Living on campus brings new experiences, transitions, and challenges. The Counseling Center has collaborated with Resident Life to provide a counselor who works specifically with students living in the residence halls, including South Campus Commons. Res Life's Embedded Counselor provides:
- Short-term mental health appointments to talk through concerns, better understand what support may be helpful, and connect with resources.
- Guidance and consultation for Resident Life staff who are concerned about a student’s mental health.
- Mental health programs and outreach focused on the needs and experiences of students living on campus.
Meet Resident Life's Embedded Counselor
Ashley Elliott, LCSW-C
Embedded Counselor for Resident Life
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Res Life have an embedded counselor?
Having a counselor connected directly with Resident Life makes it easier for students living on campus to access mental health services. It also gives Resident Life staff an opportunity to consult with a mental health professional on how to best support students.
Students meet with the embedded counselor for many different reasons. You may want to talk through current concerns, stress related to academics or relationships, adjusting to college or living on campus, or any other situation affecting your mental health.
How do I schedule an appointment with the embedded counselor?
If you live in a residence hall and would like to meet with Ashley, you can email her at elliash@umd.edu to schedule an appointment.
You do not need to know exactly what kind of support you need before reaching out. Your appointment can be a good place to start.
Can I drop in to meet with the embedded counselor if I need support now?
Ashley is not currently available for unscheduled sessions. Urgent services are available to UMD students in person at the Shoemaker Building during business hours or by phone at 301-314-7651 after hours.
Are my visits confidential?
Your visits with the embedded counselor and other Counseling Center staff are confidential. Your counselor will not share information about you with Resident Life staff, others on campus, or anyone else. If you have questions about confidentiality, your counselor can talk with you about them.
How much does it cost to meet with the embedded counselor?
Just like with all Counseling Center services, meeting with the embedded counselor is free of charge.
If I am a residence hall student and I want mental health services, am I required to meet with the embedded counselor?
Just because you live in the residence halls does not mean your appointment has to be with the embedded counselor. Additional Counseling Center services and providers are available for all UMD students at the Shoemaker Building.
How does the embedded counselor assist Res Life staff?
The embedded counselor is available to consult with Res Life staff regarding any concerns they may have about a student’s mental health and how to best support the student. The embedded counselor may also provide general guidance on best practices for bolstering student mental health and well-being within the residence halls.
Does the embedded counselor provide mental health programming?
Yes! Ashley provides mental health programs and outreach for students living on campus and Resident Life staff to improve student mental health and wellbeing. To request an outreach program, email Ashley or submit a Counseling Center outreach request.
Where can I find more information about counseling services available?
To find out general information about the Counseling Center or learn more about the services offered, resources and programs by the Counseling Center, please visit counseling.umd.edu.