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.
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.
Spring 2025 Drop-In Spaces
Drop-Ins are private, confidential, informal spaces to chat with a licensed therapist without an appointment, paperwork, or RSVP. All drop-ins are open to all students regardless of topic, so come by if you just need to chat!
Tuesdays with Bailey
Tuesdays (starting Feb 4) / 2:00–3:00 pm / Located at the ICC backyard
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 play with Bailey, a year-old puppy. During this time, staff therapist Eric Robinson will check-in with attendees and can offer information about Emmon’s services.
Contact Eric Robinson at erobinson2@oxy.edu
What’s the Word, Hummingbird?
Tuesdays (starting Jan 28) / 3:00–4:00 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
Mondays (starting Feb 3) / 2:00–3:00 pm / Virtual (see Zoom info below)
A space for students to discuss a current inter-personal conflict in their life, receive support, and get information on conflict resolution including communication strategies.
https://occidental.zoom.us/j/
Meeting ID: 879 1539 7774
Passcode: 813323
You will be admitted into a waiting room and let in to the Zoom room when the therapist is free.
Contact Eric Robinson at erobinson2@oxy.edu
Mariposa Hours
Thursdays (starting Feb 6) / 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
First-Time Tigers
Thursdays (starting Feb 6) / 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.
Contact Tyler Carter at tcarter2@oxy.edu
Spring 2025 Groups
Therapy groups are private, confidential spaces for students to process topics together in community with the guidance of a licensed therapist.
Survivors Circle
*Date, time, and location pending student availability*
Survivors Circle is a safe, confidential environment that can provide support and understanding for any Oxy student who has experienced sexual assault (either while at Oxy or previously). Survivors Circle offers a space to heal and recover from trauma, to reestablish safety, to connect with others, and to share experiences. The group focuses on processing how the assault has impacted their lives.
Survivors Circle will meet weekly and is run by Emmons therapist Dr. Paloma Franco. If you are interested in joining Survivors Circle, fill out this Google form and Dr. Franco will reach out.
Power Over Substance
*Date, time, and location pending student availability*
Power Over Substance an open and nonjudgmental group to support students in regaining power over their marijuana, alcohol, and other substance use. The group provides the opportunity to process how past life circumstances impact substance use and to develop new coping strategies.
Power Over Substance will meet weekly and is run by Emmons therapist Tyler Carter. If you are interested in joining Power Over Substance, fill out this Google form and Tyler will reach out.
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.