About the CPSD
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.
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.
- We accept cash, checks, American Express, Discover, Master Card and Visa. We are unable to process Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account debit cards at this time. We cannot accept RAMBucks.
- The CPSD does not participate in any insurance plans. We do not file insurance claims. At your request, we will provide documentation that you may use to file for reimbursement.
Please inform us if you have been referred to the CPSD by an agency (e.g., Department of Social Services) who intends to pay for your services. We need to know name of the agency and a contact name and telephone number.
Clinic staff will review your fee and our cancelation policy with you at your first appointment. We encourage you to ask questions.
Please note: we do not provide walk-in/same day appointments, or provide emergency services after regular clinic hours. In case of emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Therapy appointments are typically 50 minutes long and begin at the top of each hour - we do not offer sessions from noon to 1pm. Our final appointment of the day begins at 7pm.
Assessment appointments range in length from two to six hours. Your therapist will answer your questions about the length of your testing appointments and how breaks are structured. Assessments include a 50-minute feedback session.
CPSD staff can recommend food shops close to the clinic - we allow food in our reception area but we do not allow food in our consultation and testing rooms.
Clinic staff will review our cancelation policy with you at your first appointment. We encourage you to ask questions.
The entrance to the CPSD is locked at all times and a VCU Security Officer is on staff during evening hours. Ring the buzzer when you arrive and the receptionist will let you in. If staff are momentarily away from the desk, call the number listed on the door and someone will be with you immediately.
Because the CPSD follows HIPAA guidelines, and as a courtesy to other clients, we respectfully ask that you keep cell phone conversations to a minimum in our small waiting area.
Snacks and drinks are permitted in the waiting room. Because our treatment rooms are used by many people, only water is allowed in the room during sessions.
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.
Important information about CPSD forms:
- Forms require Adobe Reader to read and print
- Forms do not link to, or transmit information electronically, to the CPSD.
- Forms request personal information; please do not return completed forms to the CPSD via email.
Forms for New Clients
You are encouraged to print and complete these forms to bring with you to your first appointment. We cannot accept these forms unless you have a scheduled appointment. Please apply if you are seeking services.
Acknowledgement of Receipt of Privacy Practices
- CPSD's Privacy Practices is available for download
Other Client Forms