John and Marcia Price College of Engineering Counseling Services


As the Price College of Engineering Mental Health Counselor, my goal is to provide a confidential, safe, and non-judgmental space to address any stressor or concern in your life, and empower you to take actions to meet your needs, values, and goals.

Please email me at jgao@sa.utah.edu with any questions you have.

New process for scheduling an intake appointment:
This year, the University Counseling Center initiated a new process. Students will call the Counseling Center at 801-581-6826 to schedule an “Initial Consultation (IC)” appointment. Remember to ask for “embedded counseling for College of Engineering” when requesting your IC appointment. After the IC appointment, you will be assigned to me, and we can schedule our intake meeting.

In-person appointments are available Monday to Wednesday:
My office is at WEB 1707. I am available for in-person meetings from Monday to Wednesday. Virtual appointments are still available if preferred.

Single-session appointments are available on Monday and Tuesday:
If you are uncertain whether counseling could be helpful for you or just need a brief discussion, you can email me to schedule a single session appointment every Monday at 1:30 pm and Tuesday at 11 am.

For more information regarding mental health resources/events provided by the U, please click here.

University Counseling Center

Utah Crisis Line: 1-800-273-TALK

National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988

Download the SafeUT Crisis Chat and Tip Line App

If you live on campus, MH1 service is available every day in Kahlert Village from 4pm-2am

Top Reasons Engineering Students Seek Counseling

    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Academic concerns
    • Self-esteem
    • Social anxiety
    • Loneliness
    • U of U adjustment
    • Shyness

Our Counseling - Mental Health Services

    • Brief Individual and Couple Counseling
    • Support Group/Group Therapy
    • Drop-in Consultation
    • Workshop/Outreach
    • Assistance with Referrals

Education and Background

Originally from Beijing, China, I have lived in Buffalo, Philadelphia, Boston, working and meeting people from diverse backgrounds. I earned my master’s degree in counseling from Villanova University and psychology from SUNY-Buffalo. I enjoy reading, playing video games, watching suspense and independent movies, and playing with my son.

Clinical Approach

I value acceptance, compassion, and collaboration in my work. I tailor my approach to meet individual needs from a person-centered, strength-based, and relational perspective to support students with skills, strategies, and solutions.

Professional Interest

Depression, anxiety, identity development/self-esteem, relationship issues with intimate partner/family members.

Additional Language

Mandarin

Jiabao Gao (He/Him/His)