UVA Law Counseling Service

Mental Health Resources at the School of Law

Dr. Kate Gibson and Karen Painter, therapists with UVA’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), are located at the School of Law (embedded) and focus exclusively on the mental health needs of law school students.  These embedded Law School therapists have offices in Suite SL135d. They have both been at CAPS for a number of years.  Dr. Gibson has been at the law school since 2015, is a Licensed Psychologist and attorney and practiced in big law for 8 years in Washington, DC before becoming a psychologist.  She is at the law school full time.  Ms. Painter is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has provided mental health services in the Central VA area for over 20 years. She is interested in cultural and identity development and wellbeing, family dynamics, and incorporating trauma healing practices that integrate the mind and body. She splits her time between the School of Law and Darden and is at the School of Law Tu., Wed., and Thu.

Among the services these embedded Law School therapists provide are:

  • Consultation for students and faculty and staff (for concerns about students)
  • Assessment
  • Brief individual therapy
  • Outreach activities such as presentations, guest talks in class, or meeting with your organization
  • Referrals (Community Psychiatry, specialized or more intensive treatment options, care management)

CAPS Hours

Mon-Fri 8am-5pm (4:30pm during winter break and summer)

Cost

In person visits with these embedded Law School therapists (and other professionals of UVA Student Health and Wellness Center) are funded through your comprehensive student fees.  There is no additional cost to meet with them during Fall and Spring terms.

Missed appointment/Cancellation Fee: A fee of $40 is charged for missed appointments or appointments cancelled after 8 am of the day of appointment.

Title IX

Dr. Gibson and Ms. Painter are Confidential Employees under UVA’s Title IX policy. This means students can individually consult with either of them (or other Student Health and Wellness Center professionals) on issues related to incidents of gender or sexual-based violence while leaving the choice on reporting to the University to the student.

How to Make an Appointment

Students who are interested with meeting with Dr. Gibson or Ms. Painter can make an initial appointment (a) online through your UVA Healthy Hoos patient portal, (b) by emailing both law embedded therapists at @email or (c) by calling the CAPS main number 434-243-5150 and letting them know that you are a law student.  A first meeting will be by phone and will take approximately 45 minutes.  During the meeting you will have the chance to review your concerns and plan appropriate next steps. 

Law students may also choose to meet with a CAPS therapist at Central Grounds CAPS and can start this process by calling the CAPS main number 434-243-5150. The main office is located within the Student Health and Wellness Center at 550 Brandon Avenue, 4TH floor, Charlottesville, VA 22908.  Parking for appointments is available beneath the building and can be accessed from Monroe Ave.

Community Connection and Outreach

Dr. Gibson and Ms. Painter enjoy meeting with student groups, faculty and staff. They are available for presentations or discussions on mental health issues including issues of stress, diversity and difference and mindfulness.  They are interested in hearing about students’ experiences at the law school and thoughts about improving mental health services and mental health programming. You can contact them if you would like to arrange for mental health presentations or programming for your organization or class by emailing  @email.