Mental Health Counseling

Every Oxnard College student has access to free, time limited, confidential mental health services during the school semester covered by their student health fees. We have a team of diverse and bilingual mental health therapists ready to support the students of Oxnard College to help them achieve their fullest potential. Please contact the Oxnard College Student Health Center to schedule an appointment at (805) 678-5832 or email: ochealthcntr02@vcccd.edu.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis please contact the Ventura County Behavioral Health Crisis team at (866) 998-2243. They are open 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.

Call the Health Center to schedule your appointment:

Main Health Office Number (805) 678-5832 or email: ochealthcntr02@vcccd.edu

Before your first appointment, there is initial paperwork that needs to be completed via the student health portal. The front office staff can assist you with this process. Once you complete your paperwork, your assigned therapist will email you a confidential Zoom link for your scheduled appointment if scheduled via zoom or will see you in person at the health center.

During the first session your therapist will review clinic policies so that you understand the limitations of confidentiality as well as how the clinic operates. You will also have a chance to ask any questions that you might have. The first appointment is an assessment where your therapist will have the opportunity to get to know you and determine how to best address your specific concerns.

Therapy provides a safe, confidential, and helpful way to address issues and concerns, find new solutions, and explore life choices. It is a joint effort between the client and the therapist. Progress and success may vary depending upon the particular obstacles or issues being addressed.

Therapists act as a neutral party who can listen and try to understand without judgment.
Therapists help you learn about yourself by pointing out patterns and giving honest feedback.
Therapists teach you specific techniques and strategies to deal with problems.
Therapists can refer you to additional resources in the community that might be helpful.
Therapists provide a safe place to learn and practice social skills.

Therapists should not tell you what to do or try to direct your life. Think of the proverb: "Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach him, to fish, and you feed him for life." Therapists will help you learn to solve your own problems, rather than solving them for you.
Some mental illness cannot be managed by psychotherapy alone. If medication is recommended, it's probably important.
Benefiting from psychotherapy does require work on your part. Speaking to a therapist for an hour a week, and then pushing it out of your mind, probably won't do you any good. Complete homework, practice your skills, and legitimately try the recommendations given.
Therapists cannot be your friend after starting a therapeutic relationship. Therapists generally like their clients, and would love to get to know them better, but ethical rules prevent the formation of relationships outside of treatment. It isn't you, it's just that the therapist could lose their license!
Therapists cannot read your mind. If you hide information, or are dishonest, you're wasting your time.

Leslie Martinez Almaraz — Born and raised in Ventura County, Leslie developed a deep commitment to serving her community. With a Master's in counseling psychology from California Lutheran University, she has honed her expertise in the mental health field over the past decade.

Throughout her career, Leslie has gained valuable experience in both nonprofit and for-profit sectors, as well as private practice, offering individual, family and group therapy services. She has also worked in collaboration with Dreamers, providing crucial support on their path to citizenship. Along with individual services, Leslie strives to support her community through facilitation of community workshops and engages in public speaking events in hopes of promoting mental health awareness within underserved communities, striving to bridge the gap between awareness and accessible resources.

Leslie, firmly believes in a holistic approach when providing services to students, "Supporting the whole individual means connecting students to relevant community resources alongside therapy, and empowering them to advocate for themselves while fostering their social-emotional well-being for continued academic success". Her approach emphasizes evidence-based therapeutic methods that are culturally adapted and sensitive to the unique needs of all students, underpinned by trauma-informed care.

Her work extends beyond the academic realm, as she is versed in maternal mental health and a passionate advocate for birth justice. She proudly serves as a birth-worker for postpartum BIPOC women, drawing upon ancestral and indigenous practices learned from community maestras to support and nurture new mothers.

When not in the professional arena, Leslie enjoys spending quality time in nature with her husband and 21-month old son. She eagerly looks forward to joining Oxnard College and is excited to support students and contribute to their well-being and academic success.

Sylvia Lenhardt is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with a robust educational background and extensive experience in the field. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from CSUCI and subsequently completed her M.S. in counseling Psychology with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy at California Lutheran University in 2019.

Prior to this Sylvia obtained her A.A. in Early Childhood Education with a focus on special education at Moorpark College. This academic pursuit equipped her with valuable experience in teaching both typical and neurodiverse students across various grade levels in private and public schools over several years.

Currently, Sylvia is excited to contribute her expertise at Oxnard College, where she looks forward to engaging with a diverse student population in a nonjudgmental and culturally sensitive manner. Her enthusiasm lies in being an integral part of a creative, vibrant, and student-centered learning community.

Sylvia specializes in addressing Trauma and Trauma-related disorders, Intimate Partner Violence, and Grief and Loss. She employs a diverse range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), attachment-based therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), narrative therapy, person-centered therapy, and mindfulness.

One of Sylvia's distinctive qualities is her encouragement of students to actively collaborate in setting goals and taking steps towards meaningful life changes.

In addition to her professional pursuits, Sylvia holds a deep passion for nature and expresses herself through art. Raised in Europe, she possesses proficiency in several languages and a keen appreciation for diverse cultures.

Born and raised in Ventura County, Leslie developed a deep commitment to serving her community. With a Master's in counseling psychology from California Lutheran University, she has honed her expertise in the mental health field over the past decade.

Throughout her career, Leslie has gained valuable experience in both nonprofit and for-profit sectors, as well as private practice, offering individual, family and group therapy services. She has also worked in collaboration with Dreamers, providing crucial support on their path to citizenship. Along with individual services, Leslie strives to support her community through facilitation of community workshops and engages in public speaking events in hopes of promoting mental health awareness within underserved communities, striving to bridge the gap between awareness and accessible resources.

Leslie, firmly believes in a holistic approach when providing services to students, "Supporting the whole individual means connecting students to relevant community resources alongside therapy, and empowering them to advocate for themselves while fostering their social-emotional well-being for continued academic success". Her approach emphasizes evidence-based therapeutic methods that are culturally adapted and sensitive to the unique needs of all students, underpinned by trauma-informed care.

Her work extends beyond the academic realm, as she is versed in maternal mental health and a passionate advocate for birth justice. She proudly serves as a birth-worker for postpartum BIPOC women, drawing upon ancestral and indigenous practices learned from community maestras to support and nurture new mothers.

When not in the professional arena, Leslie enjoys spending quality time in nature with her husband and 21-month old son. She eagerly looks forward to joining Oxnard College and is excited to support students and contribute to their well-being and academic success.

Sylvia Lenhardt is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with a robust educational background and extensive experience in the field. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from CSUCI and subsequently completed her M.S. in counseling Psychology with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy at California Lutheran University in 2019.

Prior to this Sylvia obtained her A.A. in Early Childhood Education with a focus on special education at Moorpark College. This academic pursuit equipped her with valuable experience in teaching both typical and neurodiverse students across various grade levels in private and public schools over several years.

Currently, Sylvia is excited to contribute her expertise at Oxnard College, where she looks forward to engaging with a diverse student population in a nonjudgmental and culturally sensitive manner. Her enthusiasm lies in being an integral part of a creative, vibrant, and student-centered learning community.

Sylvia specializes in addressing Trauma and Trauma-related disorders, Intimate Partner Violence, and Grief and Loss. She employs a diverse range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), attachment-based therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), narrative therapy, person-centered therapy, and mindfulness.

One of Sylvia's distinctive qualities is her encouragement of students to actively collaborate in setting goals and taking steps towards meaningful life changes.

In addition to her professional pursuits, Sylvia holds a deep passion for nature and expresses herself through art. Raised in Europe, she possesses proficiency in several languages and a keen appreciation for diverse cultures.

Val Medrano — Valeria Medrano received a BA in Communication Studies at Loyola Marymount University and a MA in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Somatic Psychotherapy from Antioch University Santa Barbara.

She works with individuals, adolescents, young adults, and adults. She predominately utilizes psychoanalysis, psychodynamic psychotherapy, somatic psychotherapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy in her approach with clients. Her list of specialties also includes: mindfulness practices, depression, anxiety, life transitions, LGBTQ+ issues, and academic challenges.

Valeria was born and raised in Ventura County and have enjoyed working at Ventura College and its students. It is very rewarding to feel like she is helping those in her own community. She is fluent in Spanish and has had the privilege of working with our Spanish-speaking students by making therapy accessible to them.

In her spare time, she enjoys walking on the beach with her French Bulldog named Bumi Bean, exercising at her local cardio barre studio, and re-watching her favorite television shows and movies

Melissa Burns received her AA in Social Sciences (Psychology and Criminal Justice) from Moorpark College, her BA in Psychology from Antioch University, Santa Barbara and is currently pursuing her MA in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Somatic Psychotherapy at Antioch University, Santa Barbara.

Born and raised in Ventura County, and as an alum of the VCCCD community, Melissa takes great pride in giving back to the community that helped paved the way for her academic and professional success.

In the therapy room, Melissa integrates Person-Centered and Postmodern theories to create a therapeutic experience uniquely tailored to each client's needs. She specializes in supporting individuals navigating anxiety, life transitions, academic challenges, and the unique experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community, athletes, and first responders. Melissa also welcomes clients with a wide range of concerns, fostering a compassionate space for growth and healing.

In her free time, Melissa enjoys exploring the outdoors- running, cycling, and hiking through the snowy mountains in Canada. At the end of the day, she loves nothing more than curing up on the couch with a bowl of ice cream and her favorite sitcoms.

Melissa B. AMFT — Valeria Medrano received a BA in Communication Studies at Loyola Marymount University and a MA in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Somatic Psychotherapy from Antioch University Santa Barbara.

She works with individuals, adolescents, young adults, and adults. She predominately utilizes psychoanalysis, psychodynamic psychotherapy, somatic psychotherapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy in her approach with clients. Her list of specialties also includes: mindfulness practices, depression, anxiety, life transitions, LGBTQ+ issues, and academic challenges.

Valeria was born and raised in Ventura County and have enjoyed working at Ventura College and its students. It is very rewarding to feel like she is helping those in her own community. She is fluent in Spanish and has had the privilege of working with our Spanish-speaking students by making therapy accessible to them.

In her spare time, she enjoys walking on the beach with her French Bulldog named Bumi Bean, exercising at her local cardio barre studio, and re-watching her favorite television shows and movies

Melissa Burns received her AA in Social Sciences (Psychology and Criminal Justice) from Moorpark College, her BA in Psychology from Antioch University, Santa Barbara and is currently pursuing her MA in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Somatic Psychotherapy at Antioch University, Santa Barbara.

Born and raised in Ventura County, and as an alum of the VCCCD community, Melissa takes great pride in giving back to the community that helped paved the way for her academic and professional success.

In the therapy room, Melissa integrates Person-Centered and Postmodern theories to create a therapeutic experience uniquely tailored to each client's needs. She specializes in supporting individuals navigating anxiety, life transitions, academic challenges, and the unique experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community, athletes, and first responders. Melissa also welcomes clients with a wide range of concerns, fostering a compassionate space for growth and healing.

In her free time, Melissa enjoys exploring the outdoors- running, cycling, and hiking through the snowy mountains in Canada. At the end of the day, she loves nothing more than curing up on the couch with a bowl of ice cream and her favorite sitcoms.

Edwin Solano, LMFT (Available ONLY at Public Safety Site in Camarillo)

Tuesday	11 AM to 2 PM- In Person
Wednesday	11 AM to 2 PM- In Person

Sylvia Lenhardt, LMFT

Monday

Tuesday

9 AM to 4 PM - In Person In LA-20

9 AM to 5 PM - In Person In Student Health Center

Wednesday

Thursday

9 AM to 12 PM- In Person In LA-20

9 AM to 3 PM- In Person In LA-20

Friday

9 AM to 11 AM - Online

Valeria Medrano, AMFT

Wednesday	9 AM to 4 PM- In Person
Thursday	9 AM to 4 PM- In Person
Friday	9 AM to 12 PM- In Person

Melissa Burns, MFT Trainee

Wednesday

9 AM to 4 PM- In Person

The OC student health center has confidential on campus support groups that offer our diverse Oxnard College student population support. All of the groups are facilitated by one of the mental health therapists who work at the student health center. All of the groups will be held in person but at times may be held via online depending on the latest district guidelines. Please refer to the respective group flyers below for respective location and group times. Please contact the OC student health center if you have any questions.

Rainbow Cafe group facilitated by Sylvia Lenhardt, LMFT for students who identify as LGBTQIA+ and their allies. Location: LA 20. Wednesdays 4pm to 5pm. Thursdays 4pm to 6pm

Rainbow Cafe Resource Center. LGBTQIA + Support Group Flyer-Wednesday 4pm-5pm, Thursday 4pm - 6pm in LA 20

How to schedule an appointment

What to expect during therapy sessions

What does a therapist actually do, and how can they help me?

What are the limitations of psychotherapy?

Meet the therapists

Hours of Availability

Confidential Support Groups

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