Therapists on Campus: What 'Embedded' Care Means for Students

Many colleges have added embedded therapists who work in residence halls and in specific academic units. These clinicians offer brief individual therapy, group programs, drop-in hours, and consultation with resident assistants while remaining linked to the campus counseling center. Although the exact model varies by campus, the common aim is to reduce barriers to care and to normalize help-seeking among students. Since 2016 some institutions have created long-term embedded positions in residence halls or colleges, and other campuses have placed clinicians inside athletic or professional schools. The University of Iowa has dedicated embedded counselors in multiple colleges, and Penn State launched an embedded counselor program for residence halls in 2016.

Programs have been reported to extend counseling hours, and at Virginia Tech embedded counselors started in fall 2022. There they have offered drop-in consultations, crisis response, and short-term therapy; campus leaders say the work helps RAs by giving them direct referral options. While many students use only a few meetings, some continue care with the main counseling center or with contracted telehealth. Evaluations are still limited, but early usage figures and university reports suggest embedded counselors increase access and make care feel more routine on campus.