Statement
In keeping with our mission statement, Project Lighthouse is committed to the mental health of all members of the Georgetown community, regardless of their identity. However, we also recognize the unique challenges and stigmas surrounding mental illness and mental health care in the black community, which have once again been amplified in the past few weeks and months. Project Lighthouse stands in solidarity with those fighting to end anti-Black violence and systemic racism in the United States, and we strongly condemn police brutality and white supremacy. As a student-led and student-operated resource, we recognize our shortcomings in providing for the specific mental health needs of black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) at Georgetown, and are taking advantage of the information being shared in this moment to reevaluate our practices and recommit ourselves to serving those needs. In an effort to improve our own services while elevating black voices and experiences, we have included below a list of resources, articles, and social media accounts created primarily by and for the black community, which we hope will serve as a starting point for students seeking support.
Resources:
Articles:
https://www.self.com/story/black-mental-health-resources
https://mashable.com/article/black-mental-health-resources/
https://www.vogue.com/article/black-mental-health-wellness-instagram-accounts
https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Wellness/black-mental-health-matters-cope-time-social-injustice/story?id=71077759
https://www.nami.org/Support-Education/Diverse-Communities/African-American-Mental-Health
https://www.sunshinebehavioralhealth.com/mental-health-issues-facing-the-black-community/
Social Media:
https://www.instagram.com/therapyforblackgirls/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/black_minds_matter_/
https://www.instagram.com/diveinwell/
https://www.instagram.com/diveinwell/
https://www.instagram.com/blackandembodied/
https://www.instagram.com/alex_elle/
In keeping with our mission statement, Project Lighthouse is committed to the mental health of all members of the Georgetown community, regardless of their identity. However, we also recognize the unique challenges and stigmas surrounding mental illness and mental health care in the black community, which have once again been amplified in the past few weeks and months. Project Lighthouse stands in solidarity with those fighting to end anti-Black violence and systemic racism in the United States, and we strongly condemn police brutality and white supremacy. As a student-led and student-operated resource, we recognize our shortcomings in providing for the specific mental health needs of black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) at Georgetown, and are taking advantage of the information being shared in this moment to reevaluate our practices and recommit ourselves to serving those needs. In an effort to improve our own services while elevating black voices and experiences, we have included below a list of resources, articles, and social media accounts created primarily by and for the black community, which we hope will serve as a starting point for students seeking support.
Resources:
- Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM): Group aimed at removing the barriers that Black people experience getting access to or staying connected with emotional health care and healing. They do this through education, training, advocacy and the creative arts.
- Black Men Heal: Limited and selective free mental health service opportunities for Black men.
- Black Mental Health Alliance - (410) 338-2642: Provides information and resources and a “Find a Therapist” locator to connect with a culturally competent mental health professional.
- Black Mental Wellness: Provides access to evidence-based information and resources about mental health and behavioral health topics from a Black perspective, as well as training opportunities for students and professionals.
- Black Women’s Health Imperative: Organization advancing health equity and social justice for Black women through policy, advocacy, education, research and leadership development.
- Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation: BLHF has launched the COVID-19 Free Virtual Therapy Support Campaign to raise money for mental health services provided by licensed clinicians in our network. Individuals with life-changing stressors and anxiety related to the coronavirus will have the cost for up to five (5) individual sessions defrayed on a first come, first serve basis until all funds are committed or exhausted.
- Brother You’re on My Mind: An initiative launched by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and NIMHD to raise awareness of the mental health challenges associated with depression and stress that affect Black men and families. Website offers an online toolkit that provides Omega Psi Phi Fraternity chapters with the materials needed to educate fellow fraternity brothers and community members on depression and stress in Black men.
- Ebony's Mental Health Resources by State: List of Black-owned and focused mental health resources by state as compiled by Ebony magazine.
- Henry Health: Provides culturally sensitive self-care support and teletherapy for Black men and their families. Currently in pilot program available only to residents of MD, VA and DC. Residents of other states can join their waiting list and will be notified when Henry Health is available in their state.
- Melanin and Mental Health: Connects individuals with culturally competent clinicians committed to serving the mental health needs of Black & Latinx/Hispanic communities. Promotes the growth and healing of diverse communities through its website, online directory and events.
- Ourselves Black: Provides information on promoting mental health and developing positive coping mechanisms through a podcast, online magazine and online discussion groups.
- POC Online Classroom: Contains readings on the importance of self care, mental health care, and healing for people of color and within activist movements.
- Sista Afya: Organization that provides mental wellness education, resource connection and community support for Black women.
- Therapy for Black Girls: Online space dedicated to encouraging the mental wellness of Black women and girls. Offers listing of mental health professionals across the country who provide high quality, culturally competent services to Black women and girls, an informational podcast and an online support community.
- The SIWE Project: Non-profit dedicated to promoting mental health awareness throughout the global Black community.
- The Steve Fund: Organization focused on supporting the mental health and emotional well-being of young people of color.
- Unapologetically Us: Online community for Black women to seek support.
Articles:
https://www.self.com/story/black-mental-health-resources
https://mashable.com/article/black-mental-health-resources/
https://www.vogue.com/article/black-mental-health-wellness-instagram-accounts
https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Wellness/black-mental-health-matters-cope-time-social-injustice/story?id=71077759
https://www.nami.org/Support-Education/Diverse-Communities/African-American-Mental-Health
https://www.sunshinebehavioralhealth.com/mental-health-issues-facing-the-black-community/
Social Media:
https://www.instagram.com/therapyforblackgirls/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/black_minds_matter_/
https://www.instagram.com/diveinwell/
https://www.instagram.com/diveinwell/
https://www.instagram.com/blackandembodied/
https://www.instagram.com/alex_elle/
COVID-19 Related Resources
Georgetown's COVID-19 Resource Center: Links to latest updates, messages to the community, and a Main Campus Coronavirus Helpline
Subscribe to Georgetown Update Emails: Daily emails with all new COVID-19 communications from Georgetown’s main campus
Georgetown's Health Information Site : Covers the basics of the disease, public health measures to consider, and public health alerts. See also a glossary of COVID-19 terms.
For additional Questions, contact the University Call Center- (202) 784-3510: Operating Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Subscribe to Georgetown Update Emails: Daily emails with all new COVID-19 communications from Georgetown’s main campus
Georgetown's Health Information Site : Covers the basics of the disease, public health measures to consider, and public health alerts. See also a glossary of COVID-19 terms.
For additional Questions, contact the University Call Center- (202) 784-3510: Operating Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Counseling and Psychiatric Service (CAPS)
Location: Back of Darnall Hall
As you approach Darnall Hall from central campus, with the Leavey Center to your left, you will see large and very wide stairs right outside Epicurean. Climb these stairs and approach the back of Darnall. Pass the first door that leads inside Darnall, which will be on your left if Harbin Hall is directly behind you in the distance. Then, Darnall itself will jut out to the right at a ninety degree angle. This wider part of the building is where CAPS is located. The door faces the opposite direction from the Leavey Center, and the entrance looks like this:
Business Hours:
9 AM - 5 PM Mondays to Fridays
Services:
Mental health services include consultations, evaluations, short-term psychotherapy ($10 per session), psychiatry ($15 per session), group therapy, workshops, referrals, and more for any full-time Hoya who feels the need to seek mental health services for issues. CAPS has counselors specializing in many different types of mental illnesses (such as anxiety disorders, eating disorders, depression, OCD, personality disorders, PTSD, etc.) and other matters (relating to trauma, body image issues, addiction, LGBTQ concerns, grief); mindfulness, and identity development.
Cost:
Procedure:
Go to the physical CAPS location for a free evaluation with the intake coordinator, where you will both meet with the coordinator and fill out forms explaining confidentiality and your symptoms
As this service is confidential, it is important to be honest and NOT understate symptoms in this process in order to receive timely support. Most upcoming appointments are usually scheduled within three weeks. However, same day appointments are available if clients are experiencing emergencies, such as active suicide intent.
Continue care for usually one to two semesters via CAPS or receive a referral in the community
Confidentiality: Completely confidential for those seeking services over the age of 18 years, except in the case where harm to the client or others would occur, such as active suicide plans
In the case of emergency, such as active suicide plans, please contact the CAPS on-call number: (202) 444-7243. This number is available after business hours.
As you approach Darnall Hall from central campus, with the Leavey Center to your left, you will see large and very wide stairs right outside Epicurean. Climb these stairs and approach the back of Darnall. Pass the first door that leads inside Darnall, which will be on your left if Harbin Hall is directly behind you in the distance. Then, Darnall itself will jut out to the right at a ninety degree angle. This wider part of the building is where CAPS is located. The door faces the opposite direction from the Leavey Center, and the entrance looks like this:
Business Hours:
9 AM - 5 PM Mondays to Fridays
Services:
Mental health services include consultations, evaluations, short-term psychotherapy ($10 per session), psychiatry ($15 per session), group therapy, workshops, referrals, and more for any full-time Hoya who feels the need to seek mental health services for issues. CAPS has counselors specializing in many different types of mental illnesses (such as anxiety disorders, eating disorders, depression, OCD, personality disorders, PTSD, etc.) and other matters (relating to trauma, body image issues, addiction, LGBTQ concerns, grief); mindfulness, and identity development.
Cost:
- $10 per session for short-term psychotherapy (talk therapy)
- $15 per session for psychiatry (includes medication)
- Both psychotherapy and psychiatry are free for GSP students
- Free group therapy and workshops
- Free intake and consultation
Procedure:
- Walk in during business hours or call (202) 687-6985 to make an appointment with the intake coordinator
- After Hours: Call 202-444-7243 (information can be found in the back of your GoCard) and ask to speak with the CAPS On-Call Clinician
Go to the physical CAPS location for a free evaluation with the intake coordinator, where you will both meet with the coordinator and fill out forms explaining confidentiality and your symptoms
As this service is confidential, it is important to be honest and NOT understate symptoms in this process in order to receive timely support. Most upcoming appointments are usually scheduled within three weeks. However, same day appointments are available if clients are experiencing emergencies, such as active suicide intent.
Continue care for usually one to two semesters via CAPS or receive a referral in the community
Confidentiality: Completely confidential for those seeking services over the age of 18 years, except in the case where harm to the client or others would occur, such as active suicide plans
In the case of emergency, such as active suicide plans, please contact the CAPS on-call number: (202) 444-7243. This number is available after business hours.
Health Education Services (HES)
Location:
1437 37th St. NW, Poulton Hall, Suite 101
Services:
Drop-ins and appointments related to body image, eating disorders, nutrition, substance abuse, stress management, sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, pregnancy, and more.
Cost:
All services are free.
Procedure:
For emergency services, walk-ins are encouraged during business hours. For non-emergency services, make an appointment either by phone or email with staff members who address issues that you would like to work through
Confidentiality:
Completely confidential for those seeking services over the age of 18 years, except in the case where harm to the client or others would occur, such as active suicide plans
1437 37th St. NW, Poulton Hall, Suite 101
Services:
Drop-ins and appointments related to body image, eating disorders, nutrition, substance abuse, stress management, sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, pregnancy, and more.
Cost:
All services are free.
Procedure:
For emergency services, walk-ins are encouraged during business hours. For non-emergency services, make an appointment either by phone or email with staff members who address issues that you would like to work through
Confidentiality:
Completely confidential for those seeking services over the age of 18 years, except in the case where harm to the client or others would occur, such as active suicide plans
Academic Resource Center (ARC)
Living with a physical or mental illness can be difficult. The ARC does provide academic accommodations to students who can offer a letter of support from their mental health care provider
Location:
355 Leavey Center, 37th & O St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20057
Services:
Receive academic accommodations for your mental health or physical health issues. Other academic support such as tutors.
Cost:
No cost
Procedure:
Walk in or make an appointment by calling (202) 687-8354 or emailing arc@georgetown.edu
The ARC also manages all medical housing requests.
You will be best off if you start this process in late September or early October so you can make the round-one deadline in early November. Round two ends in late April. You will need to provide a letter from a relevant health professional before that deadline, so be sure to leave enough time to set an appointment and wait for your (often busy) provider to write you a personalized letter. Giving your provider a written outline of what you need in your letter, making sure to draw a clear connection between your health needs and your specific requests as well as emphasizing the potential consequences of denying your request, is a great way to increase the changes of your accommodations being approved.
The ARC accommodates a broader range of health issues than students typically think, including needs for those with mental illnesses, allergies, and dietary restrictions. Common requests include, but are not limited to:
Email MedicalHousing@Georgetown.edu with any questions or to begin the application process. Make sure to read and follow all instructions given to you. Even if you aren’t entirely sure which accommodations to request, the ARC can help you determine what best suits your needs during the initial consult.
Only the director of medical housing will be able to view the health information you disclose. Residential Living will only be made aware of the specific accommodations they need to provide you. No one else will have access to the information you provide.
More information can be found here: https://residentialliving.georgetown.edu/handbook, https://academicsupport.georgetown.edu/disability/medical-housing
Location:
355 Leavey Center, 37th & O St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20057
Services:
Receive academic accommodations for your mental health or physical health issues. Other academic support such as tutors.
Cost:
No cost
Procedure:
Walk in or make an appointment by calling (202) 687-8354 or emailing arc@georgetown.edu
The ARC also manages all medical housing requests.
You will be best off if you start this process in late September or early October so you can make the round-one deadline in early November. Round two ends in late April. You will need to provide a letter from a relevant health professional before that deadline, so be sure to leave enough time to set an appointment and wait for your (often busy) provider to write you a personalized letter. Giving your provider a written outline of what you need in your letter, making sure to draw a clear connection between your health needs and your specific requests as well as emphasizing the potential consequences of denying your request, is a great way to increase the changes of your accommodations being approved.
The ARC accommodates a broader range of health issues than students typically think, including needs for those with mental illnesses, allergies, and dietary restrictions. Common requests include, but are not limited to:
- Single room
- ADA accessible room
- Carpet-free room
- Private bathroom
- Apartment with the ability to name one roomate
- Single room in apartment
- Central location
Email MedicalHousing@Georgetown.edu with any questions or to begin the application process. Make sure to read and follow all instructions given to you. Even if you aren’t entirely sure which accommodations to request, the ARC can help you determine what best suits your needs during the initial consult.
Only the director of medical housing will be able to view the health information you disclose. Residential Living will only be made aware of the specific accommodations they need to provide you. No one else will have access to the information you provide.
More information can be found here: https://residentialliving.georgetown.edu/handbook, https://academicsupport.georgetown.edu/disability/medical-housing
Project Lighthouse (PL)
Location: www.projectlighthousegu.com
Services:
Cost: Free
Procedure:
Go to www.projectlighthousegu.com
Check out the break down of resources, our glossary, blog, confidentiality laws, etc.
Services:
- Peer to peer chat line where Hoyas can talk to trained peer supporters between the hours 7 PM - 1 AM daily to discuss issues ranging from loneliness and homesickness to mental health struggles to crises;
- Educate Hoyas about the resources available on and off campus;
- Educate Hoyas about their rights by breaking down complex consent and confidentiality laws;
- Provide quick and clear information on different types of the most common mental illnesses through the “Mental Health Glossary”;
- Provide a Georgetown-based self-care tips and tricks page to help students cope with the campus stress culture;
- Reassure Hoyas that they are not alone by sharing stories of hope, resilience, and recovery in the Empowerment blog; and
- Empower Hoyas to advocate on behalf of themselves and their peers by sharing advocacy events and opportunities.
Cost: Free
Procedure:
Go to www.projectlighthousegu.com
Check out the break down of resources, our glossary, blog, confidentiality laws, etc.
- Talk to a trained peer supporter between the hours of 7 PM to 1 AM
- Confidentiality: Completely confidential except in the case where harm to the client or others would occur, such as active suicide plans
LGBTQ Resource Center
Location:
325 Leavey, 37th & O St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20057
Business Hours:
9 AM - 5 PM Mondays to Fridays
Services:
Provide education, events, support services, a welcoming space, and more to LGBTQ identified students and allies
Procedure: walk in during business hours OR email lgbtq@georgetown.edu
Cost:
Free
Confidentiality:
Semi-Confidential
For more information, visit https://lgbtq.georgetown.edu
325 Leavey, 37th & O St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20057
Business Hours:
9 AM - 5 PM Mondays to Fridays
Services:
Provide education, events, support services, a welcoming space, and more to LGBTQ identified students and allies
Procedure: walk in during business hours OR email lgbtq@georgetown.edu
Cost:
Free
Confidentiality:
Semi-Confidential
For more information, visit https://lgbtq.georgetown.edu
Women's Center
Location: 327 Leavey Center
Business Hours: 9 AM - 5 PM Mondays to Fridays
Services: Provides resources, referrals and materials for women’s health, eating disorders, sexual health, gender based violence, and mo
Procedure: Walk in during business hours OR email womenscenter@georgetown.edu
Cost: Free
Confidentiality: Semi-Confidential
For more information, check out https://womenscenter.georgetown.edu/resources
Business Hours: 9 AM - 5 PM Mondays to Fridays
Services: Provides resources, referrals and materials for women’s health, eating disorders, sexual health, gender based violence, and mo
Procedure: Walk in during business hours OR email womenscenter@georgetown.edu
Cost: Free
Confidentiality: Semi-Confidential
For more information, check out https://womenscenter.georgetown.edu/resources
Mental Health Therapy Stipend
Students who require financial assistance for continued mental health treatment after a CAPS referral can apply to receive up to $500.
Email the Student Mental Health Fund committee (studentmentalhealthfund@georgetown.edu) or GUSA Vice President Kenna Chick (kmc308@georgetown.edu) for more information!
Note: Students who are part of GSP can request financial assistance for medical expenses through the Necessity Grant
Advocacy and Involvement
Active Minds
Veterans
Georgetown Veterans Office: https://veterans.georgetown.edu/
The Objective Zero App: https://www.objectivezero.org/
Meditation & Mindfulness Apps
Headspace: https://www.headspace.com/
Meditation Studio: https://meditationstudioapp.com/
Insight Timer: https://insighttimer.com/
Calm: https://www.calm.com/
Oak: https://www.oakmeditation.com/
Mindfulness Coach: https://mobile.va.gov/app/mindfulness-coach
Students who require financial assistance for continued mental health treatment after a CAPS referral can apply to receive up to $500.
Email the Student Mental Health Fund committee (studentmentalhealthfund@georgetown.edu) or GUSA Vice President Kenna Chick (kmc308@georgetown.edu) for more information!
Note: Students who are part of GSP can request financial assistance for medical expenses through the Necessity Grant
Advocacy and Involvement
Active Minds
- Organizes events relating to mental health and wellbeing
- Advocates to destigmatize mental health and mental illness on campus
- Advocates to reform or adjust mental health policy
- For more information, email chair of the policy coalition Kenna Chick at kmc308@georgetown.edu
- To receive news and up-to-date information regarding mental health and events, email admin@projectlighthousegu.com and sign up for our list services.
Veterans
Georgetown Veterans Office: https://veterans.georgetown.edu/
The Objective Zero App: https://www.objectivezero.org/
Meditation & Mindfulness Apps
Headspace: https://www.headspace.com/
Meditation Studio: https://meditationstudioapp.com/
Insight Timer: https://insighttimer.com/
Calm: https://www.calm.com/
Oak: https://www.oakmeditation.com/
Mindfulness Coach: https://mobile.va.gov/app/mindfulness-coach