FAQs

What is the Wellness Exchange?

The Wellness Exchange (WE) is an innovative community health model that provides students with an easily accessible and comprehensive set of caring services that promote health and well-being while providing effective responses to students' health and mental health needs. Through the private Wellness Exchange hotline (212) 443-9999, or 999 from any campus phone, students can find help for everything from coping with an emotional or health problem to information on joining a student club.

What University services are members of the Wellness Exchange?

Wellness Exchange members include:

• Student Health Center
• Counseling Services at the Student Health Center
• Health Promotion & Wellness Services at the Student Health Center
• Harry and Lucy Moses Center for Students with Disabilities
• Student Resource Center
• Department of Residential Education
• Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Student Services
• Department of Athletics, Intramurals, and Recreation

Does this mean I have to go through the Wellness Exchange to go to these offices?

Not at all. You can continue to go directly to NYU’s student support offices — either in person or on the phone — as in the past. The difference is that now if you’re unsure of where to go, if you need help, or if you know someone who does, all you need to do is remember one number — 999 from campus phones — to talk with someone who will listen and who can direct you to the right place.

What does the Wellness Exchange add to what’s in place now?

The Wellness Exchange gives students a single access point — the 999 phone number — for connecting with University’s services. As part of this same effort, the University:

• sent out screening questionnaires to new students and their families to help us learn about whatever special needs they may have;
• added wellness programs to new student orientation;
• expanded the hours of Counseling Services;
• now offers counseling in residence halls; and
• increased the number of RAs, Faculty Fellows in Residence, and peer educators

Why did the University create the Wellness Exchange?

NYU has long been known for having a strong set of student support services. Any university faced with the sad circumstances that the NYU community confronted during the 2003-04 academic year would pause to take stock and see if there are additional steps it could take to improve services even more.

The Wellness Exchange was born out of that spirit. In creating the Wellness Exchange, with its easy to remember telephone number, the University hopes to make it simple for students to connect with and get help from the professionals the University has on hand to serve them.

What kinds of problems can the Wellness Exchange help me with?

Professional counselors at the Wellness Exchange are here to assist you with a host of topics including family and relationship troubles, questions or concerns with drugs or alcohol use, depression, anxiety, sex, identity or any other issue that you may be facing.

What will happen when I call the Wellness Exchange?

When you call 999, a professional counselor will answer the phone and listen to your question, problem, or concern. We'll then talk with you and ask you some questions about how you are feeling in order to determine the best way we can help. Then, we'll either answer your questions, refer you to an office at NYU (or in the neighborhood, if you would prefer) which specializes in addressing your problem or concern, or discuss with you other healthy choices and decisions you can make in order to feel better.

What if I’m calling about a friend?

If you think a friend is having a hard time and you are worried, give us a call to talk about it. A professional counselor will listen to your concern and talk with you about how you can best help. We’ll make every effort to reach out to your friend and — don’t worry — we don’t need to use your name.

Will my call to the Wellness Exchange be private?

All your communication with us will be private. If necessary, only key professionals within the Wellness Exchange will be consulted in order to ensure your safety and that you are being provided with the best possible care. Calling 999 or accessing any other health or mental health related services at NYU will not appear as part of your official, permanent academic record.

When can I call 999?

Students can call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week. NYU has partnered with ProtoCall, a confidential counseling, information, and referral service which helps staff the line during late-night and weekend hours.

If you'd prefer to leave us a voicemail message, please do so by telling us your first name and a telephone number where we can reach you. An NYU counselor will call you back as soon as possible. If we don't reach you, don't worry — we won't leave a message if you instruct us not to.

You can also send us an email anytime at wellness.exchange@nyu.edu. A counselor will respond to your email within a few hours.

What if I have a problem, but don’t want to call?

You can also "talk" with a counselor by e-mail if you would prefer. Just send us an e-mail at wellness.exchange@nyu.edu and we will respond to you as quickly as possible.

Will I be charged for calling 999?

If you're calling from a campus phone, there's no charge for the call or our service. Otherwise, calling 212-443-9999 is just a standard local call.