PHSU Counseling Center
Your Success is our Commitment
Services
Counseling Center
We're Here to Help
Appointments can also be made by calling 787-840-2575 extension 2555
Students also may visit the Center and request an appointment during our regular office hours of Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
If you feel you need immediate assistance due to being in crisis (i.e. feeling like you may seriously harm yourself or another person, death of a loved one, hearing voices, physical or sexual assault or under extreme psychological distress), the PHSU Counseling Center provides urgent care services. Please call or visit our Office anytime between 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. If possible, please call ahead and let us know that you are coming. Please tell the receptionist that you are in crisis and need to see someone as soon as possible.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress and it is after hours, please phone 988! Crisis intervention suicide prevention hotline is a confidential platform with crisis counselors that will provide support and resources to assist you during your time of distress. You can also contact Linea Paz calling at 1-800-981-0023.
Free Services Provided
(Must be enrolled PHSU Student)
- Individual and group counseling
- Personal Counseling
- Academic Counseling
- Psychotherapy Services
- Career Counseling
Common Reasons for Counseling
- Abusive or Addictive Relationships
- Abstinence
- Domestic Abuse
- Dysfunctional Families
- Eating Disorders
- Grief
- Homesickness
- Mental Health issues
- Emergencies/Suicidal Thoughts
- Sexual Offense Survivors
- Stress
- Substance Abuse
The practice of Professional Counseling is the application of mental health, psychological, or human development principles, through cognitive, affective, behavioral or systematic intervention strategies, that address wellness, personal growth, or career development, as well as pathology.
Professional counselors are available to discuss and help you discover your academic goals, plan your educational program, and develop a comprehensive academic plan. This group of professionals will provide you with information designed to help you reach your educational and career goals.
If you’re experiencing academic challenges, you’re not alone. Many students find the demands of coursework to be overwhelming or need guidance on a specific area related to their studies. Students who meet with our Counselors learn concrete tools and strategies to deal with these struggles.
There are several factors that influence your career development, including your interests, abilities, values, personality, background, and circumstances. Our Counselors will help you figure out who you are and what you want out of your education, your career, and your life.
The Counseling Center provides individual and group sessions. Group counseling involves 4-8 students meeting with 1-2 trained counselor(s), typically once a week for 1.5 hours. Group members talk about a variety of issues including exploring relationships, improving self-esteem, and enhancing coping skills. Group members share information about themselves and provide feedback to others while group leaders facilitate productive communication in the group. There is evidence for the effectiveness of group treatment for the following issues:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Eating Disorders
- Social Anxiety
- Substance Abuse
- Traumatic Experiences
- Interpersonal Problems
Resources
Our Center is fully committed to scheduling you with a counselor as soon as possible. However, sometimes students’ schedules have limited times available, and this can lead to short waiting periods after the initial intake interview. However, in most cases, the appointment is scheduled for the week following the intake appointment.
José A. Soto Franceschini, PhD, LPC
Counseling Center Director
jsoto@psm.edu
787-840-2575 Ext. 5852
Jonaira Arroyo Rivera, Ed.D, LPC
Professional Counselor
Title IX Coordinator
jarroyo@psm.edu
787-840-2575 Ext. 5734
Grace M. Morales Mercado, MRC, LPC
Professional Counselor
Reasonable Accommodations Coordinator
gracemorales@psm.edu
787-840-2575 Ext. 5733
Soniamarie Lugo, M.Ed., LPC
Professional Counselor
slugo@psm.edu
787-840-2575 Ext. 4745
Tania B. Cintrón Cruz, M.Ed,LPC
Professional Counselor
San Juan & Online Programs
tcintron@psm.edu
787-728-2126
787-728-2121 Ext. 2007
Workshops
- Alcohol and other drugs
- Communication in relationships
- Eating disorders
- Procrastination
- Self-confidence
- Stress management
- Study skills
- Test anxiety
- Time management
- Curriculum Vitae
- Professional Image
- Students who need or will benefit from longer-term therapy
- Students who require psychiatric care and medication
- Students whose issues demand a level or continuity of care that cannot be me within an academic calendar
Reasonable Accommodations
Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU) is an institution of higher education committed to the well-being of students in all aspects of their life. Our purpose is to provide services to students in accordance with “Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990” and its amendments. Also, in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act 1973 and Post-Secondary Passport for Reasonable Accommodation Act, (Law No. 250 of September 15, 2012).
- Reasonable accommodation: “Modifications or adjustments to the tasks, environment or to the way things are usually done that enable individuals with disabilities to have an equal opportunity to participate in an academic program or a job.” (U.S. Department of Education, 2007).
- Disability: “Physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a record of such an impairment, or being regards as having such an impairment.” (ADA, 2008).
- Qualified student with disability: Is a student with disability who meets the academic requirements and technical standards requisite for admission or participation in the institutions’ education program or activity.
- Documentation required: Reasonable Accommodation Request Form and Certification of Disability (must be completed by a health professional specialized in the condition you are requested accommodations.
- Include documents attached:
- Certification of Disability
- Request for accommodation reasons
If you are a qualified student with disability and want orientation about reasonable accommodation, please contact Grace M. Morales Mercado, Rehabilitation Counselor at gracemorales@psm.edu or 787-840-2575, ext. 5733, 5660
