PDC Counseling and Psychological Services
(Located in the south wing of the Palm Desert Health Sciences Building, Room 119)
The Counseling Center is open Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
PDC in-person or Zoom sessions are available as follows:
Monday - 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday - 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Thursday - 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Walk-In Crisis appointments with a CAPS counselor may be available either in person or via Zoom if needed Monday through Friday.
Call (909) 537-8177 for an appointment.
Palm Desert Campus students are also welcome to access counseling services at the San Bernardino campus at Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).
CSUSB Palm Desert Campus Student Health Center Counseling Staff:
Susan Lilly, LPCC, Counselor
Julio Esparza, Administrative Support Coordinator
Learn more about the Let's Talk program!
Who Uses Counseling and Psychological Services?
- All currently enrolled students who have paid the Student Health & Psychological Counseling Center Program and Facilities Fee are eligible for services.
- Students enrolled in continuing education, extension or Open University courses are not eligible for services.
- CSUSB Palm Desert Campus students also have access to the Psychological Counseling services located on the San Bernardino campus. For more information about the San Bernardino campus services, as well as additional resources, please visit the CSUSB Counseling & Psychological Services webpage.
Common Concerns and Issues Discussed:
- Confusion, anxiety, or depression
- Mood variability
- Needing help with an important decision
- Loneliness
- Adjusting to living away from parents
- Friendship problems
- Romantic concerns
- Family concerns-including parental divorce
- Compulsive eating
- Self-destructive use of alcohol or drugs
- Loss of a relationship
- Balancing academics and social needs
- Shyness
- Illness or death of a friend or family member
- Personal trauma such as sexual assault
- Illness or death of a friend or family member
Cost
Counseling and Psychological Services is funded by the student health fee paid at the time of enrollment to CSUSB. No other fees apply.
Confidentiality and Privacy
All contacts with Counseling and Psychological Services are confidential, except in situations where legal or ethical considerations require notification of a family member or others.
Counseling and Psychological Services does not release any information regarding whether a student has used the service nor matters discussed in counseling. Except under certain specific circumstances, no parent, dean, faculty member, or other student can gain access to information about a client without express written permission.
Exceptions
A student who has used CAPS services may give authorization to release records or to disclose information to anyone the student chooses. However, a request to exchange confidential information must first be completed and signed.
If the counselor believes that there is danger to self or others, safety considerations will prevail, and the counselor will notify appropriate family members or other authority. Such disclosure is for the purpose of providing the necessary care and protection of the student.
In very rare circumstances, the court may order the release of confidential information.
Unlicensed counselors work under the supervision of a licensed counselor who has access to counseling records in order to perform supervision responsibilities. In addition, a student may grant permission for a counselor to audiotape or videotape a session for the counselor to review with his/her supervisor.
Counselors are mandated reporters of suspected elder or child abuse and must notify the appropriate agencies.