Student Wellness

GW Students

Campus Services

Supporting the personal health and well-being of students and trainees in the health professions is crucial to combat high rates of burnout, depression, and anxiety. You are under intense academic pressures so it is important to prioritize wellness to establish sustainable, long-term, healthy habits for a successful career in the health professions. The GW School of Medicine & Health Sciences (SMHS) offers a variety of services designed to help students and trainees navigate challenges, build resilience, and enhance your overall well-being. 

Resiliency & Well-being Center

The GW Resiliency & Well-being Center (R&W Center) takes an evidence-based, whole person approach to the health and wellness (well-being) services it provides to all students and trainees of the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS).

In times of crisis, uncertainty, struggle, or even just everyday stress, the center is here for students and trainees. You don’t need to be experiencing clinically significant distress to benefit from our resources—our mission is to support your well-being in all aspects of life. Currently, the R&W Center provide no-cost, confidential, well-being consultations and therapy for any student or trainee. Fill out this consulation form and we will contact you within 24-48 hours.

We also have resources on topics like burnout, stress management, self-care, nutrition, anxiety, restorative sleep, financial well-being, and more.

SMHS Office of Student Support

The SMHS' Office of Student Support staff will provide an introduction on basic techniques regarding managing stress and wellness principles that include sleep, nutrition, and exercise. During personal advising sessions, office staff will share additional resources that students may find useful. It should be noted that these are not therapy sessions and students should only expect to learn basic techniques on how to cope with anxiety and stress. For ongoing treatment a referral to Student Health and/or Talkspace will be recommended.

Ross Hall Care Space

A dedicated space in Ross Hall that will serve as a safe haven and resource for any SMHS student experiencing distress, this space is intended to be a welcoming and peaceful environment for students to seek comfort, support, and resources for care during and after an upsetting or traumatic experience.

The new "CARE" space has been carefully designed with the needs of distressed individuals in mind, and features comfortable seating, an iPad preloaded with important links, forms and resources for care, and a phone to reach immediate, in-person emergency assistance if needed. It is located on the 1st floor of Ross Hall, in room 103a. 

We understand that traumatic experiences can have a significant impact on a student's mental and emotional wellbeing, and it is essential to have a space where they can feel safe, supported and have access to resources to help them heal and recover. We hope that this will provide our students with the support and care if and when they need it. 

University Student Health Center 

The GW Student Health Center (SHC) provides short-term psychiatric treatment and referral services to all GW students who are actively enrolled in at least one course are eligible for psychiatric services. The SHC psychiatrists are available by appointment only. To get connected, students should call the Psychiatric Case Manager at (202) 994-1621 or email shs [at] gwu [dot] edu (shs[at]gwu[dot]edu).

SHC supports mental health and personal development by collaborating directly with students to overcome challenges and difficulties that may interfere with academic, emotional, and personal success. Their counselors provide a safe, non-judgmental and confidential environment for students to discuss concerns. They are committed to respecting and promoting the value of diversity at the university, as well as providing culturally sensitive counseling and psychological services to the GW community. More information can be found on their website.

University Office of Student Success

Personal health and wellness is critical to a successful student experience. The GW Office for Student Success collaborates with departments, faculty, advisors, and the larger GW community as a part of a network of services that provides an integrated and holistic approach to student support.  That network considers the personal dimension of health and wellness, as well as accessibility to safe spaces, food security, and physical well-being and mental guidance, all of which are integral to a successful experience.

Talkspace

The GW School of Medicine & Health Sciences is partnering with Talkspace to bring all residential, hybrid, and online students convenient, personal, and professional online messaging therapy. With Talkspace, you can regularly send text, audio, and video messages to a dedicated licensed therapist anytime, anywhere. Talkspace is confidential and secure.

Social Connection

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, social connection refers to the feeling of closeness, belonging, and being valued, which acts as a fundamental human need for mental and physical well-being. Strong social bonds reduce risks of chronic illness, anxiety, and depression, while boosting longevity and immune function, making them as essential to survival as food and sleep.

Support Groups

The school hosts student-organized support groups for significant others of medical students, families, and for students suffering bereavement and loss. 

Student Organizations

Whether they're looking to interact with others with similar career interests, searching for an opportunity to serve, or craving a cultural or artistic outlet, SMHS students can satisfy their extra-curricular interests through the dozens of student organizations and associations available on the GW campus. In medical interest groups, such as oncology, surgery, or emergency medicine, students share professional goals and research interests. 

Service Projects

The school sponsors a number of service projects each year, including the annual day of service during the fall semester and the Gold Humanism Honor Society day of service each spring. In addition, a multitude of programs and student groups provide various forms of community service throughout the District of Columbia including the ISCOPES program and the student-run HEALing medical clinics. Information about these programs can also be found at:

Arts & Culture

Both the University and Washington, DC support vibrant programming in the arts. From on-campus activities to performing arts venues accessible by public transportation, students can readily access theater, music, and dance programs. The National Mall is walking distance from campus where students can find numerous museums and monuments.

Professional Sports

The District has professional sports teams in virtually every major sport for both women and men. Root for the home team, or, like many folks in DC, go root for YOUR home team when they come to town!!