Student Counseling Center
| COMMUNITY RESOURCES | PB COUNTY RESOURCES | CONFIDENTIALITY/CONSENT | COUNSELOR'S CORNER | STUDENT DEVELOPMENT |
In response to the continuing Coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns in the United States,
the Counseling Center is working to clarify how this may affect access to mental health
services for our students and making necessary changes. Updates to services will be
posted as they become available. Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates
Helpful Articles:
- How to Cope With Anxiety About Coronavirus (COVID-19) (verywellmind.com)
- The Silvers Sentinel Newsletter (Representative David Silvers)
- Rental and Utilities Assistance Program (Sun Sentinel)
Resources
- Baptist Health South Florida is now offering FREE virtual or telehealth visits on Baptist Heath Care On Demand. Use CODE: CARE19 If you or someone you know has cold or flu-like symptoms, use Baptist Health Care
On Demand to find guidance and/or peace of mind before rushing to a waiting room –
24/7, nationwide.
Baptist Health Coronavirus (COVID-19) Fact Sheet
- Apply for utility or rent assistance: pbcgov.com/OSCARSSpbcgov.com/OSCARSS
Knowledge is key when you're trying to understand why you feel a certain way. Learn more about issues you may be struggling with and tips on how you can cope.
"Aunt Bertha Resources" Search Box
Aunt Bertha is a national databank of resources. Need help finding services such as housing, medical care, food, job training, transportation, child care and education? Just enter your zip code to find all the resources available in your area.
Note: Palm Beach State College username & password required.
The Student Counseling Center provides services and programs to help students maintain
their emotional well-being in order to achieve their educational goals.
ABOUT US
Are you facing any of these issues?
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Depression
- Grief
- Abuse
Please contact us for support! Counseling is available on all five campuses. Bilingual counselors are available and we offer a variety of support groups to meet students needs.
Call to schedule an appointment with one of our talented counselors now.
Phone: 561-868-3980
Email: studentcounselingcenter@palmbeachstate.edu
Social Media: Facebook | Instagram
Campus Locations:
- Boca Raton: BT 125
- Belle Glade: By Appointment Only
- Lake Worth: SCA 103
- Loxahatchee Groves: LGA 101
- Palm Beach Gardens: SC 123
After hours & need help?
Call 211 and speak to a trained professional in your area.
Confidentiality & Consent
As a client of the Counseling Center, you have the right to strict confidentiality and no information about your case will be released without your prior written authorization.
Students of Concern Confidentiality Exception
Confidentiality may be extended to the Dean of Students or Threat Assessment Committee under circumstances warranting such discussion for the purpose of Threat Assessment or Safety Concerns as described in the Student Handbook.
Robin Russo, LCSW
Director of Student Well Being
Robin has advanced training and or certification in such modalities as EMDR, TIR, DBT, Hypnotherapy, and Clinical Sexology. She has acted in a Clinical Director role in Substance Abuse Treatment facilities and as Program Coordinator for a specialized programming in the Hospice setting. Robin brings a unique background to mental health care in that she also has a degree in Physical Education/Exercise Science and believes the strong connection between mind and body in maintaining optimal health. She maintains a small private practice focused on women’s issues and supervision.
Valentina Contessa
I am your Counseling Center and Panther's Pantry Representative. I graduated from the Palm Beach State College Human Services program and have a background in Early Childhood Education and Special Needs. My special interests include suicide prevention, human trafficking awareness, LGBTQ+ allyship, and sexual assault & domestic violence recovery. I am trained in Mental Health First Aid. As an advocate for mental health, I encourage college students to seek counseling and explore what resources they have available to them. I am fluent in both English and Spanish.
Katherine Alberto
My name is Katherine Alberto and I am a current graduate student at Florida Atlantic University. Although you may have heard this line previously, I truly believe that I didn't find social work, instead, it found me. I have always had a passion to help those around me and being able to bridge any and all gaps. For as long as I remember, I always said I wanted to work with the younger population, however, as time goes on and I meet other individuals, I am now open to working with all ages!
Vernal "Sammy" Lightbourn
I received my Bachelor’s in Baking and Pastry Arts/Food Service Management from Johnson & Wales University in North Miami and I am currently in my last year at Florida Atlantic University working to receive my Masters in Social Work. I was raised in the Turks and Caicos Islands by a Turks Island father and a Haitian mother. I come from a large family and I love meeting the needs of others and guiding them through their thoughts for their potential choices. My previous internship was at the Public Defender’s Office in West Palm Beach, Florida, where I was able to visit and assist clients suffering from mental health issues by establishing a treatment plan for their release from jail. I also worked with juvenile adolescents from ages 11-17 to provide resources and encouragement to complete their court-ordered sanctions for early release from probation. My friends, family, and colleagues describe me as a calm, collective person and a good listener who makes them feel safe and comfortable to talk to.
Janet Madri-Flores
I have a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Florida Atlantic University. I am currently pursuing my Master's Degree in Social Work and look forward to helping people realize their own value. I am a graduate of Palm Beach State College, earning my AA and AS degree in Human Services. I have had the wonderful experience of interning at the FAU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, where I worked with some amazing families. Mindfulness and Intentional Motivation are areas of interest for me. I am happy to be back on campus, interning at The Center for Student Wellbeing.
Nathan Sheddy
I recently earned my Bachelors Degree in Social Work from Florida Atlantic University (FAU), and am currently in pursuit of a Masters Degree in Social Work from FAU. Prior to transferring to FAU, I was a proud Palm Beach State College Panther, obtaining my Associates transfer degree in 2018.
My previous internship with the Coalition for Independent Living Options, provided me the opportunity to educate clients about their options and facilitate their access to independent living resources. I am a Veteran of the United States Navy and am passionate about combining that experience with my education in Social Work. I hope to facilitate positive transitions for Veterans returning to “Civilian Life” and empower those who want to pursue a degree in higher education.
Love Toussaint
I am currently in the advanced standing MSW program at FAU. My hobbies consist of church activities, spending time with family and friends, and binge watching my favorite shows. I am currently working as a case manager at the Achievement Center for Children and Families where I connect families with needed resources to elevate their current situations. I have been working in the case management field since 2016. I'd like to think of myself as a lifelong learner, I am an open minded individual who is always ready to learn and gain new insight. I am excited to intern at PBSC where I completed my AA, AS and BA degree. Very proud alumna!
COUNSELING CENTER GROUPS
Groups are available across all campuses on the CORQ app - just search "counseling"
You can RSVP in the CORQ app! Should you run into any issues or have questions, please give us a call.
Phone: 561-868-3980
COMMUNITY RESOURCES & SELF-CARE
There are a number of services and support programs for the PBSC community and students. Find resources in the following areas:
- Addiction
- Crisis Stabilization
- Dating/Domestic Violence/Stalking
- HealthCare
- Housing/ Food Insecurity
- LGBTQ support
- Mental Health
- Veteran's Services
Knowledge is key when you're trying to understand why you feel a certain way. Learn more about issues you may be struggling with and tips on how you can cope.
MOBILE MEDICAL CLINIC-SERVICE SUSPENDED
*PLEASE NOTE: Mobile Health Clinic services are suspended until further notice due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Uninsured students and staff may receive health services from the Health Care District of Palm Beach County’s Mobile Health Clinic.
Services offered are:
- Primary care services such as physical exams and chronic disease management treatment (diabetes, hypertension, etc.)
- Preventative care such as colorectal and cervical cancer screenings, mammogram referrals, etc.
- Behavioral health services such as screenings and psychiatric and addiction treatment
For more information click here.
Schedule
The Health Care District of Palm Beach County’s Mobile Health Clinic will come to the Lake Worth campus on the fourth Thursday of each month unless the College is closed. It will be parked in front of the Public Safety Training Center.
How do I make an appointment?
Both uninsured students and staff may receive health services.
To make an appointment, please call the Counseling Center at 561-868-3980.
From there, you must visit the Center in SCA103 at the Lake Worth Campus to fill out paperwork before being escorted to the clinic.
PANTHER PANTRY
The Panther Pantry provides support to PBSC students experiencing food insecurities by supplying them with the basic food and toiletries they need.
PANTHER'S CLOSET
Panther’s Closet is a thrift shop located on the Lake Worth campus that is open to all current students, faculty and staff. Shop great bargains for only a $1 each!
