COUNSELING
International Counseling at ACU
Living abroad for a semester is an exciting new adventure for many, but it often comes with unforeseen challenges. Students abroad may struggle with transitioning to a new country, adjusting to foreign daily routines, or feeling distant from their support networks back in Abilene. These challenges may feel overwhelming and can cause you to neglect really important aspects like self-care and personal, social, or academic needs. Feelings such as depression, anxiety, loneliness, disappointment, and confusion can emerge, and previous emotional and mental health struggles may also re-emerge.
Each of ACU’s Global Hub-Sites has a dedicated mental healthcare professional selected for their therapeutic skills and ability to understand our students’ culture, faith commitments, and stage of life. Each program counselor will be introduced to students at the beginning of each term and will get to know students through the local orientation process. To schedule an appointment, click on the contact information below each program counselor’s profile photo and independently schedule a meeting time. Then, follow the steps from the “Counseling Quick Guide” link above to seek payment approval through our insurance provider, GeoBlue.
ACU Program Counselors
You will find counseling contact information for each of ACU’s dedicated program sites below. Before you begin, please read the counseling quick guide at the link below to make sure you understand how the process works. From there, you can reach out to the program counselors directly. Your program staff are always available to help you navigate the process.
Leipzig: Sabine Barrell
T: +49 (0) 341/ 231 94 65
E: sabinebarrell@gmx.de
W: psychotherapie-barrell.de
T: 01865 316130
E: mail@juliamiles.net
W: juliamilescounselling.co.uk
Oxford: Julia Miles, MBACP
Valencia: Melanie Novella, M. Psych
WhatsApp: +34 663 631 999
E: admin@mymedicavalencia.com
W: https://mymedicavalencia.com/
⚲: Map
Valencia: Mar Grau-Escriva, MD (Psychiatry)
WhatsApp: +34 663 631 999
E: admin@mymedicavalencia.com
W: https://mymedicavalencia.com/
⚲: Map
Valencia: Maria J. Zarza, PhD (Psychology)
T: +34 622 243 606
E: mzarza@bionexum.es
W: http://www.bionexum.es
⚲: Map
Geoblue Telecounseling Services
There is also the option of using GeoBlue’s global Tele counseling service for immediate assistance
Global Wellness Assist Counseling (GeoBlue) is a one-way stop for international students to be supported through these challenges during their travels. The counseling service is both:
Free
Confidential
Geoblue is staffed by professionals who are entirely independent of ACU. Professional standards regarding confidentiality bind them and prevent them from disclosing details of individuals who have contacted the service. Any information you provide will not be shared with ACU. To contact a counselor, follow the steps outlined below:
1. Email support@worldwideassist.co.uk or SMS text number: +44-790-934-1229 (standard text messaging rates may apply). Include in your email or text:
Your Name
Your Country Location
Your Phone number
Reason
2. You can also use your GeoBlue Mobile App to contact a counseling appointment.
A. Select Telehealth
B. Talk to a Counselor
3. Or you can call the applicable toll-free phone number listed here.
To have a counselor contact you…
