If you have questions, please email wellness@gwhillel.org. 

Please note that Celina works part time at GW Hillel; 

please allow 48-72 hours for her to respond. 

 

Wellness @ GW Hillel FAQ'S
 

Why is GW Hillel providing this service? 

For the past few years, it has become clear to the GW Hillel staff team that the need for mental health support is great and that our students have had an increasingly difficult time securing services.  Through a great deal of research and with the support of GW Hillel Board Member Dr. Sheryl Frank, we identified an opportunity to work in partnership with GW's Clinical Psychology Department in order to host a PsyD student for approximately 6-8 hours a week.  This individual, Celina Alvarez, will support students individually, host group gatherings in support of mental health, and help students identify long-term therapeutic spaces if a more appropriate approach.  Depending on the response to this program in the '22-'23 school year and our ability to secure further funding, we may look to expand the program in the future. 

 

Who is eligible to receive support from Celina?

Any currently enrolled undergraduate, regardless of background, is eligible to sign-up for services through this program.  Whether struggling with the transition to college, forging healthy relationships on-campus, navigating the anxiety & stress that comes with being a college student, etc. - all are welcome to explore these issues with Celina.

 

What is a psychodynamic approach, utilized by Celina? 

“My training revolves around a psychodynamic approach, and I really align with that. A psychodynamic approach means that, together, we can seek to dive deeply into understanding your thoughts and feelings, how and why you are thinking and feeling the way that you do,where do these feelings and thoughts come from (for example, is it past experiences, is it childhood, is it something internalized from the outside world, is it something different). In addition, psychodynamic psychotherapy acknowledges the potential for the patient-therapist relationship to be utilized as a tool to provide insight into and alleviation for presenting issues. Within psychodynamic theory, there is an understanding that what occurs within the therapeutic relationship may reflect what is occurring in relationships outside of therapy. I think that psychodynamic theory really, honors the complexity that we have as human beings."

 

How Long Is Therapy? 

Celina will be with GW Hillel for one academic year. Students will decide together with Celina if short term or long term work may be more beneficial. Sessions are 50 minutes long. 

 

Are Services In Person or Virtual? 

Sessions will be held in person on the second floor of GW Hillel. 

 

What is The Cost of Therapy? 

Therapy is $25 per 50-minute session and can be paid directly to GW Hillel through Venmo @gw-hillel. Please note, this is a private Venmo account, our transactions are not visible to the public. You do not need to indicate this payment is for therapeutic services when sending the transaction. GW Hillel’s mental health services do not accept insurance. If cost is prohibitive please contact wellness@gwhillel.org. 

 

What if I Am Interested In Sessions?/What Does The Process Look Like?

If you would currently like mental health support, are having a tough time, or want to maintain your mental health,  please complete this form. Once your inquiry is received, Celina will be in touch with your directly to set up a first appointment which will consist of an intake.