Mental Health Counseling

• Check out our Facebook, Instagram, or Tiktok. Stories for daily availability

• We DO NOT offer academic counseling. For academic counseling please contact General Counseling

• Personal Counseling sessions are one-to-one

• Couples Counseling available by request

• Support Groups coming soon!

• Sessions are completely safe and confidential

• Appointments can be scheduled sameday (Dependent on Availability)

• Appointments strongly encouraged 

• Cancellations require a 24hr notice

• 3 strikes rule: 3 “No Show” or “No Notice” (less than 24hr notice) cancellations services are suspended pending meeting with the Dean for reinstatement.

 

LICENSED COUNSELORS

Maria Iniguez, LCSW (se habla español)

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THERAPIST TRAINEES

• Aaron Mogilski
• David Morits
• Rachel AcFalle
• Alisa Hopsiter
• Wendy Clugston
• Natalie Orosco
• Judy Rudolph

 

While the student health center strives to give quality care to as many students as possible, there will be times when appointments are not available. Please see this LIST OF RESOURCES (Mental Health, Domestic Violence, Coping Skills) available for students in their time of need. 

Oasis Support Counseling (after hours support) - Support Counseling Sessions to reduce stress and promote resilience can be scheduled 7 days a week, 12pm and 3am EST. Time zones will automatically adjust. Provides immediate access to trained mental health professionals, proficient in offering non-clinical, focused support under the supervision of licensed professionals. Download the Oasis Mental Health Application to your Phone or visit the Web Platform to register for Support Counseling. Create an Account by using your Student Email (MyMSJC email).

 

   

CCC Student Mental Health Programs provide a suite of interactive, research-proven Kognito Trainings to educate students, staff and faculty on the best practices in supporting students who struggle with psychological distress. Online training simulations using avatars are available to Mt. San Jacinto College students, staff and faculty to help gain skills around mental health and suicide prevention.

Kognito has two different learning modules, a peer-to-peer training for students and a faculty and staff module to help campus employees interact with students in possible distress. 60 percent of college students experience periods of overwhelming anxiety, and more than one-quarter of students experience feelings of depression. For 15 percent of the student population, those feelings directly affect their academic performance. Sometimes all it takes is one person to make all the difference.

I am a student dealing with personal problems. Can you help me?

Yes

Services are available through the Student Health Centers to all students currently enrolled at Mt. San Jacinto College (taking 1 or more credits) and who have paid the student health fee.

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I need to see an academic counselor. Can you help me?

No

Student Health Services provides medical and mental health counseling only. To speak to a counselor regarding class schedules please contact General Counseling.

 SPEAK TO AN ACADEMIC COUNSELOR

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How soon can I meet with a personal counselor?

Dependent on availability 

Telehealth appointments are available Monday – Friday. Sameday appointments available early in the semester. Most appointments can be scheduled within a 24-48 hour window. 

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Will my video telehealth appointments be private and secure?

Yes

Conversations with our counselors are strictly confidential, except under limited situations. Exceptions to confidentiality are explained further at the time of your first appointment and can be found in our Counseling Informed Consent found in the Patient Portal.

You should also know that your counseling records are not shared with other school departments or staff and do not affect your academic record.

For live video telehealth sessions we use Doxy.me, a secure teletherapy video platform, to make your calls as private and secure as possible. According to Doxy.me, “all data is encrypted, your sessions are anonymous, and none of your information is stored. We adhere to HIPAA, PIPEDA, and GDPR data privacy requirements.” All you need to do is be in a private location where you feel safe to talk.

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I feel nervous about seeing a counselor. What can I expect?

You are not alone.

Many students that come see us have not been in counseling before. We work hard to make sure you feel supported, listened to, and safe whether you see one of our licensed counselors or graduate level trainees. We are passionate about the work we do and made it our life and career goal to help people experiencing challenging life situations.

We know college students feel extra stress while going to school. Our student trainees in particular understand exactly what you are going through because they are students too! Each of our trainees is enrolled in an accredited Master program in social work and/or psychology and supervised closely by our experienced counselors to make sure you are getting the best quality of care.

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How long are counseling sessions?

45 Minute Sessions

We offer 45 minutes individual therapy sessions using a Brief Therapy model that will help you feel supported without feeling rushed.

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What happens during sessions?

Pre-Appointment: Prior to seeing your personal counselor we ask you to logon to your Patient Portal and fill out paperwork to help your counselor get to know you and your goals. 

• Informed Consent - By digitally signing this form you are consenting to mental health services. This form is to be completed one (1) time per calendar year unless there have been updates. 
  
  
• Therapy Goals - This form helps you and your counselor create a road map for your care. This form is to be completed when new objectives are made. 
  
  
• Brief Mood Survey - This survey should be taken immediately before and after your personal counseling appointments. This form is used to assess the success of each counseling session.

 

Brief Therapy (6-8 sessions)
Brief Therapy session plans are evaluated on a case by case basis so long as the student is compliant and benefiting from therapy.

Therapy is for you. If at any time you have questions or doubts, share them with your counselor. Your input is important to your progress.

Session 1: In this session you will meet your personal counselor and go over pre-appointment documents (informed consent form, therapy goals, etc). Your counselor will answer any questions you have regarding these documents and/or the therapy process.

You and your counselor will discuss what brought you into therapy and your expectations for therapy. Your counselor will likely ask you several questions to gather information that will assist in creating a treatment plan to help you reach your goals.

Do not get discouraged if you do not get answers to your questions. The therapy process takes time and with time and effort you should begin to see results.

Session 2-6+: During the second session you and your counselor will identify what should be addressed first to help you begin to improve your well-being.

Your counselor will support you and guide you through the process of achieving your goals with each following session. They will offer a variety of methods that will be specific to your situation.

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