Mental Health Specialist for SSW

Also called a Counseling Center Liaison or Embedded Counselor

Lev Cunningham, LICSW

pronouns: he or they

The Mental Health Specialist offers confidential, wellness-focused support for students across School of Social Work programs. This support includes information, resources, referrals, mentorship, and a non-judgemental, caring presence.

Students, please feel welcome to meet with me and discuss anything on your mind. Learn more about Lev at the bottom of this page.

If are not comfortable speaking with Lev for any reason, email sswmentalhealth@uw.edu for a referral.

If you have feedback for Lev, use this anonymous form Links to an external site..

TL;DR / Quick Links

Please note: Let’s Talk drop-in hours cancelled on March 12th and 14th, and Friday, March 28th

Time-Sensitive News

- Teach in: How We Got Here: Critical Reflections on Racism, Deportation, and Transphobia - Featuring UW faculty from across campus. Friday, April 4th, 12:30-3:30pm; Kane Hall. Registration required. Links to an external site.

UW Counseling Center

The Counseling Center offers free short-term counseling, groups and group therapy, and a range of wellness events for all students. The Counseling Center serves all UW students regardless of insurance or economic status. To learn more or to make an appointment, you can reach out to Lev OR contact the Counseling Center directly at 206-543-1240.

Let’s Talk

Let’s Talk is easy-to-access informal consultation with a licensed counselor. It’s not therapy or a replacement for therapy, but it is a space to get support for your concerns and learn about resources. All students are welcome to use this free, campus-wide resource.

The School of Social Work has our own SSW-focused Let’s Talk drop-in hours twice a week with Lev:

Husky Health Clinic

Husky Health is a UW Medicine clinic focused on serving the student body of UW Seattle. Husky Health offers primary care services and accepts insurance from many providers. All students are entitled to one free clinic visit per quarter. To learn more or to make an appointment, contact Husky Health at 206-685-1011.

Gender Affirming Care

Gender Affirming Care is available to all UW students regardless of ability to pay or insurance status. Services include access to medications, letters for surgeries, birth control, abortion services, and more. Our campus providers are educated about current standards of care and aim to serve all students with respect.

FAQ

Where can I find assistance with health insurance?

Looking to sign up for healthcare? Email Nick West, Husky Health’s Insurance Navigator, at nwest3@uw.edu to set up an appointment.
Did you know? DACA recipients now qualify for healthcare under the Affordable Care Act! Links to an external site. Apply before January 15, 2025!

I am experiencing bias. What can I do?

SSW Ombud
UW Ombud Links to an external site.
UW Bias Report Links to an external site.
Not sure or want to learn more? Book a confidential conversation with Lev Links to an external site..

Where can I find a private space for a virtual meeting?

Library Study Rooms https://www.lib.washington.edu/services/spaces/study Links to an external site.
Odegaard Library Zoom Pods These individual pods (booths) provide a private, sound-dampened environment for Zoom and phone calls. Available on a first-come, first served basis. Use is limited to 60 minutes.
UW Scout https://scout.uw.edu/seattle/ Students can look for a private room by clicking on the “Filter Spaces” button and check the box for Study room. For each room, there will be instructions if it is possible to reserve the space.

More about Lev

I studied Art History, Studio Art, and Sociology at Kent State University (2005) and earned my MSW at UW (2013). My approach to working with students aims to be accessible, caring, and non-judgemental.