Healthcare and Counselling
At Richmond American University London, we do everything we can to encourage student health and wellbeing. Student Affairs provides an extensive range of services to ensure you’re fully supported during your studies. Support is available online and in-person to our whole university community, wherever you are based.
Prioritising your mental and physical health is key to thriving and making the most of university and its many opportunities.
If you are a student with a documented specific learning difficulty, mental health condition, physical disability, or long-term physical health condition, it may be helpful to declare your additional needs, as you are eligible for reasonable adjustments. You can declare your additional needs here. Alternatively, please contact katherine.lytle@richmond.ac.uk in our Student Affairs team for more information on reasonable adjustments.
Coronavirus (Covid-19)
At the time of writing, the UK has no legal requirements in connection with Covid-19. Up-to-date information will be available on the UK Government website.
We continue to encourage all employees and students not to come to university if you feel unwell, and to feel comfortable wearing masks in crowded spaces or around campus.
Urgent Mental Health Support
If you need help urgently for your mental health, but it’s not an emergency, you may find the following services helpful:
- NHS Urgent Mental Health Helpline – Find your local helpline here for 24-hour, urgent mental health advice and support.
- NHS 111 – Call 111 if you are unsure which mental health service may be helpful to you. People with hearing problems can use the NHS 111 British Sign Language (BSL) service.
- Samaritans – Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org for free, 24/7 crisis support.
- SHOUT – Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 for free, anonymous crisis text support.
If you cannot keep yourself or others safe, please call 999 or go to A&E.
If your concerns are not urgent but you would like to discuss your mental health, you can contact Monica De Freitas (Student Health & Wellbeing Officer) on defreim@richmond.ac.uk for mental health and wellbeing support.
Counselling Services
Richmond offers confidential counselling services to all students who are registered and attending classes, or who are working on a dissertation/thesis/internship.
Counselling sessions can be booked directly through our Counsellors. Sessions can also be organised by Monica De Freitas (Student Health & Wellbeing Officer).
Our Chiswick campus counsellors work on a rota basis, Monday to Friday. See below for the staff schedule. This is subject to change due to availability.
- Monday: Sarah (10am – 5pm)
- Tuesday: Susanna (10am – 5pm)
- Wednesday: Daniela (10am – 2pm)
- Thursday: Dean (11am-6pm)
- Friday: Jeremy (10am-5pm)
Sarah Pearce (UKCP) Chiswick Park Campus Counsellor
I provide a warm, non-judgemental environment to explore issues troubling you. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, academic pressure, relationship difficulties, trauma, and many more of the challenges that time at University can bring.
My psychotherapy training was in Gestalt, a practice with roots in Buddhism, embodiment (seeing the mind and body as parts of the same whole) and creativity.
As well as traditional talking-therapy, I am also open to supporting creative and expressive ways of working including (but not limited to) music, drawing or movement.
My aim is for us – together – to find the best way to work for you. To explore your unique experience, find supportive strategies, and move towards greater understanding and growth.
If you would like an initial meeting to see how I could help, then please email me on the address below.
Contact Information:
Email: sarahpearcetherapy@gmail.com
Monday hours: 10am-5pm
United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) Registered Psychotherapists – Registration number: 2011175523
Susanna Greene (MBACP Accred) Chiswick Park Campus Counsellor
Hi, my name is Susanna Greene. I am one of the a counsellors at Richmond offering a confidential space in which to explore feelings and thoughts safely and without judgement. Sometimes in our lives we may need the support of someone who is outside our circle of family and friends to help us to see things more clearly and bring peace to inner conflict and turmoil.
I use the integrative counselling model, which means that I can draw on different approaches depending on someone’s individual needs.
Please visit my website at www.susannagreene.co.uk
Contact Information:
Emaill: susannagreene99@gmail.com
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Registered Counsellor/ Psychotherapists – Member number: 27362
Daniela Lourenco (MBACP/ UKCP) Chiswick Park Campus Counsellor
Daniela Lourenco is a fully qualified and registered Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist with many years of experience working therapeutically with children, young people, adults and couples.
For the past eight years Daniela has worked as a School Counsellor and for Employment Assistant Programmes (EAP).
In Private Practice Daniela works with adults, couples, young people and children.
Previously, Daniela worked at The Latin American Women’s Rights Service, offering Psychotherapy to women suffering from Gender Violence, abuse and discrimination.
She has also worked in Therapeutic Communities and in a Crisis Centre as part of her Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy training. This experience has given her strong roots to work with people suffering from significant emotional distress.
Daniela has over eight years of experience working with young adults with learning disabilities in London in various roles, which included working as a Service Manager for Registered Care homes and Supported Housing Services.
In Brazil she ran therapeutic groups with the wider community and with HIV+ patients. Daniela offers counselling in both English and Portuguese.
For more information about me, please visit my website at www.dlourencopsychotherapy.com
Contact Information:
Email: dlourencopsychotherapy@yahoo.com
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Registered Counsellor/ Psychotherapists – Member number: 52108
United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) Registered Psychotherapists – Registration number: 2011163400
Dean Addams (MBACP Accred) Chiswick Park Campus Counsellor
As a MBACP accredited Gestalt Practitioner with over 20 years of experience, I have developed a comprehensive and holistic approach. I have worked in different Universities for more than 8 years so I am experienced in the kind of issues students often encounter. I am also of mixed heritage (English/Indian and Dutch) having grown up in Germany (Father in Military) and come to England on my own when I was 17 years old to pursue my studies. So, many of the issues facing international students are familiar to me, both personally and through my life experience. Issues such as anxiety, depression, perfectionism, suicidal ideation, not fitting in and generally struggling with the pressure of Uni life are all things I can help with.
I also specialise in working with people who are abuse survivors (sexual, emotional, physical, psychological) and people with issues around sexuality and gender. Chances are even if it is something not on these lists, I will be able to offer some support as I work differently with each unique individual.
In every case, I completely respect and honour a your values and beliefs and will aim to help you improve your ability to emotionally self-support and strengthen your interpersonal contact skills. If you think I can help you, please contact me on the email below.
Please visit my website www.deanaddams.com
Contact Information:
Email: deanaddams@mac.com
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Registered Counsellor/ Psychotherapists – Member number: 11937
Jeremy Francis (MBACP) Chiswick Park Campus Counsellor
Hi, my name is Jeremy Francis and I am a MBACP counsellor. I see the therapeutic space as an opportunity to gain new perspectives on current difficulties by taking into account past and often unconscious issues. This promotes awareness, leading to more harmonious functioning and more improved relationships.
My priority is to establish a climate of trust in the therapeutic relationship where warmth and empathy are paramount. We will work collaboratively to become more aware of patterns in your life, with the aim of reducing your obstacles and increase your enjoyment of life.
Whether you’re entering a period of transition, aiming to improve your relationship, or be stuck in a rut, I am here to assist you. My approach is marked by open one-to-one conversation marked by curiosity, respect and understanding.
I specialise in working with individuals facing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem relationship issues and childhood trauma. My focus is to help you recognise and understand your unhelpful thoughts, feelings and behaviours, as well as the anxiety and depression that often result from difficult life events or past experiences. Sometimes emotions can seem to appear come out of nowhere; I am to help you explore and understand this so you can make meaningful changes in how you feel.
In addition to running a private practice, I teach counselling from Level 2 through to degree level at an adult college. This has given me invaluable experience in working with adult learners who face challenges in balancing education with everyday life.
My therapeutic approach is based on the Transactional Analysis model, and it combines elements of integrative and relational approaches. This flexibility allows me to adapt to each individual’s needs while building a safe and collaborative therapeutic relationship.
For more information, please visit my website: jfrancispsychotherapy.co.uk
Contact Information:
Email: info@jfrancispsychotherapy.co.uk
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Registered Counsellor/ Psychotherapists – Member number: 00840001
Beverley Moslin (MBACP Accred) Leeds Campus Counsellor
Hello my name is Beverley Moslin and I am a counsellor. I am a Registered Member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (MBACP, BA Hons, Dip HE).
Counselling offers an opportunity to explore what matters at the heart of your life with an experienced professional in a quiet, confidential setting. I am trained in a number of approaches but first and foremost I begin with a person centred approach. This means I will listen to you and together we can build a way of working that suits you best.
I worked as a counsellor at Leeds Beckett University Student Counselling Service before setting up my own practice so I have lots of experience working with students and the particular difficulties of student life.
I have been working as a counsellor since 2008 and before this had various jobs in mental health, education and social care. Previously I have managed a community outreach service, run therapeutic art and play workshops for children experiencing learning difficulties along the autistic and Aspergers spectrum, and managed a complementary therapy centre.
Some areas I work with:
• Anxiety and panic
• Bereavement and loss
• Coping with life events and transitions
• Cross-cultural issues
• Depression
• Family and relationships
• Health issues
• Low self esteem
• Problems in the workplace or difficulties with work or study
• Sexuality, gender issues, sexual relationships
• Spirituality
• Suicidal feelings
• Traumatic childhood experiences
• Well-being and personal growth
Contact Information:
Email: beverleymoslin@hotmail.com
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Registered Counsellor/ Psychotherapists – Member number: 52727
Lee Wallace (UKCP/MUPCA Accred) Leeds Campus Counsellor
Hi I’m Lee Wallace, I am a client-centred psychotherapist which means your experiences, feelings and thoughts are at the centre of our work together. I hope to provide a safe and accepting space where you will feel listened to and supported. I try to provide a relaxed atmosphere where I hope it is not too difficult to talk.
I have worked as a counsellor and Psychotherapist for 15 years both in the voluntary sector (East Leeds Counselling Service, Burley Lodge Counselling Service and Leeds Mind) and in the private sector, we began New Futures Counselling, Psychotherapy and Coaching in 2009. I have worked as a Psychotherapist with young people in various setting across Leeds including three High Schools.
Over the years, I have worked with a wide-range of people and I have a lot of experience in helping people with issues such as bereavement, anxiety, depression, stress, post-traumatic stress, trauma, burnout, sexual abuse, panic, anger, and issues in relationships as a few examples.
I tend to find that that we have great capacities to change, develop and heal and a quality of understanding and relationship can help this happen.
For more information please visit our website www.newfuturescounselling.com.
Contact Information
Email: info@newfuturescounselling.com
United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) Registered Psychotherapists – Registration number: 2011161929
Universities Psychotherapy & Counselling Association (UPCA) Registered Counsellor/ Psychotherapists – Registration number: 1121
Lauren Smith (MBACP) Leeds Campus Counsellor
Life throws challenging situations at all of us, and we all deserve a listening ear and support. I’m Lauren Smith, and I’m here to be that listening ear and provide support tailored just for you.
My own life journey has had its share of twists and turns, and these experiences have shaped me into the counsellor I am today. I understand the complexities of life, from the ups and downs of relationships, balancing work/life balance, and the pursuit of genuine self-care.
In our sessions, you’ll find more than a therapist; you’ll find a fellow traveller on this winding road of life. I create a welcoming space for you to be your authentic self and share at your own pace. You’re not alone in your journey; I’m right here with you.
Together, we’ll create a safe environment where you can express even the most uncomfortable thoughts and emotions. I’ll share with you my own experiences of embracing discomfort and growth, allowing you to feel more at ease in sharing your own challenges. We’ll work together to facilitate a harmonious inner dialogue and give voice to those parts of yourself that may have long been silent or unheard.
I believe that personal connection and trust are at the core of effective therapy, and my goal is to build that connection with you. So, if you’re looking for someone who understands, someone who’s been there, and someone who genuinely cares, I’m here for you. Let’s navigate this journey together.
For more information please visit our website www.newfuturescounselling.com.
Contact Information
Email: info@newfuturescounselling.com
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Registered Counsellor/ Psychotherapists – Member number: 401633
Therapy Agreement
Counselling Provider
The counselling service is provided by a third-party supplier on behalf of the University. The third-party are contracted to provide this service under tight data privacy controls.
Basis of Relationship
All Richmond students may access up to 6 sessions of personal counselling per semester free of charge, so long as they are registered and attending classes (or they are working on a dissertation/thesis).
Frequency
Sessions are delivered by a qualified counsellor/ therapist on a weekly basis, at the same time, for 6 weeks (unless otherwise specified) during the semester. Sessions run for 50 minutes. You can stop counselling whenever you wish, but it is advisable for there to be at least 2 weeks’ notice, so that there is enough time for you and your counsellor/ therapist to complete work and come to a planned end.
Additional Sessions
If you would like more than 6 university counselling sessions per semester, you will need to pay for these on a private basis. It is up to the discretion of the therapist to offer subsidised rates to students for private sessions. Please speak to Student Affairs for information on alternative treatment/ support options if you are unable to pay for sessions privately.
Lateness
Please let your counsellor/therapist know as soon as possible if you are going to be late. The counsellor/therapist is not required to wait if there is no prior notification of lateness. If you arrive late, the session will still need to close at the end of the planned appointment time.
Cancelling Sessions
Please give your counsellor/therapist over 24 hours’ notice if you know you are unable to attend a session.
Missed Appointments and Short-notice Cancellations
Missing or cancelling appointments with less than 24 hours’ notice will count as a session. This will be deducted from the 6 free sessions available to you per semester. If after a missed session, you do not make contact within 7 days, your counsellor/therapist will assume you no longer wish to continue with counselling, and your appointment time may be offered to someone else.
Confidentiality
Any information given by you in these sessions will be strictly confidential unless you give permission to break confidentiality. However, confidentiality may need to be broken without your consent if you disclose any current or historic serious crime, report any risk of serious harm to yourself or others, and/or if we are required to appear in court and testify under oath.
If you disclose any risk of serious harm to yourself or others, the counsellor/therapist may decide to inform and consult with your GP. This may include a disclosure to a senior member of the Student Affairs team, or the Student Health & Wellbeing Officer, who will contact your emergency contact with your prior consent, as well as emergency services (if appropriate).
The Counsellor/ therapist will also discuss aspects of their case work with their supervisor (another experienced counsellor/ therapist). This is a requirement for members of certain professional associations. This is to ensure professionalism and a high standard of ethical practice.
Privacy Policy
All client record data is kept in written form only. Handwritten notes are identified in code and stored separately from email data in a locked cabinet. These notes are destroyed 12 months after all counselling has ended. University email addresses and all correspondence are erased after a series of counselling ends.
If at any point you wish to have access to session notes, you can ask in advance to see them.
No data is passed onto a third party (including the University) unless for legal or safeguarding reasons, in which case prior consent by the student will always be obtained, unless they no longer have capacity to give consent.
We are obliged to provide statistics concerning the usage of the scheme, but these statistics do not contain names so that individuals cannot be identified.
Urgent Support
If you feel at immediate risk of harming yourself or others, please call 999.
If you need help urgently for your mental health, but it’s not an emergency, get help from NHS 111 online or call 111. You can also contact your local NHS urgent mental health helpline. You can find your local helpline here.
Richmond Counselling Service Feedback
If you would like to make a formal complaint about the counselling service, please follow the University’s complaints procedure and complete our Richmond Counselling Service Feedback Form. Alternatively, please contact the Student Health & Wellbeing officer on defreim@richmond.ac.uk.
NHS talking therapies
Talking therapies, or psychological therapies, are effective and confidential treatments delivered by fully trained and accredited NHS practitioners. They can help with common mental health problems like stress, anxiety and depression.
You can access talking therapies for free on the NHS.
You can refer yourself directly to an NHS talking therapies service without a referral from a GP, or a GP can refer you.
NHS talking therapies services are also known as Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services.
Healthcare in the UK
Healthcare is free to people who are “ordinarily resident” in the UK.
If you’re visiting England for more than 6 months, you’ll need to pay the immigration health surcharge, unless you’re exempt from paying it. The full amount will be paid upfront for the duration of your visa. This entitles you to free NHS treatment in England on a similar basis to an ordinarily resident person. Your entitlement will apply from the date your visa is granted until it expires.
If you’re visiting England for less than 6 months, you should ensure you’re covered for healthcare through personal medical insurance during your visit, even if you’re a former UK resident.
Emergency Health Support
An Accident & Emergency department (also known as emergency department or casualty) deals with genuine life-threatening emergencies. In the event of an emergency call 999.
Chiswick Campus, London (W4 5AN)
West Middlesex University Hospital
Twickenham Road, Isleworth, Middlesex, TW7 6AF
020 8560 2121
Open 24hrs, daily
iQ Haywood House Student Accommodation, West Hampstead, London (NW6 1RZ)
Royal Free Hospital
Pond Street, London, NW3 2QG
020 7794 0500
Open 24hrs, daily
RIASA Campus, Leeds (LS16 5PS)
Leeds General Infirmary
Great George Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 3EX
0113 243 2799
Open 24hrs, daily
Oxley Residence Student Accommodation, Weetwood, Leeds (LS16 8HL)
Leeds General Infirmary
Great George Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 3EX
0113 243 2799
Open 24hrs, daily
Urgent Health Support
Go to an urgent treatment centre if you need urgent medical attention, but it is not life-threatening situation.
Chiswick Campus, London (W4 5AN)
Charing Cross Hospital
Fulham Palace Road, London, W6 8RF
020 3311 1234
Open 24hrs, daily
iQ Haywood House Student Accommodation, West Hampstead, London (NW6 1RZ)
University College Hospital
235 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BU
020 3456 789
Open 24hrs, daily
RIASA Campus, Leeds (LS16 5PS)
Shakespeare Walk-In Centre
179 Cromwell Mount, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS9 7TA
0113 2213738
8am to 8pm, daily
Oxley Residence Student Accommodation, Weetwood, Leeds (LS16 8HL)
Shakespeare Walk-In Centre
179 Cromwell Mount, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS9 7TA
0113 2213738
8am to 8pm, daily
Doctors & GP Surgeries
General practitioners (GPs) are your family doctor and are the main point of contact for general healthcare for NHS patients. All UK residents are entitled to the services of an NHS GP. They treat all common medical conditions and refer patients to hospitals and other medical services for urgent and specialist treatment.
Chiswick Campus, London (W4 5AN)
Wellesley Road Practice
7 Wellesley Road, Chiswick, London, Greater London, W4 4BJ
020 8630 1666
Mon – Fri
The Bedford Park Surgery
55 South Parade, Chiswick, London, Greater London, W4 5LH
020 8994 3333
Mon – Sat
West4GPs
Fishers Lane, London, Greater London, W4 1RX
020 8630 3518
Mon – Fri
iQ Haywood House Student Accommodation, West Hampstead, London (NW6 1RZ)
West Hampstead Medical Centre
9 Solent Road, London, Greater London, NW6 1TP
020 7431 1588
Mon – Fri
Cholmley Gardens Surgery
1 Cholmley Gardens, Mill Lane, London, Greater London, NW6 1AE
020 7794 6256
Mon – Fri
Belsize Priory Medical Practice (Group)
208 Belsize Road, Kilburn, Greater London, NW6 4DX
020 7328 8200
Mon – Fri
RIASA Campus, Leeds (LS16 5PS)
As RIASA offers an athletic programme, all student-athletes are encouraged to register with Laurel Bank Surgery at orientation to ensure you can access medical treatment quickly in case of injury. You can find out more about the GP surgery here.
Health Queries
NHS 111
NHS 111 provides help if you’re not sure what to do with your symptoms. They can give general health information and advice; can help you get an emergency supply of your prescribed medicine or advise on repeat prescriptions.
Go on to NHS 111 Online or call 111.
NHS Online
You can find information and advice on health conditions, symptoms, healthy living and medicines here.
Dentistry
NHS Dentists
You can find an NHS dentist here. NHS Dental Charges apply.
If after contacting several dental surgeries you still cannot find a dentist accepting NHS patients, call NHS England’s Customer Contact Centre on 0300 311 2233.
Dental emergency and out-of-hours care
If you think you need urgent care, contact your usual dentist as some surgeries offer emergency dental slots and will provide care if clinically necessary.
You can also contact NHS 111, who can put you in touch with an urgent dental service.
Private Dentistry
AXA Health Dental Insurance
AXA Health provide two levels of dental cover depending on whether you have private or NHS treatment. Both of these will cover you for routine dental, remedial or restorative treatments and dental accidents and emergencies abroad. As with all plans, exclusions and limits to cover apply. Find more information here.
Bupa Dental Care
Use this dentist finder tool to find one of over 350 private and NHS dental practices across the UK, offering a range of general dentistry, orthodontics and cosmetic dental services. Search for your location and use their filter tool to find a local Bupa Dental Care dentist to suit your needs.
Sexual Health Clinics
The NHS can support with the following:
- Sexual health clinics
- Contraception and pregnancy services
- Sexually transmitted infection (STI) services
You can find more information here.
Wolverton Clinic for Sexual Health
Wolverton Clinic for Sexual Health offers a wide range of sexual health services. All consultations and treatments are free and the service is confidential.
- Testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections
- Assessment and management of other genital symptoms/problems
- Sexual health service, information and counselling
- HIV testing and advice
- Complete HIV medical inpatient and outpatient care
- Hepatitis screening and vaccination
- Young persons clinic
- Gay/bi-sexual men’s clinic
- Emergency contraception and pregnancy testing
- Infection testing and support following rape/sexual assault
- Management of psychosexual problems
- Free condoms and lubricant
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 8974 9331
Address: Kingston Hospital, Galsworthy Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT2 7QB
Chelsea and Westminster Sexual Health and HIV Directorate
The Chelsea and Westminster Sexual Health and HIV Directorate provides Sexual health and HIV services across three London sites.
Our sexual health clinics offer testing for sexually transmitted infections (including HIV tests), contraceptives including the morning after pill (emergency contraception), condoms, pregnancy testing, Hepatitis A and B vaccinations, safer sex education and support/counselling.
Our three main sexual health clinics are based at John Hunter clinic (located in St Stephens Centre next to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital), West London Centre for Sexual health (located in Charing Cross Hospital) and 56 Dean St in Soho. We also provide outreach sexual health clinics which are services based in the community for e.g. in NHS walk-in centres and also run clinics for specific groups of patients for e.g. men who have sex with men, which are called specialist sexual health clinics.
Our services for HIV infected persons include a dedicated inpatient ward, two day-care units, three outpatient clinics Kobler Clinic (based in St Stephens Centre next to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital), West London Centre for Sexual health and 56 Dean St and emergency clinics for HIV related problems
We can provide HIV or sexual health care to any patients wishing to attend our service. Patients do not need their GP to refer them for care, nor do they need to live locally. All of our services are completely confidential and your privacy will be respected at all times.
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 8846 6699
Address: John Hunter Clinic, Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, 369 Fulham Road, Chelsea, London, SW10 9NH
The Merrion Centre for Sexual Health
The Merrion Centre for Sexual Health is an open access sexual health clinic run by the NHS. There are drop in sessions and meetings by appointment. You can find their full range of services below:
- Emergency Contraception
- Pregnancy Testing
- Chlamydia Testing
- Support and Advice
- STI Testing
- Contraception
- HIV Testing
- PePSE (HIV treatment)
- Condoms (over 25s)
- Drop-in Clinic
- C-Card Registration (free condoms for under 25s)
- C-Card Pick Up (free condoms for under 25s)
Telephone: +44 (0) 113 392 0333
Address: Merrion Centre – 1st Floor, 50 Merrion Way, Leeds, LS2 8NG
