals – ask for recommendations from people you know and trust
- Mental health organizations – NAMI, The Jed foundation, and many other organizations can provide resources and directories
- Research and evaluate therapists
- Online directories – Websites like Psychology Today, Good Therapy, and Therapy Route offer extensive therapist directories
- Online therapy platforms – platforms like TimelyCare, Better Help, and Talk Space can connect you with therapists online
- Check credentials and licensing – ensure the therapist is licensed and credentialed in your state
- Read reviews and testimonials – gain insights into the therapist’s approach and how they have helped others
- Consider their specialties and experience – ensure the therapist has experience working with your specific issue
- Schedule consultations – many therapists offer free low-cost consultations to see if they are a good fit
- Make Your Choice
- Trust your gut – choose a therapist with whom you feel trusted, respected, and understood
- Consider the therapeutic relationship – it’s important to feel a connection and a trust with your therapist
- Don’t be afraid to “shop around” – it’s okay to try a few therapists before finding the right one
- Finding a New Therapist
- Roosevelt University Counseling Center
- It is important to find an affordable therapist with whom you feel comfortable. If you are seeing a therapist at the RUCC, they are available to help you with this process. Here are some considerations as you look for a new therapist:
- Know Your Insurance Coverage:
- Do you have insurance coverage that you wish to use? The first step is to call your insurance company and find out what your mental health benefits are, including: any deductible and co-pay, the number of sessions covered per year, and whether they accept in-network vs. out-of-network providers. Often insurance companies have a list of their providers on-line so that you can look through the therapists and find a few near you to call.
- The RUCC also has a list of therapist referrals we recommend, and you can ask if any of these therapists take your insurance.
- If you are using a family insurance plan, we recommend that you have a discussion with your parents about seeking a therapist. If you use family insurance, your parents will receive information from the health insurance carrier about your attendance in counseling.
- Roosevelt University Counseling Center
- If You Don’t Want to Use Insurance:
- Sometimes students don’t have insurance coverage or have insurance coverage but choose not to use it. In this case, it is important to determine how much you can afford to pay per session. Sometimes therapists will slide their fee for students who can’t afford their full fee. RUCC has a list of therapists we recommend, and you can ask us for referral suggestions. We also have a list of low-fee referrals, and you can ask for a copy of this list. Please note that often low-fee agencies have a waiting list, and it may take several weeks to get in to see a therapist.
- Find Someone with Whom You Feel Comfortable:
- It is important to find a therapist with whom you feel comfortable and safe. You may need to visit a few therapists before you find one who feels like a good fit for you. Often therapists are willing to see you for 15-20 minutes at no charge so that you can ask them questions and get a sense of whether or not you’d like to work with them.
- Some Questions to Ask Yourself After Meeting With A Therapist:
- Do I feel comfortable with this person?
- Do they offer teletherapy?
- Does this person appear to be a competent, ethical professional?
- Am I satisfied with the answers I got to my questions?
- Are there areas I’m still uncertain about that make me wonder whether this is the right therapist for me?
The RUCC is grounded in the University’s historic mission of social justice and is committed to fostering belonging, inclusion, and equity in all that we do. We celebrate and affirm the diversity of our student body and strive to ensure that every student feels seen, valued, and supported.
We affirm non-discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, socioeconomic background, or any other legally protected identity in our services, staffing, and policies.
RUCC is dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming space where students of all backgrounds and intersecting identities can access confidential mental health care. Guided by cultural humility and a spirit of continuous learning, our therapists and psychologists are committed to ongoing personal and professional growth in multicultural awareness and responsiveness.
Program Structure
- Located at the downtown Chicago campus.
- Designed for advanced doctoral students in clinical or counseling psychology.
- Training year begins one week before the fall semester and ends one week after the spring semester.
- Schedule is approximately 2.5 days per week: typically 8 hours, 8 hours, and 4 hours.
- Lunch breaks are included as part of the workday and counted toward hours.
- Private office space and access to electronic health records and university technology provided.
Clinical Training
- Caseload makes up 50% of weekly hours.
- Full caseload averages 10-12 individual clients.
- Training emphasizes short-term, student-centered therapy.
- Students integrate assessment into clinical work using the CCAPS and additional mental health screeners.
- Assessment tools support case conceptualization, treatment planning, and outcomes monitoring.
Supervision and Learning
- Primary supervision provided by a licensed psychologist.
- Secondary supervision and didactic instruction provided by LCPCs and LCSWs.
- Supervisory ratio is one-to-one or one-to-two.
- One hour of weekly individual supervision.
- Weekly two-hour training meeting with one hour of didactics and one hour of case conference.
- Supervision grounded in the Integrated Developmental Model (IDM).
- Emphasis on multicultural responsiveness, ethical decision-making, reflective functioning, and theoretical integration.
Outreach and Professional Development
- Students design and deliver psychoeducational outreach programming.
- Opportunities for workshop facilitation, prevention efforts, and consultation requests.
- Participation in team meetings, case consultations, and staff development activities.
- Experience working within a multidisciplinary team serving a diverse urban student population.
Application Requirements
- We are an ACEPT member site and follow ACEPT guidelines and application deadlines.
- Cover letter detailing training goals and interest in university counseling.
- Current CV or curriculum vitae.
- Three letters of recommendation, including one from a primary clinical supervisor.
- Theory of change or theoretical orientation statement of up to one page single spaced.
- Please email all materials as one complete packet to gbecker02@roosevelt.edu
Transportation and Parking
- Accessible via CTA rail (Harold Washington Library, Jackson, Roosevelt stations) and major bus routes.
- Short walk or bus connection from Union Station and LaSalle Street Station.
- Public garages available throughout the South Loop. No parking validation provided.
The Roosevelt Red Folder is designed to help faculty and staff recognize signs of student distress, respond appropriately, refer students to the right resources, and report concerns so that students receive timely support.