Support for our Diverse Communities

Even as we celebrate our diverse community made up of students from varied backgrounds with different experiences, identities and abilities, we also know that members of our community can feel marginalized and face systemic oppression. Because students in these communities are often more at risk of victimization, harassment and discrimination, AUP’s guidance counselors have developed a network of therapists for students of color, LGBTQ+ students and others who seek support. In addition, AUP’s guidance counselors seek regular training to better support our students and their needs.

AUP promotes mental health and well-being on campus by ensuring that students have access to counseling and other forms of mental health care that is respectful of their identity, culture and needs. The following statistics from The Trevor Project’s National Survey of LGBTQ Youth Mental Health 2020 and Mental Health America highlight why access to such care is essential:

• Transgender and non-binary youth suicide attempt rates decreased by half when their pronouns were respected by all or most of the people in their lives, in contrast to those who typically did not have their pronouns respected.
• 40% of LGBTQ youth in America have seriously contemplated suicide in the last year, with more than half of transgender and non-binary youth having seriously considering suicide.
• One in three LGBTQ youth report that they have experienced physical violence or intimidation at least once in their life because of their sexuality or gender orientation.
• Over 60% of transgender and non-binary youth report being obstructed or prevented from accessing bathrooms that affirm their gender identity, with schools being the most frequent place where this discrimination occurs.
• In 2018, 2.4% of Black Americans aged 18 to 25 made a suicide attempt, compared with 1.5% in 2008.  
• Adult Blacks and African Americans are more likely to have feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness than adults who are white
• Native and Indigenous Americans report higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol dependence than any other ethnic group.

 Seeking counseling

AUP's guidance counselors are available for confidential mental health support and, in addition, can provide referrals to mental health specialists, including Black therapists, therapists of color and LGBTQ+ friendly therapists. 

• Pamela Montfort: Monday to Friday – Schedule an appointment: https://calendly.com/pmontfort-counseling 
• Charlotte Vernier: Monday to Friday – Schedule an appointment: https://calendly.com/cvernier-counseling 

Alternatively, you can contact one of our off-campus therapists directly if you do not wish to seek support through AUP counselors. AUP works in partnership with off-campus therapists who provide weekly sessions to AUP students in the Fall and Spring semesters. The off-campus therapists have their private practices independent from AUP, yet work in conjunction with the Student Development Office to promote and support student health and wellbeing.

• Anne-Marie Galliot
  • Licensed clinical psychologist trained in cognitive and behavioral therapy and acceptance and engagement therapy
  • amgalliotpsychologuegmail.com
  • Tel. +33 6 95 91 59 18
  • Schedule an appointment: https://calendly.com/off-campus-counseling/am-galliot

• Eva Kemppainen
  • Licensed clinical psychologist trained in Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy
  • evakpsychologistgmail.com
  • Appointments : https://calendly.com/off-campus-counseling/eva-kemppainen
  • Tel. +33 6 50 68 03 28

• Kay von Bogenberg
  • MA clinical psychotherapist
  • kvon75003gmail.com
  • Tel. +33 6 82 34 77 68
  • Appointments : https://calendly.com/off-campus-counseling/k-von-bogenberg

These consultations are financially covered by AUP and can be scheduled via the Student Guidance Counselors or by contacting the off-campus therapists directly. It is not necessary to share the reason(s) of the visit when scheduling an appointment, unless the student chooses to.

The approach of these sessions is based on a brief therapy and assessment model during a first, 40-45 minute visit. After this, the therapist proposes a plan that may include scheduling a return visit, a referral to another therapist, or, if necessary, to a psychiatrist, general practitioner, or other support services in Paris. In the event of a referral, AUP health insurance reimburses up to 90 euros for psychiatrists and psychologists and up to 15 therapy sessions per semester.

The Diversity Council

The Diversity Council supports a culture of ever-greater diversity, equity and inclusion at AUP. It functions as an advisory council and recommending body to the President and Provost, as a liaison to departments across the University, and as an advocate for all members of the AUP community who feel they have experienced bias or discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.  

The Diversity Council is also looking forward to working with students, staff, and faculty on projects that can make AUP a more inclusive place.

email: diversitycouncilaup.edu