Counseling

Jennifer Grant, LCSW-S: Clinical Social Worker Supervisor and Certified Animal Assisted Counselor

Jennifer Grant, LCSW-S, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Supervisor and Certified Animal Assisted Counselor who has been practicing social work since 2003. Ms. Grant is a native Texan and graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work degree and a Master of Social Work degree with a concentration in Direct Practice from Texas State University in San Marcos. As an experienced trauma clinician, she has worked in acute care settings in both inpatient and outpatient hospital care and in crisis response. Ms. Grant has treated survivors of mass violence in both Uvalde and Sutherland Springs. She has experience providing treatment to veterans and active duty service members as well as first responders. Her training includes EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), TF-CBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy), Solution Focused Brief Therapy and Sand Tray Therapy. Ms. Grant is a dog lover, hiker, wife, mom, and unicorn enthusiast. She is a fierce advocate for marginalized populations with a particular clinical focus in LGBTQ+ needs and supports causes that promote equity and access to mental health care and quality education for all.

Dr. Tucker: Certified Animal Assisted Counseling Partner

Dr. Tucker Grant, Certified Animal Assisted Counseling Partner, is a Cardigan Welsh Corgi born October 22, 2020. Dr. Tucker received his undergraduate Canine Good Citizen training in January of 2023 and was then admitted to the Texas State University Animal Assisted Counseling program in the summer of 2023. Dr. Tucker completed 120 hours of intensive training to become an Animal Assisted Counselor along with his partner (and mom), Jennifer Grant, LCSW-S. Dr. Tucker graduated with his Dogtorate from the Animal Assisted Counseling Program at Texas State in July of 2023 and was thrilled to come to San Antonio College to serve students in August 2023. Dr. Tucker has always been interested in helping others and displayed a strong intuitiveness for human emotion from puppyhood. He is interested in working with all populations and learning more about every student he encounters. He is particularly skilled at identifying and treating anxiety and depression through intuitive behaviors, empathy, unconditional positive regard, and cuddles.

Anthony Barrera: Counseling Intern

Anthony Barrera is a native Texan and obtained a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Texas A&M University- San Antonio. He is currently working on his master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling at St. Mary's University, while also working on obtaining his LCDC (License Chemical Dependency Counselor) credential. His techniques are described as collaborative empiricism and his training involves psychoanalytic, person-centered, and cognitive behavioral therapies. He also advocates for equality, disability status, socioeconomic level, and sexual orientation.

Anthony served for 16 years in the armed forces and has since retired. Anthony is an avid hiker, dog-lover, and goes to the gym often. He is a proud brother, father, uncle, and grandpa.

Levi Eastwood: Counseling Intern

I'm Levi, a passionate therapist with a strong foundation in psychology, holding a degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Currently, I'm in the final stages of completing my Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at St. Mary's University. My therapeutic approach is grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a method that empowers individuals to lead more meaningful lives by acknowledging and embracing their experiences.

I specialize in three key areas: relationships, crisis management, and the treatment of depression and anxiety. Culturally competent and sensitive to the unique backgrounds of my clients, I create a safe and inclusive space for all.

Together we can figure out how to dignify your pain with purpose and embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth.

Diana Garcia: Counseling Intern

Diana Garcia is an intern from the Master's Program at Our Lady of the Lake University. She is working towards her license as a Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor. Ms. Garcia is a native Texan and graduated with a Bachelor of Psychology from the University of Texas at Arlington. She uses strength-based approaches in therapy and has a research background from UTA. She retired from the military in 2018 and is currently a substitute teacher in the NISD school system. She has worked with people from all over the world and now works with children at all levels K-12, to include special needs individuals. She embraces all cultures and orientations, and enjoys learning about people and their experiences. She settled in San Antonio in 2015 and has three children and a home full of pets.

Maya Rivarola: Social Worker

Maya has over 10 years of nonprofit experience. She currently works as a Senior Coordinator with the Alamo Community Colleges District where she manages and supervises a Helpline Advocacy Center Call Center she launched in March 2020, as well as supervises social work student interns and supports students facing case management crisis situations. Maya joined the SOBI team in September 2023. She has previously worked with first generation college students and families, with survivors of domestic violence, and has always had a passion for serving others and working towards ending the generational cycle of poverty through higher education.

Maya has a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin and is a Licensed Master Social Worker.

Denaee Sims: Social Work Intern

Denaee Sims is a Social Work Intern at the Student Advocacy Center. She is presently pursuing her master's degree in social work at the University of Texas at San Antonio, with an anticipated graduation in the coming spring. Denaee holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Sam Houston State University. In her free time, she finds enjoyment in reading true crime books. Furthermore, her areas of interest in social work encompass children and adolescents.

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.

Scope of Practice

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

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.

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.

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

• 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.

Some Topics are:

• School/Work/Home Balance
• Time Management
• Test Taking Anxiety
• Generalized Anxiety
• Eating Issues
• Depression
• Stress Management
• Relationship Issues

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

• Stress Management
• Grief/Loss
• Veteran’s
• LGBTQ

Nothing! It is a free service.

• 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

• 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.