Our Wellness Center at College of Alameda is committed to providing accessible, compassionate, evidence-based, and trauma-informed mental health support services to empower our community college members. Through innovative programs, personalized counseling, and collaborative community partnerships, we aim to promote holistic well-being and resilience for all students, faculty, and staff on campus.
Currently, College of Alameda offers remote and in-person mental counseling at no additional cost to students. Services are paid for by the student health fee. All mental health services are provided by licensed mental health counselors and MFT/PCC/MSW Trainees and Associates.
Mental health services are available for all currently enrolled students when classes are in session. We look forward to connecting with you! Please check out the resources listed below.
The Peralta Student Health Clinic is closed. For emergency situations, please call 911. For medical support, please contact your regular provider. If you do not have a provider, please contact Alameda Health System https://www.alamedahealthsystem.org/ located throughout Alameda County.
Hours and Location
New location: D-building D203
Monday: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Tuesday: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Wednesday: 11:30 am – 4:30 pm Thursday: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm (Closed for lunch from 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm daily)
Yolanda Thomas, MFT Trainee (she/her) was born and raised in the Bay Area and is a Marriage and Family Therapy graduate student at the University of San Francisco. She brings a background in education, community advocacy, wellness, and supporting individuals and families from diverse communities. Yolanda is passionate about creating a warm and welcoming space where students feel heard, supported, and empowered as they navigate personal, academic, and life challenges. She values cultural humility and believes in meeting students where they are while helping them recognize their own strengths. In her free time, Yolanda enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, serving her community, and cheering on the San Francisco 49ers!
Paola Maytorena, MFT Trainee (she/her) is a final-year Marriage and Family Therapy trainee at the University of San Francisco. She is passionate about making mental health support more accessible and creating a space where students feel comfortable being heard, understood, and supported. She is especially excited to work with students in a college setting and support them through the different experiences and challenges they may encounter. In her free time, Paola enjoys reading, going to concerts, spending time in nature, and exploring new places.
Sam Martinez, MSW Trainee (they/them) is a Master of Social Work trainee, queer trans person of color from Alameda. They are in their final year of their Master of Social Work program at San Francisco State University. They are excited to be returning to College of Alameda, not as a student, but as a part of the mental health team. They are passionate about supporting people, and they have a background in supporting youth and LGBTQ+ identified clients. A fun fact about Sam is that they spend all their money on food and eating out, so if you need a restaurant recommendation, they got you!
Mirisen Ozpek, AMFT (she/her), is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT156226). She aims to create a warm and supportive space where students can explore identity, self-worth, relationships, and life transitions. Mirisen has a background in research and special education.
Wellness Center Events
Join us for events throughout the semester to support your mental and physical health - yoga, expressive art, acupressure and more.
