Counseling Services

Welcome to Student Health Center Personal Counseling Services. The main goal of personal counseling services is to provide psychological services to assist students in becoming successful graduates of our University. Social or emotional concerns can sometimes interfere with effective functioning and academic performance. Problems in interpersonal relationships, juggling family responsibilities, illness, conflicts about sexuality, the effects of racism or sexism, feelings of inadequacy, depression and loneliness are issues we all encounter. Talking with a counselor in a confidential, interactive and non-judgmental atmosphere can aid self-understanding and resolution of personal issues. Psychiatric medication evaluations are available when needed. Personal Counseling services are offered at the Student Health Center at no cost to currently enrolled students.

We offer the following crisis counseling services:

• Individual counseling
• Couples counseling
• Groups for personal/emotional growth
• Stress management
• Time management
• Anger management
• First generation college student stressors
• Assertion training
• Drug/Alcohol abuse
• Coping with loss of a love one
• Sexual assault
• Coping with anxiety/depression
• Self esteem
• Assessing eating disorders
• Multicultural/Cross Cultural Counseling
• Interracial relationship counseling
• Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer issues
• Consultation services for Faculty and Staff
• Presentations and workshops to groups on campus
• Referrals

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Personal Counseling and Crisis Intervention
Personal Counseling Staff Bios

The Student Health Center Counseling Staff include:

Ralph Dawson, M.P.A., A.B.D., Higher Ed. Admin. UCLA., joined the Cal State L.A. faculty in 1968.  Mr. Dawson has been involved in counseling since 1976.  His basic theoretical orientation is cognitive/directive, heavily influenced by Erik Erikson.  He has a strong background in drugs and alcohol, with specialties in crisis intervention and violence prevention.  Ralph has worked with The Center For Substance Abuse Prevention and several federal agencies targeting diversion and intervention.  Mr. Dawson has done research for the State of California and Educational Testing Service of Princeton N.J.  "My approach to counseling is an interactive dialogue, wherein the client is guided to develop insight and a strong sense of the inner self."

Mary Diaz, M.S.W., Ph.D., L.C.S.W., joined the Student Health Center in 1988.  Dr. Diaz is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.  She received her Master of Social Work degree from San Diego State University and doctorate from Claremont Graduate School.  Her theoretical orientation is feminist, cognitive/behavioral, biopsychosocial model and eclectic.  Dr. Diaz's professional interests include: multiethnic/multicultural issues and counseling, woman and gender issues, first generation college students, lesbian and gay issues, survivors of abuse and rape/sexual assault, trauma issues, loss and grief, midlife issues, anxiety reduction, eating disorders, self-esteem, couple therapy and relationship issues and spirituality.

Mimi Hoang, Ph.D., joined the Student Health Center in 2008.  Dr. Hoang is a Clinical Psychologist.  She received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Multicultural Community Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University, and her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Women's Studies from UCLA.  Dr. Hoang's theoretical orientation is cognitive/behavioral, systems model, and eclectic.  Her clinical interests include: multicultural/diversity issues, woman's and gender issues, sexuality and gender identity issues, Asian American mental health, trauma issues, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, relationship/couples issues, family issues, parenting skills, and group therapy.

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Personal Counseling and Crisis Intervention
Confidentiality

"I'd like to speak to a counselor, but..."

All information disclosed within the counseling sessions is confidential and may not be released to anyone without the client's written permission. Exceptions, as required by law, may occur when:

• There is a serious danger of violence to another;
• self-injury is likely unless protective measures are taken;
• there is reason to believe that abuse of children or elderly persons has occurred;
• ordered by a federal or state court.

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Personal Counseling and Crisis Intervention
Appointments

Appointments can be made by calling (323) 343-3302 or stopping by our reception desk. See How to Use Student Health Center Services?.