Schedule a presentation about our services for your class/group
Personal/Mental Health Counseling Sessions
Free and confidential Counseling and Mental Health Services are available in person, via Zoom or by Phone to currently enrolled students who are physically in the state of California. Please fill out the contact form on our Health Services main page to request an appointment or call the:
- Oceanside Health Center at 760.795.6675
- San Elijo Health Center at 760.757.2121 x7747.
Sessions are 50 minutes, one time per week for up to six consecutive weeks. One-time drop-in crisis sessions of up to 50 minutes are also available. Sessions may be used for individual, relationship, or family counseling. Some common reasons to seek mental health counseling are:
- Generally overwhelmed with life
- Difficulties at school or work
- Stress and anxiety
- Depression
- Grief
- Difficulty with sleep
- Relationship challenges
- Substance abuse
- Concerns about eating
- Sexuality
- Gender identity
- Traumatic life experiences
- Pressure/trauma related to marginalization
Groups: Fall 2024
Autism Space: Social Connections
Wednesdays 2:30pm-3:30pm. A space for Autistic Students/Students with Autism for support,
fun, joy & connection. Please email velvy@miracosta.edu for more information and Zoom link.
Recovery Support
Wednesdays 12pm-1pm. An anonymous mutual support group using a self-empowering SMART
Recovery Oriented approach to change. Please email twatts@miracosta.edu for more information and Zoom link.
Living with Loss & Coping with Grief
Please email aparekh@miracosta.edu for more information
Black Student Support Gathering
Please email twatts@miracosta.edu for more information
UPRISE Group for Undocumented/ Mixed Status Students
Please email nRamirezIbarra@miracosta.edu for more information
DV/IPV Support Group
Please email tammah.watts@miracosta.edu for more information
Queer Time (QT) Group
Thursdays 3pm-4pm. An affirming space for all LGBTQPIA+ students to share experiences
and build community. Please email velvy@miracosta.edu for more information.
Our Team
The Mental Health Counseling Team is comprised of a diverse group of professionals and includes Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors, and pre-licensed counselors and associates.
We have been trained to look at the world from a systemic, humanistic, social justice, and equity-minded perspective. We consider the whole person in our work with students. This includes focusing on past and current experiences, including the impact the larger system has on lived experiences. We therefore consider the impact of social injustices and systemic inequities on individuals, including acknowledging and examining systems, policies, and practices of oppression that students have experienced.
As clinicians, we are in solidarity for social justice and equity, both here at MiraCosta and in the larger community. We are here for all students and as an additional source of support for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and LGBTQIA+ students in the MiraCosta community, both through individual counseling and through scheduled group sessions.
Abigail (Abby) Burd, MSW, LCSW 26867, PMH-C (she/ella)
Full-Time Faculty / Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Abby is a bilingual (English/Spanish) clinical social worker with over 20 years experience
in mental health. Before joining MiraCosta College in 2020, she served the unique
mental health needs of community college students at San Diego City College for 13
years. There, she was proud to help create innovative programming to reduce mental
health stigma, particularly for disproportionately impacted student groups. Abby is
trained as a trainer in creating LGBTQIA+ safe zones, suicide prevention gatekeeping,
and mindfulness. Abby has been a clinical supervisor on campuses and through her private
practice since 2008, guiding the next generation of pre-licensed social workers, marriage
and family therapists and clinical counselors. She is a culturally-humble, integrative
clinician, drawing upon Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solutions-Focused
Therapy, mindfulness, and trauma-informed approaches. Abby is certified in Perinatal
Mental Health and educated at San Diego State University (Master of Social Work) and
Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT (BA in Psychology-Sociology). Her first book,
The Postpartum Depression Workbook, was published in 2020.
Anjou Parekh, LPCC 7945 (she/ella)
Associate Faculty / Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Anjou is a licensed psychotherapist who supports individuals with a wide range of
issues, including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma and PTSD, grief
and loss, and other life transitions. Anjou offers talk therapy as well as Eye Movement
Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). She is also a certified yoga instructor and
blends elements of yoga and mindfulness-based approaches into her sessions as appropriate.
Anjou’s client-centered, solution-focused approach allows her to use a variety of
research-based therapeutic practices to support clients in their treatment goals.
She provides a confidential, warm, and nonjudgmental environment in which clients
can explore their thoughts and feelings as they move forward in their life journeys.
Her perspective is trauma-informed, multicultural, and LGBTQIA+ affirming. In Anjou’s
prior public health career, she spent over fifteen years managing healthcare programs
for women, children, and families, both domestically and internationally. Though she
was born in Canada and raised there and in the USA, Anjou has had the privilege of
working and living in a variety of countries in both Asia and Latin America, including
India, Japan, China, Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. She also speaks several languages,
including Spanish and Gujarati.
Arianna Escobar, LPCC 13931 (she)
Associate Faculty / Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Arianna is an Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). She received her M.S.
in multicultural community counseling and social justice education from SDSU (CBB)
program. Arianna has worked with diverse populations including adults, adolescents,
system-involved youth and families. Her clinical experience includes supporting clients
in eating disorder recovery, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, self-harm, substance
use and trauma. In addition to utilizing an eclectic therapeutic model, Arianna has
experience integrating CBT, DBT and EFT interventions to empower her patients and
meet their therapeutic needs in a variety of therapeutic settings such as group homes,
residential treatment centers, community college and high schools. Arianna’s commitment
to addressing cultural factors, social injustices, systemic issues and familial dynamics
has influenced her therapeutic work. She is passionate about strengthening clients’
relationships with themselves and increasing their sense of self-compassion and authenticity
in order to live a more fulfilling life.
Denise Lopez (she/ella)
Mental Health Counselor, under the supervision of Ghada Osman LMFT 83472
Denise is a second-year graduate student at National University, pursuing a Master’s
Degree in Counseling Psychology with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy
and Clinical Counseling. She received her Bachelor’s in Psychology from San Diego
State University in 2022. With her Mexican heritage, Denise is passionate about promoting
mental health and giving back to the Latinx community. Outside of counseling, she
is also deeply passionate about coaching volleyball. Through her coaching experience,
Denise developed a strong awareness of the mental health challenges faced by athletes.
She is particularly interested in using mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
approaches to address issues such as body dysmorphia, eating disorders, performance
anxiety, and navigating difficult life transitions in athletes. Outside of her academic
and professional pursuits, Denise enjoys singing in a Latin fusion band with her parents,
traveling to National Parks, and spending time with her three dogs, Sparky, Coco,
and Canela.
Dorian Owens (he)
Mental Health Counselor, under the supervision of Ghada Osman LMFT 83472
Dorian Owens is a graduate student at San Diego State University, pursuing a Master’s
in Counseling through the Community-Based Block (CBB) Program, focusing on multicultural
counseling and social justice. Dorian's approach to mental health care is rooted in
humanistic, trauma-informed, and client-centered practices, emphasizing support for
marginalized communities, particularly BIPOC populations. With extensive experience
as a Mental Health Advocate and Peer Mentor, Dorian has organized initiatives on Toxic
Masculinity and Sexual Assault Awareness and mentored Black students through the African
American Mentor Program at UCSC. Their counseling style draws from lived experiences
and a deep understanding of identity, power, and oppression, allowing for compassionate,
culturally responsive care that honors the holistic experiences of clients. Dorian
is committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment where students can explore
their mental health and well-being.
Jacob Maldonado (he/they/él/elle)
Mental Health Counselor, under the supervision of Ghada Osman LMFT 83472
Jacob is a first-year graduate student at San Diego State University, obtaining a
Master's in Multicultural Counseling through the CBB program and an Advanced Graduate
Certificate in LGBTQ+ Studies. Born and raised in San Diego, he received his Bachelor's
in Psychology with minors in Queer Studies, Counseling, and Social Change at SDSU.
He is particularly interested in working community mental health, specifically with
individuals belonging to historically marginalized communities, to platform and enable
them to dismantle hierarchies. He is an avid runner for the past few years, training
for half-marathons or just for fun. When not exercising, he likes to relax with his
family's three pugs, Cookie, Beanz, and Boba. While continuing his academic career,
he is passionate about holistic understanding of his own and individuals overall wellbeing,
body, mind, and energy. His biliterate, bicultural, and binational identity influence
much of his therapeutic framework, attributing his membership to various communities
as strong pillars of support during his lived experiences.
Jessica Heinrich (she)
Mental Health Counselor, under the supervision of Abigail Burd LCSW 26867
Jessica is a graduate student working towards her master’s degree in social work at
California State University, San Marcos (CSUSM). Jessica also received her BA from
CSUSM in Sociology. She is a first-generation graduate student who understands the
challenges of navigating higher education as a non-traditional student. Jessica has
over 10 years of experience working in mental health settings including crisis management,
providing services to formerly unhoused individuals and their families, and outpatient
substance use disorder (SUD) treatment centers. Jessica is a board-certified health
and wellness coach and utilizes a client-centered and trauma-informed approach to
working with clients. Jessica draws from her coaching experience and utilizes MI and
mindfulness in her work with individuals. Jessica is thrilled to have the opportunity
to work with students at MiraCosta where her higher education journey began. Jessica
is a mom to her 16-year-old daughter and two rescue dogs. In her free time Jessica
enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, enjoying outdoor activities,
and traveling.
Jesus D. Mendez Carbajal, APCC 8347 (they/elle)
Associate Faculty / Mental Health Counselor, under the supervision of Ghada Osman
LMFT 83472
Jesus is a bilingual (Spanish/English) Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC).
They are 31 years old, queer, non-binary, undocumented, a DACA recipient, and come
from a mixed-status family. Jesus was born on Nahua land in Guerrero, Mexico and raised
locally in Kosa’aay (San Diego) on Kumeyaay land. After high school, they attended
San Diego Mesa College and transferred to San Diego State University (SDSU) where
they received a B.A. in Chicana/o Studies with a minor in Women’s Studies in 2016.
In 2020, Jesus received their M.S. in Counseling from SDSU’s Community Based Block
(CBB) Multicultural Community Counseling and Social Justice Education Program. Jesus
understands that while the issues people face are personally experienced, they’re
also connected to systems of power, privilege and oppression and their impact extends
beyond the self. Working with Jesus means experiencing attentive support and expansive
curiosity. Overall, Jesus is a passionate life-long student of healing, plant knowledge,
astrology, emotional wellness, mental health, and spirituality.
Lali Mendoza (he/they/él/elle)
Mental Health Counselor, under the supervision of Ghada Osman LMFT 83472
Citlalli (Lali) Mendoza is a bilingual (Spanish/English) graduate student in SDSU's
Community Based Block (CBB) Multicultural Community Counseling and Social Justice
Education Program. They are 29 years old, queer, trans masculine, and a proud Mexican
immigrant from Tijuana. Raised in San Diego on Kumeyaay land, Lali grew up as the
oldest kid in a mixed-status family and understands the complexities of navigating
both cultural and societal expectations. He earned their BA from Harvard in Psychology
with a minor in Latine Studies and have dedicated their career to supporting marginalized
communities, especially trans and queer BIPOC individuals. Lali has worked extensively
in public mental health systems, including providing mental health services for LGBTQ
youth at Our Safe Place. Lali's approach is rooted in trauma-informed care and social
justice, recognizing the deep connection between personal struggles and systemic oppression.
They are passionate about creating a safe, inclusive space where individuals can explore
their emotional wellness and healing. In addition to his counseling work, Lali is
deeply engaged in advocacy, community building, and holistic wellness practices.
Lorena Silva (she/ella)
Mental Health Counselor, under the supervision of Abigail Burd LCSW 26867
Lorena is a 2nd year social work graduate student at CSUSM. She is passionate about
working with BIPOC communities and helping students overcome struggles they face in
their day-to-day lives. She is a MiraCosta alumni and is thrilled to be on campus,
giving back to her community. In her free time, Lorena enjoys working out, going to
the movies, and spending time with her family, close friends, and her cat, 'Leche'.
She is thrilled to intern at MiraCosta and build connections.
Melissa (Mel) Collins Porter (she)
Mental Health Counselor, under the supervision of Ghada Osman LMFT 83472
Melissa is a Marriage and Family Therapy Trainee who is currently enrolled in Point
Loma Nazarene University’s Masters in Applied Clinical Counseling program. Melissa
received a B.A. in Communication from UC San Diego and an M.A. in Film from SDSU.
Melissa taught as an adjunct at MiraCosta for 20 years in the Department of Theatre
and Film. After COVID, she noticed that many of her students were struggling with
mental health and was called to make a career change. Her approach to client care
is informed by psychodynamic theory, social justice, nuerodiversity and LGBTQIA+ affirmation.
Melissa has two grown children and two dogs and enjoys distance running, cooking,
film, television, literature, the beach and crossword puzzles.
Natasha Jackson, LMFT 127257 (she)
Associate Faculty / Licensed Mental Health Counselor
My name is Natasha Jackson, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist from
San Diego, CA. I obtained my Bachelor's Degree from SDSU, and completed my Graduate
program at Argosy University. I am grateful to offer individuals a space to gain awareness
and develop strategies that put them in the driver’s seat of their life’s
challenges. I always knew that I wanted to be in the helping profession and I am lucky
and honored to be able to do this work. As a Black Therapist, I see the value of representation
in the mental health field and find unique opportunities to support my clients who
can often feel misunderstood by therapists who may not share this aspect of their
identity. Furthermore, I am passionate about working with members of the following
communities: body positivity, LGBTQ+, racial justice, military spouses, and single
mothers. I am an English-speaking Therapist who has worked in the mental health field
for the last ten years, with experience in both residential and outpatient settings,
treating adolescents, adults, families, and couples. I am confident in treating a
wide array of diagnoses and needs including depression, anxiety, life transitions,
perinatal and postpartum difficulties, self-harm and behavioral issues, academic and
employment challenges, grief, and trauma. My therapeutic approach is collaborative,
direct, and compassionate using evidence-based practices that support those in improving
their life and situation most quickly and effectively.
Nidya Ramirez Ibarra, LMFT117868 (she/ella)
Associate Faculty / Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Nidya Ramirez Ibarra is a bilingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Marriage and Family
Therapist who grew up in Escondido, CA. As an immigrant and past community organizer,
she entered the mental health field aware of how social and systemic factors shape
the emotional, physical, relational, and psychological wellbeing of individuals, families,
and communities. Nidya received her Master's degree in Counseling with a concentration
in Marriage and Family Therapy from San Diego State University. Foundational to Nidya’s
practice is Narrative Therapy with a trauma-informed, collaborative, and client centered
approach. Nidya also integrates somatic experiencing, EMDR, motivational interviewing,
and solution focused modalities. Nidya is looking forward to working with students
and utilizing her knowledge and years of experience as a therapist to co-create a
space to initiate change, gain insight, build skills, and establish support. Prior
to joining the mental health team at MiraCosta College Nidya was part of the Mobile
Crisis Response Team and supported individuals in the community experiencing a behavioral
health crisis’ such as suicidal ideation, grave disability, and increased symptoms
of depression, psychosis, mania, or substance use. Also, for 8 years Nidya worked
at a local non-profit with families, individuals, and children struggling with trauma
due to intimate partner violence and sexual abuse. Currently Nidya enjoys continuing
to be involved in the community by facilitating support groups, giving presentations,
and providing clinical supervision.
Nikki Gee, APCC8785 (she)
Associate Faculty / Mental Health Counselor, under the supervision of Ghada Osman
LMFT 83472
Nikki is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) and has been passionate
about working with and learning from students for over 25 years. She received her
BSE in Special Education and master's degrees in Higher Education Administration and
Multicultural Counseling and Social Justice. She is a first-generation graduate who
has navigated the college experience as a person of color and a non-traditional student.
Her challenges in finding a therapist of color for herself led to a late career change
into counseling. Nikki’s experience in administration and counseling provides a unique
insight into the challenges students face and the chance to celebrate their success.
She is passionate about challenging the stigma and beliefs attached to mental health,
especially for students of color. Her approach is trauma informed, LGBTQIA+ Affirming,
solution and client centered. She draws from multicultural, systems, mindfulness and
motivational interviewing theories when working with students.
Rachel Benson, AMFT 131996 (she)
Mental Health Counselor, under the supervision of Ghada Osman LMFT 83472
Rachel is a registered associate marriage and family therapist (AMFT). She received
her Masters's Degree in Counseling Psychology and specialized in Marriage and Family
Therapy (MFT) with Distinction. She is originally from Hong Kong, and she speaks several
languages, including Cantonese and Mandarin. Rachel believes every person is unique,
and she also understands how difficult it is for clients to deal with emotional issues
such as separation, divorce, and death. Rachel has worked in various school districts
with diverse populations. Rachel enjoys working with individuals and their families
through different challenges of life. Rachel is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization
and Reprocessing (EMDR), sand tray therapy, Gottman Couple Therapy, and Play Therapy
with young children. She leans toward Solution Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy,
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, sand tray/sand play therapy, Art and Music Therapy,
and Play Therapy. She was fortunate to learn about sand tray therapy from the World
Association of Sand Therapy professionals. She believes that using an integrated therapy
approach and evidenced-based interventions can help her clients reach their highest
potential and achieve their goals
Tammah Watts, LMFT 111562 (she)
Associate Faculty / Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Hi, I’m Tammah and thanks for your time. I consider it a privilege to be a Mental
Health Counselor here at MiraCosta College. Foremost for me is to meet the client
where they are in life with genuine regard and understanding in support of their self-actualization.
That is to say, I holistically support that you know yourself best and I honor your
unique journey towards optimal healing. I, therefore, incorporate an eclectic therapeutic
approach and find that Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral
Therapy (CBT), and Motivational Therapy among others are effective when supported
by a foundational stance of acknowledgement for one’s identity and their inherent
right to equitable and just expectations. My background includes a life devoted to
serving people and communities. For over 25 years, I served as a Program Manager for
a private, nonprofit Child Abuse Prevention Agency in San Diego County and was responsible
for the establishment and operation of residential treatment facilities, school-based
programs, mental health outpatient clinics and innovative family services. My specializations
in Child, Youth, and Student Services, Foster Care and Intensive Wraparound Family
Support Services, Mental Health Treatment, Cultural Diversity, Innovative Delivery
System Modalities for Person-Centered Care, and Direct Clinical and Substance Abuse
Recovery Practices help to further inform my volunteerism and community engagement.
I am passionate about nature and conservation and currently am the Southern California
Chapter Representative on Audubon California, Board of Directors and Buena Vista Audubon
Society (Oceanside) Board of Directors. I am certified as a SMART Recovery Facilitator,
Domestic Violence Advocate, Mindfulness-Based Meditation, Cultural Diversity, and
a Clinical Trauma Professional. My education is a mix of attendance at community colleges,
4-year universities and ultimately earning my Masters in Counseling Psychology from
National University. I am a Licensed marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). My first
book, Keep Looking Up: Your Guide to the Powerful Healing of Bird watching, with Hay
House Publishing, will be out April, 2022.
Tyrone Totten (he)
Mental Health Counselor, under the supervision of Ghada Osman LMFT 83472
Tyrone is a counseling intern and graduate student working towards his Masters of
Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of San Diego. He received
his Bachelor of Arts in Child and Adolescent Development from California State University,
San Marcos in 2023. Tyrone served in the United States Navy as an Information Systems
Technician. Tyrone is passionate about increasing accessibility of resources and reducing
the stigma and beliefs attached to mental health for people of color. Tyrone is interested
in a third-wave Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness approach to counseling.
In his leisure time, Tyrone loves spending quality time with his family and friends,
traveling, trying new foods, listening to music, watching sports, and working out.
Van Ethan Levy, LMFT 118131, LPCC 8269 (they/elle)
Associate Faculty / Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Van is a queer, non-binary, trans, AFAB (Assigned Female at Birth), nBPOC (not Black
Person of Color), dually licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist and a Licensed
Professional Clinical Counselor. Van is passionate about holding space for all intersections
of one’s identity(ies). Van is dedicated to social justice & believes it is vital
to cultivate an awareness of our own internal strengths, specifically our resilience
as we continue to grow and discover ourselves. Van believes it is important to trust
and validate our experience(s) and journey(s). Van aims to use a trauma informed lens
and hopes to help you learn ways to support yourself in the best way possible. Van
also provides trainings on trans and non-binary identities and is author of the interactive
book Exploring My Identity(ies) (2020).
* The mental health counseling team is under the leadership of our full-time mental health counselor, Dr. Ghada Osman, Ph.D., Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT 83472. She is in charge of program oversight with limited availability for direct practice with students.
Ghada Osman, Ph.D., LMFT 83472, C-IAYT (she)
Full-Time Faculty / Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Deeply trained in client-centered, trauma-informed work that is multicultural in perspective
and LGBTQPIA+ affirming, Ghada approaches her work with a cultural humility that centers
social justice and equity. She is a Brainspotting Consultant, certified in EMDR and
Yoga Therapies, and also incorporates in her work elements of Cognitive, Narrative,
and Internal Family Systems Therapies. Ghada is passionate about the community college
mission, having herself started her educational career as a community college student.
After receiving her Ph.D. from Harvard University and working as a Professor for 10
years, Ghada returned to school and earned her M.A. in Psychology with an emphasis
on Marriage & Family Therapy from Chapman University. In addition to her clinical
work, Ghada serves as an examination reviewer for the Board of Behavioral Sciences
and as a committee chair for the statewide California Association of Marriage & Family
Therapists. She leads workshops and trainings on a range of mental health topics.
Her most recent book is Mental and Emotional Healing through Yoga: A Guiding Framework
for Therapists and their Clients.
NOTICE TO CLIENTS The Board of Behavioral Sciences receives and responds to complaints regarding services provided within the scope of practice of marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, and professional clinical counselors. You may contact the board online at www.bbs.ca.gov, or by calling (916) 574-7830.
