Skip to main content

GMU offering free psychological sessions to essential workers

Essential personnel working through the coronavirus pandemic who need psychological support can get a free session from George Mason University in Virginia.

The school’s Center for Psychological Services is providing the service.

Essential workers can call 703-215-1898 and talk to a facilitator trained in mental health first aid. If callers need additional support, GMU is offering three free virtual sessions with doctoral students trained in COVID-19 assessment skills. There’s also help for those experiencing trauma, depression or anxiety due to COVID-19.

The call-line is open to those who work in health care, education, sanitation, transportation, hospitality, food and beverage industry, the Postal Service and the military.

The hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“Our goal is to provide support specifically targeting stresses related to having to be an essential worker,” the Center for Psychological Services said.


More Coronavirus news

Looking for more information? D.C., Maryland and Virginia are each releasing more data every day. Visit their official sites here: Virginia | Maryland | D.C.


Fauci repeatedly invokes the Fifth Amendment in a contentious Senate committee hearing

WASHINGTON (AP) — Dr. Anthony Fauci on Wednesday repeatedly invoked the Fifth Amendment and declined to answer dozens of questions from senators in a Republican-led committee hearing about his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision, at least for now, shielded Fauci from answering questions that could expose him to accusations of lying under oath. Though he received a pardon in early 2025 from Democratic President Joe Biden, some Republicans pursuing a yearslong campaign for his arrest had suggested he could still face charges for any perjury committed during Wednesday’s hearing. The scientist, who helped lead the nation’s COVID-19 response, was subpoenaed to testify under oath by Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, who has long had an antagonistic relationship with Fauci. In response to angry, sometimes mocking questions from Republican senators, Fauci declined to answer more than 100 times, injecting new drama into partisan divides that have festered for years about the origins and handling of the pandemic. Fauci himself has become a polarizing figure, even receiving death threats that prompted him to seek security.
Read Next Story