Mental Health Counseling
Mental health counseling services, including short-term and crisis counseling, are provided at no cost to currently enrolled Palo Alto College students. Students are encouraged to speak with a counselor to develop strategies that will promote academic and personal success. If students need long-term help, they may be referred to the appropriate external resources. Students in high school programs seeking counseling services will be referred back to their high school counselor for assistance.
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If this is an emergency, call 911 immediately or call the Alamo Colleges Police Department Emergency Line at 210-485-0911. Local Mental Health Authority
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Melissa Mejia, M.A., LPC-S, Personal Counselor “As a counselor, I am committed to creating a secure and welcoming environment for students who seek help in navigating life's challenges.”
Rhonda O'Cana, M.A., LPC-S, Personal Counselor “I enjoy helping students find positive solutions to improve their sense of well-being and happiness - which ultimately leads to success.”
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Counseling FAQs
Currently enrolled students may meet with a counselor for up to three (3) sessions per topic. There is no limit for group sessions or other events. Consultation services are also available to faculty and staff with student concerns. Students in high school programs will be referred back to their high school counselor for assistance.
Students may schedule an appointment for mental health counseling by emailing pac-counselor@gotchasportfishing.com and completing a request for counseling form. Students may also call 210-486-3750 to leave a confidential voice message.
Mental health counseling is available both in-person and remotely via Zoom teleconference.
Each counseling appointment lasts about one (1) hour. Students may be asked to arrive early at the initial appointment to complete some background information.
Counseling Services offers groups and presentations on a variety of topics:
- Relationships
- Family dynamics
- Finding your life work
- Managing stress
- Goal setting & time management
- Returning adults
Groups are based on student interest.
Students may visit Counseling Services for all areas of focus, including:
- Academic performance
- Adjustment to college
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Dating/loss of relationship
- Depression/mood swings
- Career indecision/gaining self-knowledge
- Time management and life planning
- School/work/home balance
Faculty and Staff Resources
As stated above, mental health counseling is available by appointment only. Due to legal and ethical rules, intake forms must be completed prior to meeting with a counselor. Please follow the guidelines below if you believe a student may benefit from counseling assistance.
Non-urgent requests – Provide the student with Counseling Services email and phone number. To get started, the student should send an email to pac-counselor@gotchasportfishing.com (preferred) or call 210-486-3750. The student will receive a link to intake forms and other helpful resources and information.
Urgent requests – If you believe the student would benefit from a same-day appointment, please call the front desk first to ensure a counselor is available. Online forms must be completed prior to appointment.
In case of emergency, always contact Alamo Police Department first (on campus) 210-485-0911 or SAPD (off campus) 911!
For urgent requests, PAC policy also requires an incident reporting form be completed at the PAC Cares webpage
Happiness & Wellness TipsIf you’ve ever felt stressed or overwhelmed, here are a few positive ways to improve your overall mood and health! We’re here to support your mental health! Counseling Services are free to currently enrolled students. |
TimelyCare
The Alamo Colleges District is now partnered with TimelyCare to deliver a new virtual health and well-being platform for students.
Through either a mobile app or your desktop, TimelyCare provides 24/7 access to virtual care from anywhere in the United States at no cost. Whether you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed, you can talk to a licensed provider to get the care you need via phone or secure video visits.
To get started, visit timelycare.com/alamo or download the TimelyCare app from your app store. Enter your student email, and you'll be redirected to ACES to log in.
Contact InformationMental health counseling is available by appointment only. In case of emergency, please contact ACPD 210-485-0911 (on campus) or SAPD 911 (off campus). |
Personal Counselors Location: Phone: |
Hours of Operation Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |