WashU Employee and Family Services

WashU Direct service

If you are unsure if you want to meet with a therapist or a psychiatrist, or do not know the difference, this page may be able to help.

Key Features of this unique service:

• Expertise: Access to national leaders in psychiatry that provide high quality, evidence based treatment on a range of issues for adults and children.
• Convenience: We aim to be accessible to employees and their families. Appointments are scheduled within 2 weeks. Schedule appointments, receive reminders and communication with providers with ease through MyChart.
• Flexibility: We offer early morning, lunchtime and late afternoon appointments. Visits are available via telehealth and in person.
• Confidential: Privacy is of utmost importance to us. All treatment is strictly confidential.

You can find more information on using your employee benefits and insurance coverage for mental health on the WashU HR Health Insurance page.

If you are wondering how to prepare for your initial visit, or what to expect, visit our Adult Psychiatry or Child Psychiatry pages for more information.

Other care options

For WashU employees who are seeking brief solution-focused therapy or a therapy provider outside of the institution, we recommend the Work-Life Solutions benefit available to all WashU faculty, staff, postdocs, clinical fellows and their household members. Another option to explore is our recommended community providers, if long-term therapy or an external provider is preferred. For assistance finding an in-network therapist or physician for mental health or substance abuse recovery services, contact the United Healthcare Nurse Advocate dedicated to WashU employees and their families.

Not everyone needs a therapist or psychiatrist, but everyone can benefit from focusing on the mental health and wellness of themselves and their families: For additional wellness resources, including suggestions for books, websites, and other mental health wellness resources for employees, follow these links.

Human Resources Wellness Connection programs are designed to help employees thrive at work and outside of work. The 8ight Ways to Wellness framework, developed by WashU faculty, offers employees simple and effective ways to focus on their physical and emotional wellness. Programs include the free Healthy Weight Program, Wellness Challenges and Move into Mindfulness.

Students, Residents and Fellows

If you are a WashU resident or fellow, please visit the GME Wellness Counseling page to set up your appointment.

If you are a WashU medical student, please visit the Wellbeing Counseling services to set up your appointment.

If you are a WashU student on the Danforth campus, please visit the Habif Health and Wellness Center to set up your appointment.

Our WashU Direct providers