Health and Psychological Services

From minor discomfort to counseling needs, our health clinic (SHPS) is here. No charge for office visits, just call for appointments. Some services like lab tests, meds, and immunizations may have a small fee. 

Open for In-Person Care by Appointment Only-FOR IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY HELP CALL 911.

Schedule by calling Student Health and Psychological Services. Telehealth with nurses/counselors available. For COVID-19 symptoms, call Health Services for guidance on safe return. 

Phone: (951) 222-8151
Hours: Monday to Friday 8 am-5 pm
Location: below the Bookstore

Services Offered

  • Crisis Intervention 
  • Individual Therapy (Free for Å®ÓÅapp students)
  • Substance Abuse Information and referrals

Wellness Resources

Workshops and resources to help YOU!

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calms the chaos of mental health care. · Currently serving 3 million students, 150,000 school staff members and 12 million parents and families.
Trusted and vetted resources to help you right now

  • Alcohol
  • Bipolar
  • Cannabis
  • Anxiety
  • Inhalants
  • Suicide
  • Opiods
  • Obsessive compulsive
  • Stimulants
  • Trauma and Stress
  • Sedatives
  • Feeding and Eating
  • Disruptive, Impulse
  • Control
  • Neurodevelopment
  • Disorders
  • Marital Counseling

Get Help

  • Therapy
  • Online Therapy
  • Hospitalization
  • Residential inpatient treatment
  • Outpatient treatment
  • Detox Centers
  • Day Treatment

We help district staff, children, adolescents, adults and seniors. 

Download, read and print the 84 Positive Coping Skills Poster

Frequently Asked Questions

Join host Mariana as she gives you a few tips on

Psychotherapy is known by a few different names: counseling, talk therapy, or simply, therapy. Psychotherapy is a way of treating unwanted thoughts or feelings with the goal of developing healthier habits and coping skills.

Watch the Youtube Video. 

Community Resources

Immediate Help

If you are injured, seriously hurt or at immediate risk, call 911.
Campus Safety and Police: (951) 222-8171
City of Riverside Police: (951) 826-5700 

You can also reach out to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. 

Mental Health Resources

Please speak with one of Å®ÓÅapp's mental health professionals to learn about additional local resources including resources for recovery, abuse, food and housing insecurity and much more!

Get to Know The SHPS Contracted Providers

  • Practitioner: Dr. Tanika Gayle, Clinical Psychologist, and team of skilled professionals
  • Practice Type: Diverse, affirming, multi-discipline psychology group
  • Commitment: Social justice and collaborative therapy
  • Client Focus: Individuals, couples, or groups
  • Languages Spoken: English, ASL, Spanish
  • Diversity: Ethnic, gender, and sexual diverse backgrounds
  • Therapeutic Approaches:
    • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
    • Systems Therapy
    • Differentiation Therapy
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
    • Tailored approaches based on client needs
  •  Practitioner: Dr. Frederick Lopez, Clinical Psychologist
  • Practice Type: Culturally competent and evidence-based psychological services
  • Commitment: LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy, holistic care for diverse populations, ethical considerations and best practices in psychology
  • Client Focus: Adults, adolescents, minors, families
  • Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
  • Diversity: Extensive experience with Spanish-speaking seniors; Inclusive of various ethnic, gender, and sexual backgrounds
  • Therapeutic Approaches:
    • Tailored treatments based on client needs
    • Collaborative therapy to enhance vitality, balance, self-assurance, and empowerment
    • Specialized post-incarceration "restorative justice"
    • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
    • Systems Therapy
    • Differentiation Therapy
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Issues Addressed: Emotional, behavioral, and adjustment issues, anxiety, stress, depression and relational difficulties
  • Practitioner: Erick Nunez, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
  • Practice Type: Person-centered holistic framework with a solution-focused therapeutic style
  • Commitment: Advocacy for marginalized and oppressed communities; Providing a safe, creative, and non-judgmental therapy space; Empowering clients to enact meaningful changes in their lives
  • Client Focus: Vulnerable populations, including: HIV/AIDS and sexual health, homelessness, LGBTQ communities, addiction/substance abuse, crisis intervention, individuals and groups
  • Languages Spoken: Not specified
  • Diversity: Experience with various marginalized and oppressed communities
  • Therapeutic Approaches:
    • Client-centered and trauma-informed
    • Restructuring negative thought patterns                  
    • Exploring identity intersections
    • Rediscovering authentic selves
    • Authentic and strengths-based style
  • Issues Addressed: Anxiety/depression, LGBTQ issues, behavioral issues, codependency, emotional disturbance, life coaching, men's issues, peer relationships, relationship issues, school issues, sex therapy, sexual abuse/addiction, stress management, women's issues, non-binary/trans issues
  • Practitioner: Dr. Shanda Smith, Licensed Marital and Family Therapist (LMFT)
  • Practice Type: Specialized in women's personal growth and faith-based (biblical) counseling
  • Commitment: Helping women find their inner beauty and best version of themselves; Unpacking behavioral, relational patterns and distorted perceptions; Encouraging mindset changes to improve life choices; Promoting personal growth, happiness, and fulfilling relationships
  • Client Focus: Women seeking personal and relational development, individuals preparing for marriage
  • Languages Spoken: Not specified
  • Diversity: Focus on women's issues and faith-based counseling
  • Therapeutic Approaches:
    • Behavioral and relational pattern analysis
    • Mindset change for better life choices
    • Faith-based (biblical) counseling
    • SYMBIS facilitator for pre-marriage assessments and education
    • Focus on relationships, singleness, and pre-marriage preparation
  • Practitioner: Anthony Carson, Licensed Marital and Family Therapist (LMFT), and team of skilled professionals
  • Practice Type: Counseling services specializing in communities of color
  • Commitment: Serving black, brown, and communities of color in the Inland Empire, addressing and dismantling toxic views of masculinity, promoting healthy interpersonal relationships
  • Client Focus: Men of color, communities of color
  • Languages Spoken: Not specified
  • Diversity: Focus on black, brown, and communities of color
  • Therapeutic Approaches:
    • Counseling services tailored to men of color
    • Strategies for dismantling toxic masculinity
    • Development of healthy interpersonal relationship strategies
  • Practitioner: Mercedes Harrison-Hinestroza, Licensed Marital and Family Therapist (LMFT)
  • Practice Type: Therapy integrating body, mind, and spirit
  • Commitment: Helping clients reach their full potential; Addressing the root of negative symptoms; Providing a warm, safe, and compassionate environment
  • Client Focus: Children, adolescents, adults, couples, families
  • Languages Spoken: Bilingual (specific languages not specified)
  • Diversity: Expertise in various therapeutic needs across different age groups and family structures
  • Therapeutic Approaches:
    • Comprehensive Resource Model (CRM) for trauma treatment
    • Specialization in issues like crime victimization, abuse, domestic violence, infidelity, abandonment, and attachment disruption
    • Therapy for emotional growth and personal development
    • Parenting classes
  • Practitioner: Reba Machado, Licensed Marital and Family Therapist (LMFT), and team of skilled professionals
  • Practice Type: Expert, compassionate care tailored to individual needs
  • Commitment: Providing culturally sensitive therapy, supporting a diverse client base,  creating an inclusive, safe, and supportive environment
  • Client Focus: Individuals, couples, families, LGBTQ+ community
  • Languages Spoken: Spanish, Tagalog, Ilonggo, Bahasa
  • Diversity: Culturally relevant practices for a diverse client base
  • Therapeutic Approaches:
    • Couples counseling
    • Faith integration
    • Maternal mental health
    • Trauma and PTSD
    • Depression and anxiety
    • LGBTQ+ affirming therapy
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
    • Family therapy for resilience and growth
  • Practitioner: Dr. Bergin, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and team of skilled professionals
  • Practice Type: Comprehensive counseling services with diverse expertise
  • Commitment: Empowering clients through various therapeutic modalities, supporting Veterans, Native American communities, and local school districts, leading a nonprofit initiative for new and young mothers
  • Client Focus: Individuals, parent-child relationships, couples, families, new and young mothers
  • Languages Spoken: Spanish, English
  • Diversity: Collaboration with diverse communities and cultural backgrounds
  • Therapeutic Approaches:
    • Trauma Treatment through EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
    • Neurofeedback
    • Biofeedback
    • Art Therapy
    • Equine and Animal Assisted Therapy
    • Identity and Sexuality Counseling
    • Additional Roles:
    • Full-time Professor at Cal Baptist University (CBU)
    • Nonprofit program for new mothers (includes CPR certification, breastfeeding techniques, and baby massage)
  • Practitioner: Eseoghene Oniwor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
  • Practice Type: Therapy specializing in college students and diverse populations
  • Commitment: Addressing concerns specific to college students, providing both individual and group therapy
  • Client Focus: College students, first-generation students, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), re-entry/forensic backgrounds, substance recovery
  • Languages Spoken: Not specified
  • Diversity: Focus on diverse college student populations, including marginalized groups
  • Therapeutic Approaches:
    • Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Strength-Based Therapy
    • Family Systems Therapy
    • Solution-Focused Therapy
  • Issues Addressed: Anxiety, depression, school stress, family concerns, communication, relationships, trauma, understanding mental health
  • Practitioner: Nancy Phung-Smith, Licensed Marital and Family Therapist (LMFT)
  • Practice Type: Therapy specializing in complex trauma and evidence-based modalities
  • Commitment: Addressing symptoms of anxiety, depression, BPD, and ADHD, prioritizing cultural considerations and evidence-based practices
  • Client Focus: Individuals with complex trauma, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) clients, VA affairs, many new to therapy
  • Languages Spoken: Not specified
  • Diversity: First-generation college graduate, daughter of refugees, BIPOC mental health provider
  • Therapeutic Approaches:
    • Complex trauma approach
    • Evidence-based modalities in traditional talk therapy
  • Issues Addressed: Anxiety, depression, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), ADHD, symptoms such as procrastination, perfectionism, self-loss, lack of boundaries, and ruptured relationships
  • Practitioner: Katie Aguiar, Licensed Marital and Family Therapist (LMFT)
  • Practice Type: Therapy focused on building self-trust and external support systems
  • Commitment: Establishing support within oneself; Enhancing self-trust, self-esteem, compassion, and independence; Supporting clients in forming their identity and navigating the world; Providing a non-judgmental and interpersonal space, especially for immigrants and those from immigration cultures
  • Client Focus: Individuals seeking to build internal support systems, clients aiming to grow external support networks, immigrants and members of immigration cultures
  • Languages Spoken: Not specified
  • Diversity: Expertise in systemic issues related to immigration, language barriers, and cultural disparities
  • Therapeutic Approaches:
    • Emphasis on collaboration and building trustworthy relationships
    • Supporting life adjustment, coping, and decision-making
    • Providing guidance through the challenges faced by immigrants and culturally diverse clients
  • Practitioner: Venessa Harewood, Licensed Marital and Family Therapist (LMFT)
  • Practice Type: Private practice specializing in relationship and couples counseling
  • Commitment: Enhancing romantic and marital relationships; Increasing mental health care access for BIPOC communities
  • Client Focus: Couples, individuals seeking relationship improvement, BIPOC communities, at-risk youth, individuals with severe mental health diagnoses
  • Languages Spoken: Not specified
  • Diversity: Extensive experience with diverse backgrounds and mental health needs
  • Therapeutic Approaches:
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
    • Psychodynamic Therapy
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
    • Trauma-informed Emotionally Focused Therapy
    • Internal Family Systems (IFS)
    • Solution-Focused Therapy
  • Practitioner: Victoria Eduvige Montes-Vu, Licensed Marital and Family Therapist (LMFT), and team of skilled professionals
  • Practice Type: Integrative holistic therapy focusing on trauma and resilience
  • Commitment: Promoting wellness and wholeness in individuals and relationships; Helping clients use resilience to overcome trauma and adversities
  • Client Focus: Adults, Adolescents, Children
  • Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
  • Diversity: Specializes in working with at-risk youth and trauma survivors
  • Therapeutic Approaches:
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for trauma
  • Integrative holistic approach to healing mind, body, and soul
  • Registered Play Therapistâ„¢ for children
  • Practitioner: Heather Hernandez Enciso, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
  • Practice Type: Client-centered therapy with a collaborative and humanistic approach
  • Commitment: Building therapeutic rapport through a client-centered approach; Evolving therapy based on client needs and priorities; Providing LGBTIQ+ affirming services and support for individuals at risk and living with HIV/AIDS
  • Client Focus: Individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, schizophrenia, PTSD, substance abuse, and domestic/intimate partner violence; Clients navigating challenges related to gender, sexual, and racial identity
  • Languages Spoken: Not specified
  • Diversity: Queer LCSW with a focus on LGBTIQ+ affirming therapy and intersectional identity
  • Therapeutic Approaches:
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
    • Seeking Safety
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Trauma-Informed Care
    • LGBTIQ+ Affirming Therapy
    • Recovery and Empowerment (TREM)
    • Harm Reduction
    • Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
    • Positive Psychology Interventions