Jose Daniel Hernandez & Jael Rodriguez
Arts & Culture Editor // Staff Writer 

This semester our educational institute has reintroduced the Roosevelt University Counseling Center (RUCC) after much input from the Student Government Association and the student body in Spring of 2024. The push for the center started with students requesting in-person mental health care. This initiative is geared towards the well-being of one’s mind and takes into consideration both the students and the staff of the Roosevelt community. The RUCC features a variety of options for support that can fit the diverse Laker community.  

This action is led by Dr. Gabe Becker, who is the director of the Counseling Center, and Cecilaia Franchi, a staff therapist. This is the current team, but according to their website, “professionals include licensed clinical psychologists, licensed therapists, and advanced doctoral trainees working under supervision (beginning during the fall term – 2026).”

For students to begin their support services, they will first begin with an initial consultation appointment. “During this meeting, a therapist will work collaboratively with the student to assess needs, discuss goals, and determine whether services at the RUCC are the best fit or if a community referral would be more appropriate, said Becker.” All RUCC services are available at no additional cost to currently enrolled Roosevelt University students. 

Some of the services that will be available to students are:

• Group therapy and support groups (beginning fall 2026) 
• Short-term individual therapy
• Case management and referral support
• Consultation for faculty, staff, and students concerned about a student’s well-being
• Self-help and wellness resources, including access to TimelyCare’s on-demand wellness tools

To make an initial assessment or an appointment after the assessment one can contact the RUCC by phone at (312) 341-2032 or fill out a brief appointment request form that is found on their website. However, as of 02/03, online scheduling for appointments is unavailable, but check the website as it mentions it will be available soon. 

The office is located in the Auditorium building in AUD 470. The days and hours will be Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

If you currently use Timely Care, there is no need to worry. There will be no change to that, as our University is still partnered with them and your experience should not be impacted according to Dr. Gabe Becker.

For more in depth and detailed information about the services that are available, check out the counseling centers webpage: http://www.roosevelt.edu/counseling