Mental Health Support

The Undocumented Student Program is committed to students’ physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness.

We believe that the barriers undocumented, first generation, and/or low-income students face helps weave the fabric of their resilience and courage. We also recognize that at times, these experiences and obligations place additional strain that may impact mood, motivation, self-esteem, relationships, and overall well-being. In addition, stress related to xenophobia/racism, deportation fears, finances/ employment, and identity concerns can make it hard to find balance.

Our mental health support program provides a confidential space for undocumented students to be seen by a licensed therapist who will collaborate with them on an individual wellness plan. Support varies by each student’s need including: one-time drop-in consultation, crisis management, on-going sessions, and connection to other campus resources.

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Meet the USP Psychologist

Diana PeñaDiana Peña graduated as a first-generation college student from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California, which is where she was born and raised. She then received her M.S. in Counseling, Family and Human Services, as well as her PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of… More about Diana Back to Quick LInks

 

Services Provided

Drop-ins: A drop-in is an informal consultation. Coming by on drop-in does not mean you have agreed to enter formal counseling or psychotherapy. The consult could be problem solving, emotional support related to a current issue, and/or setting up a future appointment. If you’re still not sure, just come on by and we’ll figure it out together!
Scheduled Appointments: Outside of drop-in hours scheduling an appointment is the best way to see Diana. To do this, call and leave a confidential voicemail at her direct number: 1-510-664-7483

Crisis and Urgent Support:

  • If you’re in crisis or your have urgent needs, help is available at the Tang Center on a drop-in basis : Monday – Friday, 10am-5pm ( 3rd floor, no appointment needed).
  • For urgent mental Health or medical problems that cannot wait until the Tang Center is open:
    • Call the After Hours Counseling Line at 855-817-5667
    • Find a local emergency room. The closest to campus is Alta Bates Hospital, 2450 Ashby Ave., just east of Telegraph Ave.
    • Crisis Text Line: Crisis Text Line is free, 24/7 emotional support for those in crisis via text messaging. TEXT “START” TO 741-741

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FAQs

Thanks to a generous grant by the HAAS foundation, all mental health services are FREE for undocumented students. This includes:

  • Counseling visits beyond the 5 free
  • Psychiatry evaluations, appointments, and labs
  • Social Services visits beyond 5 free
  • Social Services groups/workshops that incur fees
  • ADHD Screenings [Note: If you already have an established working relationship with a counselor at Counseling & Psychological Services (CPS), feel free to ask that counselor, or the USP wellness coordinator/Psychologist (Diana Peña), about getting your fees waived.]

People often wonder if their concerns are “big enough” to warrant counseling. The truth is, people talk about many different types of things. See below for some common ones, and if you’re still not sure, come ask!

  • career concerns
  • depression
  • anxiety (worrying, panic attacks, social, phobias, test anxiety)
  • academic stress
  • stress associated with deportation/family legal status
  • coming out as “undocumented” or “AB-540”
  • migration trauma
  • procrastination/decreased motivation
  • questioning or exploring sexual orientation or gender
  • procrastination/decreased motivation
  • questioning or exploring sexual orientation or gender
  • adjusting to college/homesickness
  • concerns about family or community
  • burnout from political/social action
  • relationship conflicts
  • food or body image concerns
  • discrimination
  • anger management
  • coping with physical illness or being differently abled
  • and many others
All sessions are confidential and your legal status will never be included in your records. University staff, faculty, law enforcement officials, parents, potential employers, and others have no access to any of your records without your written permission. Please note, your counselor is a mandatory reporter and may have an ethical and legal obligation to break confidentiality if you are a threat to harm yourself or others, or if current abuse of a child or elder is suspected. Feel free to ask if you have questions or concerns about confidentiality.

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