HHS 100

Presenter: Dr. Denna Sanchez, clinical psychologist, director of Student Psychological Services. Health and Well-being is a cluster within a larger group, aiming to be a one-stop shop for students.
Core idea: If a student has multiple needs (e.g., housing instability and depression), they should be able to access integrated support rather than being referred to multiple places. ToroCare coordinates care across services.
Main hub: Student Health Center (S H C); multiple locations but primary hub at the Student Health Center.
Health fee context: Students pay a health fee as part of tuition. With that fee, students receive services like medical visits and counseling. Counseling is included in the health fee.

Health and well-being cluster comprises:
- Student Psychological Services (SPS)
- Student Disability Resource Center (SDRC)
- Student Health Services
- Kate (unit mentioned, details to be explained)
- Health, Wellness, and Recreation Center (HWRC) – newly added unit, under construction, targeted for fall 2026 (HWRC = Health, Wellness, and Recreation Center)
HWRC note: It’s a future recreation/wellness facility by the tennis courts with plans for fitness, recreation programs, and event spaces; feedback from students is welcome through ToroLink.

Location: Building next to Welsh Hall.
Services offered:
- Routine preventive health care
- Physical exams
- Immunizations
- Pharmacy (walk-in, cheaper for students; no appointment needed for pharmacy visits)
- Harm-reduction items available at the pharmacy: fentanyl test strips, Narcan (Naloxone) training provided; Narcan can reverse opioid overdose; training provided on use with a kit
- Test strips for detecting adulterants in drinks
- Safety-related services: laboratory work, health screenings, X-rays, optometry, and health education programs
Outreach and contact:
- Student Health Ambassadors outside the center providing information
- After-hours nurse line available after 5:00 PM and on weekends/holidays for crisis support (the same number used for after-hours crisis)
After-hours note: The nurse line connects to nurses or a contracted after-hours counseling service for crises

Structure:
- 10 licensed psychotherapists (not all are clinical psychologists; some are MFTs, LCSWs, PhDs)
- 2 interns who assist with student counseling (total of $12$ providers)
Confidentiality:
- Services are confidential; counselors do not disclose information to professors or others; professors cannot access student records without consent
Psychiatric support:
- A psychiatrist is available to dispense medications when appropriate
Groups (vary by semester):
- Journey to Self Awareness (a 3-week group focusing on self-understanding, emotional life, coping skills for stress)
- ADHD group
- Home group (for undocumented students and those affected by immigration policies; led by Dr. Quintero in the IJC)
How to join groups:
- Information available on the SPS website or via ToroLink
Access and intake:
- Call SPS to set up appointments; after-hours crisis resources are available through the same phone number (via a contracted after-hours service)
Note on group availability: Group offerings change each semester to address current student needs

ToroCare is the newest and a key unit for coordinating student care.
Process: Student first engages with a care coordinator who conducts care coordination and determines needs across services.
Typical pathways:
- If a student has food insecurity, housing instability, or other urgent needs, the care coordinator connects them to appropriate supports (e.g., food pantry, housing assistance, financial help)
Food insecurity support:
- Pantry: Located on the level underneath the College of Education; a well-stocked, store-like pantry with fresh produce, prepared meals, canned goods, pasta, etc.
- Pantry operation: Donated by community agencies; uses a points-based system (similar to a social media/Instagram style) to select weekly items; students bring a bag to collect food when they arrive
Financial assistance and emergency aid:
- CalFresh outreach to connect students with food benefits
- Emergency financial assistance for crises (e.g., medical bills, rent, car accidents)
- Short-term housing, long-term housing, and rapid rehousing programs for students without housing
Important consideration:
- Some students may experience multiple simultaneous needs (e.g., homelessness plus domestic violence). ToroCare coordinates care to address all areas of a person’s needs, not just a single issue
CAEP referral (see next section) for safety/equality-related concerns

Full name and focus: Center for Advocacy, Prevention, and Empowerment (CAEP)
Primary issues addressed:
- Stalking, unwanted sexual advances, domestic violence, intimate partner violence
Access via self-referral:
- Students can self-direct via CAEP’s website and use the “Make an appointment” button to connect with CAEP
Services provided:
- Police reports and court guidance
- Counseling and advocacy support
- Empowerment-focused approach: encourages students to be their own advocates; supports students through decision-making rather than pushing them toward a single course of action
Note: CAEP is a critical resource for safety and legal/justice-related processes in addition to counseling

Love Lab (new group):
- Led by Dr. Quintero and Dr. Bruce Wallace
- Broad focus: not limited to romantic relationships; includes love relationships, friendships, family connections, and addressing loneliness
- Emphasizes connection and belonging; includes a concept called the “love basket”
General context: The Love Lab is part