Emmons’ mental health services include short-term individual therapy, group therapy, drop-in chats, crisis support, links to off-campus providers, virtual psychiatry and dietitian services, access to a 24/7 confidential mental health helpline, education and outreach.
Please note, Emmons Counseling uses a brief therapy model, meaning that we provide short-term therapy focused on helping students to resolve or effectively manage a specific problem or challenge. We do not provide long term, ongoing therapy, but can help students get connected to longer term therapeutic support in the community when needed.
Schedule a Counseling Appointment
Call us at (323) 259-2657 or email us at emmons@oxy.edu
Emmons Counseling Hours
Monday 9:00-12:00 pm, 1:00-4:00 pm
Tuesday 9:00-12:00 pm, 1:00-4:00 pm
Wednesday 9:00-11:00 am, 1:00-4:00 pm
Thursday 9:00-12:00 pm, 1:00-4:00 pm
Friday 9:00-12:00 pm, 1:00-4:00 pm
Walk-in Counseling Hours
Monday - Friday 1:00-3:00pm
We are closed for lunch everyday from 12:00-1:00 pm and closed every Wednesday for a staff meeting from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm. While Emmons is open until 5:00 pm, the last appointments and walk-ins we can accept are at 4:00 pm.
Emmons’ counseling staff is committed to supporting the mental health needs of Oxy students. All of Emmons’ therapists have training in trauma informed care and bring a variety of professional expertise. All of our services are free of charge, regardless of insurance provider (except for psychiatry, as listed below). Our services are provided both in-person and virtual, based on student preference and provider availability.
To get connected to any of the confidential services at Emmons, you can call (323) 259-2657 or email us at emmons@oxy.edu.
Our psychiatric nurse practitioner Heidi Aguilar provides virtual services to students, and is supervised by psychiatrist Dr. Paul Kurkjian. Students with the student health insurance plan have no additional costs; the fee for all other students is $75 for the initial appointment and $35 for follow ups. Established patients may schedule directly with the psychiatric nurse practitioner; all other students must first meet with an Emmons medical provider or counselor.
Melissa Ireland, RD is available for virtual appointment on Wednesdays from 9am - 12:30pm. If you have questions or concerns about any nutrition issue, please contact emmons@oxy.edu to set up an appointment. Topics may include balancing a vegetarian diet, disordered eating patterns, food intolerance or allergies, or health issues, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, or anemia.
The 24/7 confidential helpline provides robust support for students experiencing mental health crises, emotional distress, trauma, or substance use issues. This 24/7 line is staffed by mental health professionals, and is available to all Oxy students at (323) 341-4141.
Fall 2024 Drop-In Spaces
Mondays with Bailey
Mondays (starting Oct 7) / 2:00 - 3:30 pm / Located in the ICC
A drop-in space in ICC’s backyard for students in need of a break. Time will be set aside for students to sit outdoors and have access to Bailey, a seven month old puppy. During this time, staff therapist Eric Robinson will check-in with attendees and be prepared to offer information about Emmon’s Services.
Contact Eric Robinson at erobinson2@oxy.edu
What’s the Word, Hummingbird?
Tuesdays / 3-4 pm / Located in the ICC
A space centered around BIPOC, First Gen & LGBTQIA2S+ students. Drop by the ICC’s mindfulness room to have a one on one informal discussion with Emmons’ counselor Claudia. Topics may include ideas of self-care, coping mechanisms, self-love and resources on campus.
Contact Claudia Ortega at cortega3@oxy.edu
Navigating Conflict
Tuesdays/ 2:30–3:30 pm / Located at Obama Lounge (JSC first floor)
A space for students to discuss a current inter-personal conflict in their life, receive support and information on conflict resolution including communication strategies.
Contact Eric Robinson at erobinson2@oxy.edu
Mariposa Hours
Wednesdays/ 2:00–4:00 pm / Located at Project SAFE
A space centered on survivors and those seeking coping tools. Drop by Project SAFE and have a private and informal chat with a therapist.
Contact Dr. Paloma Franco at francop@oxy.edu
Black Voices
Time and Day Still Pending / Located at the ICC
We understand that black people need and value individualized supportive space that is away from mainstream stereotypes and judgment. Black Voices serves as an informal space that offers black students individualized support, attention, advice, or connection. Our facilitator of Black Voices is Larissa, an African American professional therapist, who affirms that students can talk about any and everything under the sun. Drop in upstairs in the ICC!
Contact Larissa Lucas at llucas@oxy.edu
First-Time Tigers
Thursdays / 12:30 - 2:00pm / Located at Obama Lounge (JSC first floor)
A space centered on the unique experiences faced by first-year and transfer students. Drop by the JSC (first floor) to have a one-on-one informal discussion about topics such as missing home, meeting new people, and academic stress. Acclimating to the first year of college can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. No appointment or RSVP needed.
Contact Tyler Carter at tcarter2@oxy.edu
@oxy.edu
Impacted by Global Trauma
Oct 10, 2024 Thursday / 2:00 - 3:30pm / Located at Morrison Lounge (JSC second floor)
Impacted by Global Trauma is a drop-in space for students to process the emotional and mental health impacts they are experiencing due to traumatic world events. Come process in community with other students with the support of a licensed therapist, and get help linking to further care if needed. All students are welcome.
Contact Alejandro Aguirre at aguirrea@oxy.edu
Fall 2024 Groups
Power Over Substance
Mondays / 12-1pm / Located at Emmons
Weekly topics designed to help students regain power over their substance use. Open and nonjudgmental space; no RSVP required.
Contact Tyler Carter at tcarter2@oxy.edu
Take Care Tuesdays
Tuesdays / starting February 13 / 12-1pm / Located at the ICC
Join Claudia every other Tuesday at the ICC for a workshop series about self-care and mental health. Topics include self-love and compassion, mindfulness, gratitude, communication skills, and cultural themes centered around empowerment. Dates include 2/13, 2/27, 3/12, 3/26, 4/9, and 4/23.
To join, contact Claudia Ortega at cortega3@oxy.edu by September 25th.
Do you want longer-term therapy, weekly sessions, and/or sessions over school breaks? Do you want to see a therapist with a certain specialty or identity? There are many reasons to connect to off-campus therapy. Visit our Connecting to Off-Campus Therapy page to start.