About us
The Center for Psychological Services and Development (CPSD) was established in 1984 as a training facility for advanced counseling and clinical psychology graduate students at Virginia Commonwealth University.
The clinic serves as a practical component of our graduate training program, bridging the gap between coursework, research, and practice. Our doctoral students work closely with licensed faculty supervisors to provide you with high-quality treatment based on the most current research. CPSD supervisors have years of practice and research experience in their fields of expertise; many are nationally recognized experts. Services are also provided on a limited basis by licensed faculty members. Learn more about our faculty and staff. Look through our frequently asked questions list for more information or contact us for answers to your questions.
We offer outpatient services to members of the VCU and Central Virginia communities. Services are available to individuals of all backgrounds and a wide range of ages - from preschoolers to seniors - and couples and families of all types. Consistent with VCU’s non-discrimination policy, the CPSD welcomes individuals of every race, national origin, religion, and sexual orientation. At the CPSD, you can expect individualized, high quality care at an affordable cost. Get a full description of our services.
The entrance to the CPSD is locked at all times. Ring the buzzer when you arrive and the receptionist will let you in. If we do reply right away, call the number on the door and someone will be with you promptly.
We have several private consultation rooms that provide a secure place for you and your therapist to talk about what’s on your mind. Our treatment rooms include those specifically designed for children and families, group therapy and couples counseling. We have state-of-the-art digital recording equipment to allow for regular supervision by licensed faculty members.
Please help us stay healthy:
- Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth. In accordance with VCU guidelines for a healthcare setting, all persons in the clinic aged 5 and older are required to wear face masks at all times. This is true for everyone, regardless of vaccination status.
- Stay or return home if you, or someone with you, is sick. We kindly ask that you reschedule your appointment if you are ill.
- Wash or sanitize your hands when you enter the clinic. Staff can point out sanitizer or a sink with soap that you can use.
- Limit the food and drinks you bring into the clinic. Because we treat many people, we ask that you bring only water to your appointment.
Because the CPSD values your privacy, and as a courtesy to other clients, we respectfully ask that you keep cell phone conversations to a minimum in our small waiting area.
The CPSD is located at 612 N Lombardy St at Virginia Commonwealth University, on the southwest corner of Lombardy Street and Broad Street.
The main entrance is located on Lombardy with the numbers 612 above the door. Ring the doorbell or call the number on the door when you arrive. The entrance is wheelchair accessible.
Many GRTC bus routes make regular stops near the clinic. Parking is not provided by the CPSD but free and metered street parking is available. For more parking information, refer to VCU's Visitor Parking website.
Please do not park in VCU's parking lot (WW) next to the clinic. It is permit-parking only and is well-patrolled.
It is important to know that we do not provide walk-in/same day appointments or provide emergency services after regular clinic hours. Emergency services during regular clinic hours are for current clients only.
In case of emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. If you are a VCU student, call 828-1234 for immediate assistance.
We offer in-person and telehealth appointments during Appointment Hours.
- Therapy appointments are typically 50 minutes long and may begin at the top or bottom of each hour. For example, your appointment may begin at 2 or 2:30 pm. Our final appointment of the day begins at 7pm.
- Assessment appointments range in length from two to six hours. Your clinician will answer your questions about the length and structure of your testing appointments. Assessments include a 50-minute feedback session.
You will receive of a packet forms detailing CPSD's policies, including our cancellation policy, before your first appointment. Your clinician will review the cancellation policy with you and we encourage you to ask questions. You may also contact our clinic staff with your questions.
No Surprise Medical Billing and Good Faith Estimate for Services
You are protected against surprise medical bills. Download our No Surprise Medical Bills notice or read it online.
You have the right to receive a good faith estimate explaining how much your medical care would cost. Download our standard Good Faith Estimate Notice or read it online.
Sliding-scale Fees
As part of our commitment to high quality, low cost services, our fees are set from a sliding scale based on your family income. The CPSD's Assistant Directors review your application and set your fee with you, by phone. If your ability to pay your fee changes over time, you may call the clinic and ask to speak to an assistant director about changing your fee.
You are expected to pay for services at the beginning of your appointment. For assessments, you are expected to pay your fee, in full, before your first testing appointment.
Courtesy Fees
We realize that for some clients, the sliding-scale fee would be greater than your standard copay (or coinsurance) specified by your health insurance policy. As a courtesy, we can set your fee, for therapy, equal to your copay for out-patient office visits for a Specialist or Mental Health (or Behavioral Health) provider. It is important to remember:
- We do not participate in any insurance plan
- We do not file insurance claims nor do we receive payment from any provider or agency
- At your request, we will provide you with documentation of your services
We do not offer $0 (no payment) services. Ask an assistant director for details when discussing your fee.
Cancellation Policy
To avoid being charged your full session fee, you must give at least 24 hours notice, in advance, to cancel your appointment. If you are scheduled for an assessment, we require 2 full business days notice of a cancellation to avoid late cancellation fees. Exceptions may be made in case of an emergency.
You are expected to pay for services at the beginning of your appointment. For assessments, you are expected to pay your fee, in full, before your first testing appointment. We offer a variety of payment options.
Cash, check, and credit card in-person
Submit your payment, in-person, when staff are at the clinic's front desk. We accept cash, checks, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa.
Check by mail
Make your check payable to "CPSD" and mail it to:
VCU CPSD
612 N Lombardy St
Box 843033
Richmond VA 23284-3033
Credit card online
We accept American Express, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa payments on our secure payment site: go.vcu.edu/cpsdwebpay.
Credit card by phone
We accept American Express, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa payments by phone (804 828-8069) during business office hours. We will complete your payment during the phone call and give you a receipt number.
We do not write down nor do we keep your card information.
We cannot process payment for:
- RAMbucks
- Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account debit cards - we can provide documentation for you to include in a request for reimbursement
How we apply your payment
We will apply your payment to your oldest outstanding invoice first, including invoices for late cancellations and no-shows.
It is important to know:
- You will receive regular statements by mail
- If the balance of any invoice in your account remains unpaid for more than 30 days, you will need to make a payment to avoid a suspension of services
Payments from others on your behalf
Please inform us if you have been referred to the CPSD by an agency (e.g., Department of Social Services) who intends to pay your fees. We need to know name of the agency and have a contact name and telephone number. We will confirm the agencies intent to pay before your services begin.
It is important to know that the forms, below, do not connect with or transmit electronic information to the CPSD. All CPSD forms request personal information. For your protection, we will not accept your completed forms via email.
Forms for New Clients
You will receive these forms via DocuSign before your first appointment. Your clinician, or our staff, are available to answer your questions. CPSD requires that you complete all new-client forms and agree to pay fees before your first appointment begins.
Informed Consent for Treatment
Informed Consent Addendum for Teletherapy
Informed Consent Addendum for Tele-assessment
Email Consent and Social Media Policy
Emergency Contacts / Weapons & Intoxication Policy / Childcare Policy
You may read and print the forms with Adobe Reader. You can also add your electronic signature to the forms with Adobe Reader. If you do not have access to a printer, contact your therapist, or our staff, to request a secure upload link for your completed and signed forms. Please, do not email forms containing your personal information.
We do not accept new-client forms unless you have a scheduled appointment. Please apply if you are seeking services.