Counseling

SAC's Counseling Vision

Our vision is to create a holistic mental health ecosystem that serves as a sanctuary for students, a place that is welcoming, inclusive, and uplifting, where every student feels safe, valued, and empowered to thrive.

 

We Are Here for You

Difficult issues can get in the way of academic success. We can help you manage these issues, your course workload, responsibilities, and other personal situations.

Trained and licensed staff can guide you in personal, social, health, and/or psychological matters. We can also provide you with community referrals to meet your individualized needs.

Meet Our Staff

Meet Our Counselors

Andi Kephart, LCSW-S, RPT

Andi Kephart is Licensed Clinical Social Worker Supervisor and Registered Play Therapist from Georgia (Go Bulldogs!).

She has been practicing for 12 years. Holding a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Texas State University, Andi has developed a comprehensive skill set that equips her to deliver exceptional support to individuals and families. Andi actively champions the rights of marginalized individuals, fostering inclusive environments where authenticity is celebrated. Her empathetic approach has established her as a trusted ally, ensuring that all clients feel seen and valued. In her therapeutic practice, Andi employs innovative techniques, particularly play therapy, to create engaging and transformative experiences. She believes that therapy should empower individuals on their paths to self-discovery and healing, consistently inspiring her students to overcome challenges and realize their potential. She is trained in CBT, Sandtray, and EMDR.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Andi enjoys a fulfilling personal life with her husband and their three spirited dogs. She possesses a unique collection of flamingos, reflecting her vibrant personality. Her eclectic interests extend to her love of boy bands and dancing to 80s music, which serve as joyful outlets and a reminder to embrace life's lighter moments.

 

Michelle Morales, MA, LPC-S

Michelle Morales is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S) with over twenty years of experience in Counseling Psychology.

Raised on the Southwest side of San Antonio, Michelle has dedicated her career to supporting individuals through trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, and various mood disorders. She is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT) and trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). With a strengths-based therapeutic approach, Michelle empowers her clients to reach their personal goals and enhance their overall quality of life.

Currently, Michelle serves as a Personal Counselor at San Antonio College, where she provides bilingual, short-term, solution-focused counseling to students. Her broad skill set includes crisis intervention, treatment planning, and conducting immigration evaluations. Michelle holds a Master of Arts in Counseling from Webster University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Our Lady of the Lake University.

In addition to her counseling expertise, she is an accomplished presenter, event organizer, and adept in web and social media. A passionate advocate for underserved populations, Michelle is committed to giving back to her community through volunteering. In her personal time, she enjoys tending to her cacti and succulents garden and cherishing her role as a dedicated Tia to her nieces and nephews, maintaining strong ties with her family.

 

Meet Our Case Managers

Megan A. Cordova, BA, MSW Student

Megan A. Cordova is a case manager at the Student Advocacy Center at San Antonio College and a graduate student pursuing a master’s in social work at East Texas A&M University.

She is a proud San Antonio College graduate, earning an Associate of Arts in sociology before completing a Bachelor of Arts in human Services with a concentration in Child and Family Services.

With more than 30 years of experience in human services, Megan has dedicated her career to advocating for individuals and families experiencing crisis, homelessness, family violence, child welfare involvement, and barriers to higher education.

Megan began her career at SAMMinistries as a shelter monitor before being promoted to family guest coordinator. She later served as shelter manager for Family Violence Prevention Services, lead case manager at the Atascosa Crisis Center, case management supervisor, and later community organizer with the San Antonio Housing Authority, and family-based safety services caseworker with Child Protective Services. She has also been a dedicated advocate and volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters, further reflecting her lifelong commitment to strengthening children, families, and communities.

Throughout her career, Megan has been passionate about empowering individuals during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. She believes every person deserves to be treated with compassion, respect, and dignity, and she is committed to helping students and families identify their strengths, overcome barriers, and connect with meaningful resources.

Outside of work, Megan is a proud mother of five and grandmother of two. She enjoys reselling, treasure hunting, and building communities centered around generosity and kindness. Whether supporting students, mentoring others, or volunteering in her community, Megan strives to lead with authenticity, humor, and heart.

Scope of Practice

Scope of Practice

 

What to Expect

We are grateful that students desire to improve their mental and emotional health and Counseling Services are here to provide support. All Counseling Services begin with a call to the Student Advocacy Helpline or walking in to the Student Advocacy Center. After preliminary paperwork is completed, an initial intake assessment is scheduled. The initial intake assessment is a semi-structured interview process that allows us to learn about our students needs across several domains such as housing, food, academics and mental health.

Upon the completion of the initial intake assessment, if a student desires, a counseling appointment will be scheduled. Counseling appointments are 50 minutes long and typically are scheduled on a bi-weekly basis. Together, the counselor and the student will work to identify a goal for counseling and will use various therapeutic techniques and orientations to achieve the identified therapy goal.

Please keep in mind that the Initial Intake Assessment and Counseling sessions will be provided in-person at the Advocacy Center or via Zoom only. The SAC Advocacy Center does not provide counseling services over the phone.

 

Goal-focused Counseling

We aspire to provide services that can adequately meet clients' needs while maintaining our ability to accept new clients as they arrive each week, and do so ethically and competently. In doing so, we offer goal-focused counseling at no cost to our clients. Beyond an initial intake assessment, we typically provide counseling sessions with the frequency varying depending on student demand for services, which varies throughout the year.

We strive to always be available to any student experiencing a mental health crisis.

In an effort to provide ethical and equitable mental health services to our students, we provide mental health community referral assistance for students who desire ongoing weekly counseling or who need specialized, long-term, open-ended counseling, or mental health diagnosing. Referral assistance includes helping a student identify a provider who accepts the student's insurance or has cost effective rates.

We welcome all students to meet with a counselor for an initial intake assessment to discuss whether their needs fit within our scope of services; however, below we have listed some general guidelines.

Common concerns that may be addressed in goal-focused brief counseling may include:

  • Mild to moderate anxiety and depression
  • Adjustment and developmental concern
  • Self-esteem concerns
  • Concerns related to the transition into—or out of—college
  • Identity development related to various dimensions of identity (sexual, racial/ethnic, religious, gender, etc.)
  • Academic stress and motivation
  • Supportive assistance after trauma
  • Interpersonal Relationship issues
  • Assistance with accessing resources on- or off-campus

Concerns that warrant counseling on a long-term or ongoing basis and are commonly addressed through a referral to an off-campus provider may include:

  • Long-standing or severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, or mood disorders
  • Active eating disorders
  • Active psychosis, hallucinations, or delusions
  • Active alcohol or substance abuse disorders
  • Psychological testing, including testing for ADHD
  • Requests for letters of support for registered disabilities or ESAs (emotional support animals)
  • Counseling assistance for court and/or legal requirements
No Show Protocol

No Show Protocol

In an effort to ensure we are providing the best level of care and support for our students, it is imperative that students attend their scheduled sessions. We will send reminder messages 24 hours in advance of the session.

If for some reason a student cannot attend, they should reach out to their counselor via email or call the Student Advocacy Helpline to cancel or reschedule. Canceled or rescheduled appointments should be completed before 24 hours of the appointment. If appointments are canceled or rescheduled within 24 hours, that will be considered a late cancel. After 2 consecutive late cancel/reschedule or no shows (student simply did not show up for the appointment), the student will be provided with mental health referrals to locate a community provider that will be able to better accommodate their schedule. The student will be able to resume scheduling counseling appointments intheir next registered semester.

Local Mental Health Authority

Visit Center for Healthcare Services

6800 Park Ten Blvd, Suite 200-S
San Antonio, TX 782103
Phone: 210-261-1250
Crisis Line: 210-223-7233

 

24/7 Virtual Care

Read about TimelyCare Counseling Services

 

Services for Faculty and Staff

Services for Faculty and Staff

The Counseling Services staff understands the important role faculty and staff play in the general well-being of students. We are pleased to provide several services in support of creating the best possible environment for our students:

  • Consultation -  Counseling Services is happy to provide consultation to faculty and staff on a variety of emotional and behavioral issues affecting students.
  • Outreach Services - We can arrange to visit your class and present on a variety of topics: counseling services overview, sexual assault awareness, healthy relationships, stress in college, guided relaxation, internet safety, and more.
  • Trainings/Workshops - Counseling Services provides trainings on Handing Difficult Behaviors in the Classroom, Veterans Transitioning to the Classroom, and other topics directly to faculty and staff. Please consider a training for your next department or division meeting.
Alcohol and Drug Use Policy

Alcohol and Drug Use Policy

San Antonio College is committed to a healthy and safe learning environment for all students.

  • Alamo Colleges District are smoke-free campuses. This includes E-cigarettes.
  • Alcohol & Drugs are strictly prohibited at San Antonio College. 

Such disciplinary action may include referral to drug and alcohol counseling or rehabilitation programs or student assistance programs, suspension, expulsion, and referral to appropriate law enforcement officials for prosecution.Students who violate federal or state statutes, the Student Code of Conduct, College District policy, or other applicable requirements related to alcohol and drug use shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

Alcohol and Drug Use (see F.4.5 and F.4.5Ex) State or Federal law shall be strictly enforced at all times on all property controlled by the College District in regard to the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages, and no student shall possess, use, or be under the influence of (legal intoxication not required) any controlled substance as defined by law unless legally prescribed. Use of alcoholic beverages is permitted at College District sponsored events only as specifically authorized in writing by the Chancellor.

Click on the links below to learn more about the dangers of drugs and alcohol abuse, as well as campus policies, information, prevention, and resources for help.

Alcohol & Mood Disorder Screening

Free, anonymous online screenings are available to all San Antonio College students. Screenings are available for: Depression, Bi-Polar Disorder, Alcohol Abuse, Eating Disorders, Anxiety, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The screening is provided so that you may find out, in a few minutes, whether or not professional consultation would be helpful for you.

FAQs

Who is Eligible for Counseling Services?

Who is Eligible for Counseling Services?

  • Students who are currently enrolled or have been enrolled within the last academic semester are eligible for counseling services.
  • Counseling services are available for employees through the Employee Assistance Program.
What Types of Concerns Do Students Talk to Counselors About?

What Types of Concerns Do Students Talk to Counselors About?

Some Topics are:

  • School/Work/Home Balance
  • Time Management
  • Test Taking Anxiety
  • Generalized Anxiety
  • Eating Issues
  • Depression
  • Stress Management
  • Relationship Issues
What Counseling Groups Are Offered?

What Counseling Groups Are Offered?

Groups vary by semester. Please see a counselor to discuss. Some groups have been focused on:

  • Stress Management
  • Grief/Loss
  • Veteran’s
  • LGBTQ
How Much Does it Cost?

How Much Does it Cost?

Nothing! It is a free service.

How Do I Access Counseling Services

How Do I Access Counseling Services

  • For individual counseling, come by or call to schedule an appointment.
  • For group counseling, make an appointment to discuss joining a group with a counselor.

Visit: Student Advocacy Center 
Call: 210-486-1111
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Thursday 8:00 am-7:00 pm (Last appointment time 6:00 pm)
Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (Last appointment time 4:00 pm)
1st Saturday of the Month 9:00 am- 1:00 pm

What Can I Expect?

What Can I Expect?

  • You will need to complete paperwork before your first visit. 
  • Individual Sessions usually are 50 minutes.
  • Group Sessions are usually 1.5 hours.
  • 24 hour notice is requested to cancel or reschedule appointments.