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California Institute of the Arts

  • The CalArts Way

    Learn about our approach to the full development of the creative abilities of visual and performing artists.

    How We Work

    Programs of Study

    Explore our unique undergraduate and graduate degree programs and specializations from our six world-renowned Schools. 

    Find a Program

    CalArts Schools

    • Art
    • Critical Studies
    • Dance
    • Film/Video
    • Music
    • Theater
    • Extended Studies

    Academic Resources

    • Academic Calendar
    • Library
    • Academic Catalog
    • Registrar
    • Academic Support
    • Provost's Office
    • Performance and Exhibition Spaces

    Beyond Campus

    • REDCAT
    • Community Arts Partnership (CAP)
    • Center for New Performance (CNP)
    • Reef Residency
  • Why CalArts?

    Start your CalArts journey by learning more about our vibrant community.

    What sets us apart

    Admissions

    • Application Process
    • Admission Requirements
    • International Applicants
    • Transfer Applicants
    • Veterans
    • Accepted Students
    • FAQs

    Tuition

    • Tuition and Fees
    • Payment Options
    • Payment and Refund Deadlines

    Financial Aid

    • Financial Aid Basics
    • Aid for Undergraduate Students
    • Aid for Graduate Students
    • Aid for International Students

    Visits and Events

    • Campus Tours and Information Sessions
    • Open Houses
    • Regional Events
    • Meet Our Counselors
  • Career Services

    Explore our holistic approach to creative career development with workshops, advising, and networking opportunities.

    Patty Disney Center for Life and Work

    Campus Life

    • The CalArts Student Experience
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    • Connecting to LA
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    • Graduation 2025

    Student Services

    • Health and Well-being
    • Sexual Respect
    • Disability Services
    • International Student Support
    • Student Conduct
    • Parents and Families
  • Giving

    Your gift empowers the next generation of transformative artists. 

    Give to CalArts

    Alumni

    Join our worldwide alumni community to grow personally and professionally with resources and support.

    Get involved

    Institute

    • About CalArts
    • Mission and Values
    • Equity and Diversity (IDEA)
    • Leadership
    • History
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Academics

The CalArts Way

Learn about our approach to the full development of the creative abilities of visual and performing artists.

How We Work

Programs of Study

Explore our unique undergraduate and graduate degree programs and specializations from our six world-renowned Schools. 

Find a Program

CalArts Schools

  • Art
  • Critical Studies
  • Dance
  • Film/Video
  • Music
  • Theater
  • Extended Studies

Academic Resources

  • Academic Calendar
  • Library
  • Academic Catalog
  • Registrar
  • Academic Support
  • Provost's Office
  • Performance and Exhibition Spaces

Beyond Campus

  • REDCAT
  • Community Arts Partnership (CAP)
  • Center for New Performance (CNP)
  • Reef Residency

Admissions & Aid

Why CalArts?

Start your CalArts journey by learning more about our vibrant community.

What sets us apart

Admissions

  • Application Process
  • Admission Requirements
  • International Applicants
  • Transfer Applicants
  • Veterans
  • Accepted Students
  • FAQs

Tuition

  • Tuition and Fees
  • Payment Options
  • Payment and Refund Deadlines

Financial Aid

  • Financial Aid Basics
  • Aid for Undergraduate Students
  • Aid for Graduate Students
  • Aid for International Students

Visits and Events

  • Campus Tours and Information Sessions
  • Open Houses
  • Regional Events
  • Meet Our Counselors

Life at CalArts

Career Services

Explore our holistic approach to creative career development with workshops, advising, and networking opportunities.

Patty Disney Center for Life and Work

Campus Life

  • The CalArts Student Experience
  • Housing
  • Dining
  • City of Santa Clarita
  • Connecting to LA
  • Campus Safety
  • Graduation 2025

Student Services

  • Health and Well-being
  • Sexual Respect
  • Disability Services
  • International Student Support
  • Student Conduct
  • Parents and Families

About

Giving

Your gift empowers the next generation of transformative artists. 

Give to CalArts

Alumni

Join our worldwide alumni community to grow personally and professionally with resources and support.

Get involved

Institute

  • About CalArts
  • Mission and Values
  • Equity and Diversity (IDEA)
  • Leadership
  • History

Health and Well-being Menu

  1. Health Services
  2. Counseling
  3. Where to go for help
  4. Immigration Updates
  5. CARE Team
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  1. Home
  2. Student Services
  3. Health and Well-Being
  4. Counseling

Counseling

Health and Well-being

Health and Well-being

  1. Health Services
  2. Counseling
  3. Where to go for help
  4. Immigration Updates
  5. CARE Team
  6. Respiratory Health and Safety Guidelines
  7. Basic Needs Center
  8. Recreation

CalArts provides students with counseling services at no cost throughout the school year. Our counselors have experience and skills ideally suited for CalArts students.

  • Book an Appointment with Counseling
  • Melissa Shepherd-Williams

    Student Affairs;
    Psychotherapist LMFT, MFC 37794
    Email address: mshepherd@calarts.edu
    Phone number: 661-253-7871
    Room number: F201H
    Image
    Melissa Shepherd-Williams Headshot
  • Susan Perry

    Student Affairs;
    Psychotherapist, LMFT 110701, Health and Wellness
    Email address: sperry@calarts.edu
    Phone number: 661-386-4105
    Room number: F201H
    Image
    Susan Perry profile photo
  • Lily Rodriguez

    Student Affairs;
    Psychotherapist, LMFT 113413, Health and Wellness
    Email address: lrodriguez@calarts.edu
    Phone number: 661-291-3436
    Room number: F201H
    Image
    Lily Rodriguez profile photo

Registered students are allowed 12 individual counseling sessions per school year. This format is meant for short-term needs. If you seek long-term, ongoing therapy, contact your member benefits on the back of your insurance card. If you have the CalArts Student Health Insurance Plan through United Health Care, email healthinsurance@calarts.edu for assistance navigating your health insurance and benefits.

Our 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.

Therapy sessions will be provided in person or by telehealth (Zoom Health or telephone), based on your preference. 

There are two 30-minute drop in sessions available Monday through Friday 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 or emergency crisis intervention only, and not to be utilized or repeated in place of regularly scheduled appointments.


Telehealth from AcademicLiveCare

AcademicLiveCare is a telehealth solution for California Institute of the Arts. CalArts students may access telehealth and online resources to navigate their wellness needs and receive support in areas including physical and mental wellness.

You can speak to an AcademicLiveCare counselor immediately, 24/7, by calling 866-349-5575 or texting “Hello” to 61295.

AcademicLiveCare Hub


Academic Student Assistance Program (ASAP) from Academic Health Plans

The Academic Student Assistance Program provides telehealth and online resources for CalArts students to navigate their wellness needs and receive support in areas including physical and mental wellness.

More information (PDF) 

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California Institute of the Arts

Mailing address:
24700 McBean Parkway
Valencia, CA 91355
Phone: 661-255-1050

Campus Safety

661-222-2702

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