Mental Health Assessments

• Due to COVID-19 impacts, we are currently able to help facilitate referrals with DSS on a case by case basis. To discuss this process, please email [email protected] and request information about assessments via CAPS. You will then be contacted to complete paperwork, and upon submission of that paperwork will be connected with one of our assessment clinicians. 
• Counseling and Psychological Services staff conduct a limited number of assessments for ADHD and other psychological issues
• If you have a referral from a campus department (e.g., DSS, Athletics) or are having academic difficulties, please email [email protected] and request information about assessment via CAPS. If you have had a previous assessment, please plan to fax a copy to (202) 994-5267, email to [email protected], or bring a copy to your assessment appointment
• After submitting this initial request, you will receive an Assessment Screening packet. Once our staff receives this packet, we will schedule a 30-minute screening appointment to review the testing process and ensure it is a good fit
• If you meet criteria and testing is determined to be a good fit, you will be placed on our waitlist.
• Once we reach your name on the waitlist, you will be scheduled for the assessment with a staff clinician or trainee provider. Assessments with trainees may be videotaped for supervision purposes - this will be discussed in the initial background history appointment. 
• It should be anticipated that, beyond the background history appointment, you will have 2-3 appointments for completing testing batteries for a total of 4-6 hours of time. 
• Following completion of the assessment write up, you will be scheduled for a follow-up appointment to review your results. This is where you will be given information on a diagnosis, as well 
• The fee for this assessment is $900. For your convenience, this may be paid via student accounts, GWorld, or Credit Card (MC/Visa). The GW student health insurance plan may also cover assessment fees. While this price is generally significantly lower than the cost of testing at community sources, students may request to complete paperwork for a fee reduction

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) staff conducts scheduled consultations for students requesting to withdraw from GW due to mental or emotional health reasons.  However, students are not required to have a special consultation for Mental Health Withdrawal at CAPS and are permitted to submit supporting documentation to the Committee on Academic Withdrawals by way of their respective academic advising office.  See this link for more information: https://registrar.gwu.edu/sites/g/files/zaxdzs2171/f/exceptionguidelines_Mar2018.pdf

Students choosing to have their mental health withdrawal consultation at CAPS will submit all supporting documentation to CAPS (see below for specific paperwork that must be provided to CAPS prior to the consultation). The CAPS clinician conducting the consultation will meet individually with the student for an interview and to review all supporting documentation. The CAPS clinician will then submit a memo directly to the Committee on Academic Withdrawals briefly indicating whether the student has provided “sufficient evidence” to support their request for withdrawal. All submitted documentation will be maintained with strict confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA and DC Mental Health Law.

Instructions:

• Complete an Exception Request form and send it to your undergraduate Academic Advising office. (CCAS, ESIA, GWSB, MISPH, SEAS, etc.) 
• Complete the CAPS Mental Health Withdrawal packet:
  • Self-Assessment - Address your specific concerns and symptoms and how they impacted your academic functioning during the semester in question.
  • Complete and sign the Authorization to Disclose Mental Health Information form, also known as the Release of Information (ROI) form.
• Collect all supporting documentation substantiating an emotional/mental health concern. This can include hospital paperwork and letters from current/past non CAPS treatment providers. Signed documentation on letterhead is preferred. Treatment providers supplying documentation should be licensed or board certified and qualified to render a professional opinion. The provider should not be a student’s family member, relative, significant other, or family friend.
• Obtain an unofficial copy of your academic transcript.
• After you have compiled the above information, send it to Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) via fax (202-994-5267) or email ([email protected]). Upon receiving your packet, a CAPS clinician will contact you within 5-7 business days to schedule an appointment for the consultation.  
• All documentation can be sent to:

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
Colonial Health Center
Marvin Center, Ground Floor
800 21st Street NW
Washington, DC 20052
Fax: 202-994-5267

[email protected]

A student who would like to return to GW from a mental health withdrawal will need to be evaluated by MHS, which will evaluate the student’s progress and readiness to cope with the demands of college life.

• To ensure adequate time for the review of materials, it is strongly recommended that you begin the process at least three (3) weeks prior to registration or six (6) weeks prior to the start of the semester in which you wish to return.
• Your request to return will not be reviewed until all documentation and recommendations are received by MHS. The final decision regarding your return is made by your Director of Advising and/or your Academic Dean.

Complete the Student Checklist for Returning to the George Washington University.
Required documentation must include:

1. A letter petitioning for your return, submitted to MHS. This letter must include the following:
   • Your current address and telephone number.
   • How you have addressed the issues that led to the need to withdraw.
   • All treatment that you have received.
   • Copies of transcripts showing any grades you have earned since your withdrawal, if applicable.
   • Other activities demonstrating your readiness to complete academic coursework (e.g. consistent employment).
   • Activities/experiences which demonstrate your readiness to live independently in the residence halls without supervision or oversight by GW staff (if seeking on-campus housing).
   • Activities/experiences which demonstrate your ability to handle college life (e.g. peer pressure, deadlines, etc.)
   • A plan of action for your return (counseling services, medical treatment, family support, reduced academic load, etc.)
2. A letter from the licensed mental health provider(s) who provided treatment during your leave. (A separate letter from each provider is needed.) The provider should not be your family member, relative, significant other, or family friend; the provider's relationship must be entirely professional in nature. To maintain confidentiality, the letter(s) can be placed in a sealed envelope and mailed to the Clinical Services Coordinator at the address provided below. The letter(s) must include the following:
   • The provider's name, address, and telephone number.
   • Diagnosis and treatment modality used.
   • Number and frequency of sessions including the dates of the first and last sessions.
   • An assessment of the student's ability to manage or cope with the issues which led to the withdrawal.
   • An assessment of the student's ability to handle college life (e.g. academic pressure, peer pressure, etc.)
   • Activities/experiences which demonstrate the student's readiness to live independently in the residence halls without supervision or oversight by GW staff.
   • Follow up recommendations (e.g. reduced academic course load, continued counseling, etc.)
3. The signed Release of Information (ROI) form. The ROI should include the name of the Director of Advising at your respective college and the name(s) of the treatment provider(s) supplying documentation.

A MHS staff member will review and evaluate the submitted materials for sufficient evidence indicating that you have adequately address the concerns that led to your withdrawal. Sufficient evidence includes but is not limited to:

• Verification of all psychotherapy or treatment received.
• Endorsement from a licensed mental health professional(s) that the student's symptoms are in remission or can be realistically managed in this academic setting.
• Activities demonstrating readiness to return.
• Plans for return that are comprehensive and realistic.

Upon receipt and review of your documentation, MHS staff will contact you about the outcome of your review and/or any further information that is needed.  

All documentation can be sent to:

Mental Health Services
Colonial Health Center
Marvin Center, Ground Floor
800 21st Street NW
Washington, DC 20052
Fax: 202-994-5267

[email protected]