Counseling and Wellness

Eligibility

All currently enrolled Mason Korea students are eligible for up to 12 sessions per year (including individual and group counseling sessions) at no cost.

 

Services and Appointments

  • Individual Counseling (50 min/session: In-Person or ZOOM)
  • Group Counseling (100 min/session: In-Person or ZOOM)
  • Couple's Class (60 min/session: In-Person ONLY)

Counseling services are available in both English and Korean. To provide you with the best possible support, we strongly encourage scheduling an appointment in advance.

 

Counselors

Ruth Ilryoung Kim

Helena Jeongmin Choi

Make an appointment with Ruth

Office: G317 Mason Korea Building

(Center for Well-Being)

Email: rkim52@gmu.edu

Phone: 032-626-5046

Office Hours:  

(Mon-Fri) 9 AM - 6 PM

Closed on weekends and holidays.

Make an appointment with Helena

Office: Room #3051, Multi-Complex Building

Email: jchoi201@gmu.edu

Phone: 032-626-5142

Office Hours:
Spring/Fall Semesters: (Mon-Thu) 8 AM - 8 PM / (Fri) 8 AM - 6 PM
Summer/Winter Break: (Mon-Fri) 9 AM - 6 PM

Closed on weekends and holidays.

 

Confidentiality

All information shared related to your contact with your counselors will be kept confidential unless you pose an imminent danger to yourself or others.


Message from Ruth

Hi Mason Korea Students,

I’m Ruth Kim, your Senior Mental Health Specialist. College can be exciting and joyful, but it can also bring moments of stress, doubt, or uncertainty. When you invite me into your life, I’ll be a partner on that journey, so you’ll always have someone to share all of those moments with. You don’t have to go through it alone — I’m here to listen, support, and help you find your way forward.

It’s totally natural for everyone to face a crisis at some point, and you don’t have to struggle or deal with it all alone — I’m here to help with an open mind. Together, we can discover your personalized way of getting through challenges by sharing my knowledge, perspective, and experiences. Our conversations are private and supportive. 

The Counseling Center is a safe and confidential space where you can talk openly, get support, and find ways to care for your mental and emotional well-being. Whether you’re facing challenges, adjusting to a new environment, or just need a listening ear, you are always welcome here. Think of this center as a partner in your journey— a place where you can share not just challenges but also your hopes, joys, and successes. I am looking forward to seeing many of you, and I wish you the best, as you are the navigator of your life.

Let’s walk this journey together — one step at a time.

 

Warmly, 
Ruth Kim, Sr. Mental Health Specialist, Center for Well-Being


Message from Helena

Dear Mason Korea Students,

Hello, everyone.

My name is Helena, and I am the Counseling & Wellness Officer at George Mason University Korea. Before joining this institution, I worked as a licensed clinical psychologist for more than ten years. 

Whether you are facing personal challenges or would like to talk about the issues you are going through, I am here to support you. If you simply need someone to talk to after a difficult day, that is completely fine as well.

I understand that life can sometimes feel overwhelming, and it may be difficult to find clear answers. However, I firmly believe that the answers you seek are already within you, waiting to be discovered. Through our sessions, I will be glad to walk alongside you on your journey to find your own way. Please remember that you are always welcome just the way you are. I hope you feel free to reach out to me.

I am truly looking forward to meeting all of you.

 

Sincerely, 
Helena Choi


General Mental Health Information