Counseling

CalArts provides students with counseling services at no cost throughout the school year. 

Our counselors have experience and skills ideally suited for CalArts students. See counselors below: 

  • Melissa Shepherd-Williams, LMFT
  • Susan B. Perry, MA, LMFT
  • Lily Rodriguez, LMFT

Registered students are allowed 12 individual counseling sessions per school year. The counseling staff can also provide workshops and information on a wide variety of issues, and are available to help coordinate student self-help groups. In addition, they can make referrals to outside professionals and agencies when appropriate, such as when longer-term therapy is indicated.

Due to safety concerns and protocols, all therapy sessions for Spring 2023 will be provided in a tele-health format. This can be through Zoom Health or by telephone

To schedule an appointment, students will need to fill out this form. A therapist will get back to you as soon as possible to coordinate an appointment.

Student Appointment Form This form is now open for Spring 2023. 

There are two 30-minute drop in sessions available M-F between 12-1 pm. Due to safety concerns and protocols, students can access these sessions by calling 661-388-5306. These are one time sessions for evaluation purposes only, or emergency crisis intervention, and not to be utilized or repeated in place of regularly scheduled appointments.

CalArts also has a 24/7 crisis counseling line dedicated to CalArts students only. This is free and can be called from anywhere in the U.S. at 855-364-7981.

Welcome to Mantra Health

Mantra Health is a digital mental health clinic that partners with CalArts to offer you quality virtual mental health care. Our providers believe in using an overall wellness approach, which means we aim to improve how you feel through therapy and medication management, if needed. Mantra Health is offered by CalArts, so your sessions will be free. You can reach out to CalArts Counseling to get connected with a Mantra therapist or psychiatric provider.

What's next?
  1. Make an appointment with CalArts Counseling if you are seeking therapy or psychiatry services.
  2. If the CalArts counselor refers you to Mantra Health, check your school email for an invite from Mantra Health to complete your account setup.
  3. Fill out the Medical History Form (takes about 10 minutes). Be sure to do this before your appointment!
  4. Take a selfie - this is so your provider can confirm it’s you on the video call.
  5. If you haven’t already, schedule an appointment with a provider through your Mantra Patient Portal.
  6. Join your first call with your new provider through the Mantra Patient Portal.
What to expect:
  • Video calls with your provider, an expert in treating mental health conditions, through your Mantra Patient Portal.
  • Seamless communication with your provider through our messaging system. Unlike texting, you can talk about anything, and it’s secure.
  • Prompts to track your progress monthly to make sure your treatment plan is helping you feel better.
  • If medication is recommended, you will receive a personalized prescription with educational FAQs to help you better understand your medication regimen.
  • Mantra Health may coordinate with your on campus team, if needed to deliver even more thorough care.
If you have any questions, please contact:

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