The Center for Well-Being provides information on mental health topics in a variety of formats — from handouts to workshops to community events.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2024

The Center for Wellbeing Programs and Psychological Services invites you to commemorate Sexual Assault Awareness Month this April. This year’s national theme is Building Connected Communities to reduce the likelihood of sexual abuse, assault, and harassment within our communities. We call on our AU allies to attend or promote these events to raise awareness, spread education, and build a safer community for students, staff, and faculty.

List Of Events:

April 3^rd Mocktails: Enjoy mocktails from 4-6pm in the Bridge hosted by the AOD Prevention Specialist! Information about various mocktail options and sexual violence resources will also be available.

April 4th & 18th Tabling: Visit us on the quad on April 4th and April 18th from 12-2pm for information about Sexual Assault Awareness Month and bystander intervention support. There will be self-care items and candy.

April 5^th Beyond The Binary: Join us for a discussion about how sexual assault impacts the LGBTQIA+ community. Held in collaboration with the Center for Diversity and Inclusion. 3:30-5pm in Hughes Hall Room 105.

April 5^th – April 20^th The Clothesline Project Exhibit: Visit Bender Library room B30 to view an interactive visual exhibit created with shirts by AU survivors. This exhibit highlights their emotions and experiences to be viewed by others to bring awareness to the issue of violence and abuse.

4/19 Free Yoga Class: Take part in a guided discussion with a psychologist followed by a FREE 30-minute gentle flow yoga session. 4:30-5:15pm at Jacob’s Fitness Center. Held in collaboration with AU Recreational Sports and Fitness.

4/24 Denim Day: Wear denim to show support for survivors of sexual violence. Post yourself in denim on your Instagram story and tag @auwellbeing to be entered into a raffle for a $25 gift card! We will also be tabling on the quad from 12-2pm.

Educational Workshops

We do our best to accommodate workshop requests for classes or groups. The Center for Well-Being designs workshops with the goals of raising awareness and providing information regarding mental health to as many people as possible.

If you are interested in having the Center host a workshop, please contact Dr. Malini Basdeo, Director of Well-Being Outreach and Prevention Services, at  WBCprograms@american.edu. Please submit outreach requests at least 10 business days prior to an event.

Alcohol and Other Drug Consultations

The Center's AOD Prevention Specialist is here to help students navigate their recovery journey. The AOD Prevention Specialist does not provide alcohol and other drug treatment, but rather provides consultation and psychoeducation about substance dependence and harm reduction methods. This is done either through one-on-one meetings or through workshops. The Center's AOD Prevention Specialist helps students find community providers if they decide to seek out treatment for their dependency concerns. The AOD Prevention Specialist can assist students who are seeking out peer support groups (i.e. 12 step or SMART Recovery groups) to assist in their recovery journey.

Students can schedule with the AOD Prevention Specialist by emailing rdenson@american.edu.

QPR Training

Offered to all AU faculty, staff, and student-led organizations, QPR training focuses on teaching individuals how to recognize the warning signs of suicide and provide guidelines to: Question a person about those thoughts,  Persuade them to get help, and  Refer the person for support. This interactive training is one hour in length.

Interested in scheduling a QPR training? Email WBCprograms@american.edu. Please give at least three weeks notice when submitting a request. 

Student Requests for Interviews for Class Assignments

Due to the heavy demand for services, the Well-Being Center is generally not able to grant requests for in-person interviews with clinicians for class assignments. However, the Center will do its best to accommodate such requests. It must be submitted at least 10 business days in advance.

Email your request to WBCprograms@american.edu

Peer Health Educators

Peer Health Educators play key roles in many initiatives, such as the outreach during Covid restrictions

The Center for Well-Being has an amazing group of students who help promote wellness on campus. The Peer Health Educators program (PHE) is a year-long program where students learn skills on applying health education skills uniquely to college-age students. This part of a one credit course.

Interested in learning more about the PHE program? Please e-mail TJ Callan at tjcallan@american.edu or stop by Hughes Hall 105. 

Urgent Outreach Needs

The Center realizes that there are times when urgent outreach needs arise (e.g., when there is a tragic event or injustice). In these cases, please contact us, and every effort will be made to respond promptly.

Social Media

The Center for Well-Being believes that growth can happen in the digital space. Visit our social media pages (@AUWellBeing) for more helpful handouts and tips. 

Continuing Education

AU's Center for Well-Being Programs and Psychological Services is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. American University Center for Well-Being Programs and Psychological Services maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

Grievance Policy

Please view this information to be informed about the Grievance Policy.