Personal/Mental Health Counseling Sessions
Free and confidential telehealth Counseling and Mental Health Services are available via Zoom or Phone to currently enrolled students who are physically in the state of California. To request an appointment, please fill out the contact form on our Health Services main page or call 760.795.6675.
Sessions are 50 minutes, one time per week for up to six consecutive weeks. One-time drop-in crisis sessions of up to 50 minutes are also available. Sessions may be used for individual, relationship, or family counseling. Some common reasons to seek mental health counseling are:
- Generally overwhelmed with life
- Difficulties at school or work
- Stress and anxiety
- Depression
- Difficulty with sleep
- Relationship challenges
- Substance abuse
- Concerns about eating
- Sexuality
- Gender identity
- Traumatic life experiences
- Pressure/trauma related to marginalization
Workshops- Tuesdays at 3 pm
For the Zoom link contact Rachel Benson at rbenson@miracosta.edu
October
- 10/19 Anxious Attachment
- 10/26 Disorganized Attachment
November
- 11/2 What is Mindfulness?
- 11/9 Mindfulness and Self
- 11/16 Mindfulness and Others
- 11/23 Thanksgiving Week (no workshops)
December
- 11/30 Boundaries
- 12/7 Character Strengths
- 12/14 Finals Week (no workshops)
Groups (Fall Semester - starting August 23, 2021)
Group for Black Students
Tuesdays, 4pm-4:50pm. Student-only space for Black students to share experiences and
build community. In collaboration with Student Equity & UMOJA. Facilitated by Tammah
Watts. Email twatts@miracosta.edu for information & link.
UPRISE Groups
Mondays & Tuesdays, 6pm-8pm. Art therapist-run group for undocumented students and
their families. In collaboration with UPRISE (through Student Equity). Facilitated
by Dr. Berenice Badillo. Email bbadillo@miracosta.edu for information & link.
Prism Collective
Wednesdays, 5pm-5:50pm. An affirming space for all LGBTQIA+ students to share experiences,
speak about the nuances of their identities, and build community. In collaboration
with Student Equity. Facilitated by Van Ethan Levy. Email vlevy@miracosta.edu for information & link.
Navigating Social Connections: Group for Autistic Students/Students with Autism
Mondays, 3pm-4pm. Interested in developing new social skills or practicing social
interactions with others? Participate as little or as much as you'd like. In collaboration
with Student Accessibility Services. Facilitated by Tanya D'Angelo (Health Services)
and Krystle Taylor (SAS). Email tdangelo@miracosta.edu for information & link.
Recovery Support Group
Wednesdays, 12pm-1pm starting November 3rd, 2021. An anonymous, mutual support group
for students with addictive problems using a self-empowering SMART (Self Management
and Recovery Training) approach to change facilitated by Tammah Watts. ZOOM LINK.
Our Team
The Mental Health Counseling Team is comprised of a diverse group of professionals and includes Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors, and pre-licensed counselors and associates.
We have been trained to look at the world from a systemic, humanistic, social justice, and equity-minded perspective. We consider the whole person in our work with students. This includes focusing on past and current experiences, including the impact the larger system has on lived experiences. We therefore consider the impact of social injustices and systemic inequities on individuals, including acknowledging and examining systems, policies, and practices of oppression that students have experienced.
As clinicians, we are in solidarity for social justice and equity, both here at MiraCosta and in the larger community. We are here for all students and as an additional source of support for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and LGBTQIA+ students in the MiraCosta community, both through individual counseling and through scheduled group sessions.
Angelica Porras (she, her, hers)
Mental Health Counselor
I am currently a student intern from CSUSM obtaining my master’s in social work. I received my Bachelor’s degree in sociology from UC Riverside. I spent the last six years working with underserved children and their families for Rady Children’s Outpatient Psychiatry before entering graduate school. I have experience working with a variety of topics such as individuals and families with different needs including homeless, victims of interpersonal violence/domestic violence, and addictions. As a MiraCosta alumni and former EOPS Peer Advisor, I am familiar with the various obstacles community college students face. While attending MiraCosta I was a single mother facing many barriers. MiraCosta provided me with a community of support that I needed. I am grateful to be in a position where I can give back to this community. I believe that a strength based approach with the incorporation of evidence based techniques can support clients overcome life obstacles and achieve their goals.
James Olmos (he, him, his)
Mental Health Counselor
I was born and raised in El Centro, California, but San Diego has been my home since 2013. I was a student at San Diego City College then I transferred to UC San Diego, where I majored in Ethnic Studies. I am currently a graduate student in the Community Based Block Program (CBB) at San Diego State University. As a non-traditional student, I am passionate about social justice, and have experience working in mentorship programs such as: Hermanos Unidos Brothers United (HUBU), Puente, Chancellor‘s Associates Scholarship Program (CASP), and TRIO Student Support Services Program. As a first-generation student and son of immigrants, I know how important and transformative education can be. Community College has been one of the most profound experiences in my life, and I hope you all get the most during your experience as we embark on this therapeutic journey of self-discovery, self-love, and acceptance of exploring your true-self.
Rachel Yi Ling Benson (she, her, hers)
Mental Health Counselor
Rachel is a graduate student at National University pursuing her Master’s Degree in Professional Clinical Counseling (PCC) and Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT). Rachel is originally from Hong Kong; she speaks several languages, including Cantonese and Mandarin. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from San Diego State University. She has worked in various school districts with diverse populations. Rachel enjoys working with individuals and their families through different challenges of life. Rachel leans toward Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Art and Music Therapy, and Play Therapy. She was fortunate to learn about sand tray therapy from the World Association of Sand Therapy professionals. Rachel believes that using an integrated therapy approach and evidenced-based interventions can benefit her clients to reach their highest potential and to achieve their goals.
Agne Bolsakova (she, her, hers)
Mental Health Counselor
Agne is a graduate student at the University of San Diego pursuing her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC). Agne is originally from Lithuania and speaks three languages, including Lithuanian and Russian. Agne has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and before transferring to Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA, she was attending community college. She has worked in large multinational corporations with individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds. In addition, Agne has experience working with undergraduate college student population serving as a financial aid advisor. As a counselor-in-training, Agne believes in a strengths-based approach and values each individual’s unique experiences within the context of their life.
Tanya D’Angelo, M.S., APCC (she, her, hers)
Mental Health Counselor
Tanya D’Angelo is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC). She graduated from San Diego State University with a M.S. in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling, specializing in Psychiatric Rehabilitation. Her background emphasizes vocational rehabilitation as a form of recovery and she has supported Veterans as well as job seekers with physical, neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disabilities/differences as they achieved their individualized goals. She draws on Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Solution Focused Therapy (SFT) and emphasizes a strengths-based approach. Tanya values each individual’s lived experience and partners with people as they progress toward their self-identified wellness goals.
Carolina Moxley, M.S., AMFT (she, her, hers)
Mental Health Counselor
Carolina Moxley is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) who has been a Mental Health Counselor at MiraCosta College since January of 2020. She graduated from San Diego State University and received an M.A. in Linguistics and an M.S. in Counseling, specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy. As part of her graduate studies, Carolina completed a 15-month traineeship at Elizabeth Hospice, where she provided bereavement counseling for both hospice families and community members. Her education placed a strong emphasis on understanding the importance of clients’ intersecting identities (such as age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and SES) and how societal discourses of power and privilege are inextricably tied to many of the problems which clients seek to address in therapy. Using empirically supported practices, Carolina aids clients in capitalizing on their strengths, exploring new perspectives, learning new coping skills, and, most importantly, achieving their own therapeutic aims. Carolina has experience and a passion for working with clients experiencing relational challenges as well as issues with self-esteem/self-compassion/self-love/self-acceptance. She enjoys helping clients identify and live according to their values. Carolina also has experience working with grieving clients and, more specifically, with survivors of suicide loss.
Jaya Roy, M.A., MSW, ASW (she, her, hers)
Mental Health Counselor
Hello I am Jaya, thank you for reading my bio. My formal training includes a M.A. in Cognitive Psychology and a M.S.W. in Clinical Social Work. I am also a certified yoga instructor and domestic violence advocate. I use my background in cognitive psychology and yoga to take a deep dive exploring the ways in which our body and mind responds to, internalizes, and adapts to the ups and downs of life. While my social work background allows me to contextualize and root our understanding within a person’s lived experience, history, culture, and social identities. By integrating these aspects into a dynamic understanding of one’s self, I believe we can make sustainable and long-term impact towards well-being. I also believe that how we do our work is just as important as the work we do. Specifically, no matter what I am doing I aim to embody principles of cultural humility, equity and social-justice. Some topics I have experience providing support are LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and multicultural affirming counseling, in addition to topics related to trauma, IPV/DV, eating disorders in women of color, anxiety, depression, self-injury and suicidality.
Berenice Badillo, Ph.D. LMFT ATR-BC (she, her, hers)
Associate Faculty / Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Affiliated with the UPRISE program at MiraCosta College, Berenice is a Spanish speaking Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, board certified Art Therapist, community muralist, and multimedia artist. She is an immigrant from La Piedad, Michoacán, Mexico and has found herself straddling the many worlds of intertwined cultural and subcultural identities throughout her life. Berenice has worked in communities of socioeconomic need and has extensive experience in working with people on issues of depression, complex trauma, bereavement, drug and alcohol use, severe mental health issues and case management. She is certified in (EMDR) Eye Movement and Desensitization Reprocessing, (TFT) Thought Field Therapy, and trained in short term therapies that include but are not limited to (MI) Motivational Interviewing, DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) and CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). Berenice utilizes art therapy and community art to co-create collective platforms where inequalities can be identified and explored, in creating dialogue and validating other cultural perspectives not belonging to the dominant society.
Van Ethan Levy, LMFT & LPCC (they, them, theirs)
Associate Faculty / Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Van is a queer, non-binary, trans, AFAB (Assigned Female at Birth), nBPOC (not Black Person of Color). Dually licensed as a Marriage & Family Therapist and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Van is passionate about holding space for all intersections of one’s identity(ies). Van is dedicated to social justice & believes it is vital to cultivate an awareness of our own internal strengths, specifically our resilience as we continue to grow and discover ourselves. Van believes it is important to trust and validate our experience(s) & journey(s). Van aims to use trauma informed lens and hope to help you learn ways to help support yourself in the best way possible. Van also provides trainings on trans and non-binary identities and is author of the interactive book Exploring My Identity(ies) (2020)
Anjou Parekh, LPCC (she, her, hers)
Associate Faculty / Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Anjou is a licensed psychotherapist who supports individuals with a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma and PTSD, grief and loss, and other life transitions. Anjou offers talk therapy as well as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). She is also a certified yoga instructor and blend elements of yoga and mindfulness-based approaches into her sessions as appropriate. Anjou’s client-centered, solution-focused approach allows her to use a variety of research-based therapeutic practices to support clients in their treatment goals. She provides a confidential, warm, and nonjudgmental environment in which clients can explore their thoughts and feelings as they move forward in their life journeys. Her perspective is trauma-informed, multicultural, and LGBTQPIA+ affirming. In Anjou’s prior public health career, she spent over fifteen years managing healthcare programs for women, children, and families, both domestically and internationally. Though she was born in Canada and raised there and in the USA, Anjou has had the privilege of working and living in a variety of countries in both Asia and Latin America, including India, Japan, China, Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. She also speaks several languages, including Spanish and Gujarati.
Tammah Watts (she, her, hers)
Associate Faculty / Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Hi, I’m Tammah and thanks for your time. I consider it a privilege to be a Mental Health Counselor here at MiraCosta College. Foremost for me is to meet the client where they are in life with genuine regard and understanding in support of their self-actualization. That is to say, I holistically support that you know yourself best and I honor your unique journey towards optimal healing. I, therefore, incorporate an eclectic therapeutic approach and find that Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Motivational Therapy among others are effective when supported by a foundational stance of acknowledgement for one’s identity and their inherent right to equitable and just expectations. My background includes a life devoted to serving people and communities. For over twenty-five years, I served as a Program Manager for a private, nonprofit Child Abuse Prevention Agency in San Diego County and was responsible for the establishment and operation of residential treatment facilities, school-based programs, mental health outpatient clinics and innovative family services. My specializations in Child, Youth, and Student Services, Foster Care and Intensive Wraparound Family Support Services, Mental Health Treatment, Cultural Diversity, Innovative Delivery System Modalities for Person-Centered Care, Direct Clinical and Substance Abuse Recovery Practices help to further inform my volunteerism and community engagement. I am passionate about nature and conservation and currently am the Southern California Chapter Representative on Audubon California, Board of Directors and Buena Vista Audubon Society (Oceanside) Board of Directors. I am certified as a SMART Recovery Facilitator, Domestic Violence Advocate, Mindfulness-Based Meditation, Cultural DIversity, and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. My education is a mix of attendance at community colleges, 4-year universities and ultimately earning my Masters in Counseling Psychology from National University. I am a Licensed marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT. My first book, Keep Looking Up: Your Guide to the Powerful Healing of Birdwatching, with Hay House Publishing, will be out April, 2022.
The mental health counseling team is under the co-leadership of the full-time mental health counselors, Abby Burd, LCSW and Ghada Osman, PhD, LMFT. They are mainly in charge of program oversight and supervision, with more limited direct practice with students.
Abigail (Abby) Burd, MSW, LCSW, PMH-C (she, her, hers/ella)
Full-Time Faculty / Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Abby is one of the two Full-Time faculty members overseeing the mental health counseling program. She also coordinates the Health Services Peer Educators. Abby is a bilingual (English/ Spanish) clinical social worker with over 20 years’ experience in mental health. Before joining MiraCosta College in 2020, she served the unique mental health needs of community college students at San Diego City College for 13 years. There, she was proud to help create innovative programming to reduce mental health stigma, particularly for disproportionately impacted student groups. Abby is trained as a trainer in creating LGBTQIA+ safe zones, suicide prevention gatekeeping, and mindfulness. Abby has been a clinical supervisor on campuses and through her private practice since 2008, guiding the next generation of pre-licensed social workers, marriage and family therapists and clinical counselors. She is a culturally-humble, integrative clinician, drawing upon Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solutions-Focused Therapy, mindfulness, and trauma-informed approaches. Abby is certified in Perinatal Mental Health and educated at San Diego State University (Master of Social Work) and Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT (BA in Psychology-Sociology). Her first book, The Postpartum Depression Workbook, was published in 2020.
Ghada Osman, Ph.D., LMFT, C-IAYT (she, her, hers)
Full-Time Faculty / Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Ghada is one of the two Full-Time Faculty members overseeing the mental health counseling program. Deeply trained in client-centered, trauma-informed work that is multicultural in perspective and LGBTQIA+ affirming, Ghada approaches her work with a cultural humility that centers social justice and equity. She is certified in EMDR and Yoga Therapies, and also incorporates in her work elements of Cognitive, Narrative, and Internal Family Systems Therapies. Ghada is passionate about the community college mission, having herself started her educational career as a community college student. After receiving her Ph.D. from Harvard University and working as a Professor for 10 years, Ghada returned to school and earned her M.A. in Psychology with an emphasis on Marriage & Family Therapy from Chapman University. In addition to her clinical work, Ghada serves as an examination reviewer for the Board of Behavioral Sciences and as a committee member for the statewide California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists. She leads workshops and trainings on a range of mental health topics. Her most recent book is Mental and Emotional Healing through Yoga: A Guiding Framework for Therapists and their Clients.
