Counseling and Therapy Resources
“Did you know that as a SIATech student, you have access to FREE counseling & therapy services?” Let a staff member know you are interested. SIATech works with two therapists, Amanda Vargas, AMFT & Dennis Olsen, AMFT (see their bios at the bottom of this page). “
Not sure where to start? Did you know that SIATech has a Psychologist on staff? You may email her directly to check in and discuss what resources may be best suited for you. Email our wellness team at wellness@siatech.org.
Everyone has mental health. Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Just like we must take care of our body, we must also take care of our brain. One research-based way of taking care of your brain is by talking to a trained mental health professional. Seeking counseling support shows a sign of strength and courage. It shows that you care about your own well-being and are striving to get assistance with becoming more self-aware so that you can move from surviving to thriving.
Community-Based Therapy and Counseling
You can access counseling/therapy services through your medical insurance or medi-cal coverage. If you look at your medical insurance or medi-cal card, there is typically a number on the back for member services. Call that number and ask them to help you with a referral for mental health services. Most insurances also offer specialty mental health services for conditions such as substance abuse, or eating disorders.
If you do not have medical insurance, you may be eligible for Medi-Cal and/or Covered California.
Covered California and Medi-Cal use the same application. This means that once you apply, you’ll find out which program you qualify for. Some households qualify for both. How and Where to Apply & Flier on Health Coverage.
If you are not sure what mental health services and programs may be available to you, there are local resource lines that you may call anytime (24/7) who can guide you.
- San Diego Access and Crisis Line: 1-888-724-7240 and live chat
- Imperial Valley Helpline Crisis Center: 1-760-352-7873
- Los Angeles Access and Crisis Line: 1-800-854-7771 (Text LA to 741741)
- Sacramento County Mental Health Crisis Line: 1-916-875-1055
- Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Services: 1-855-278-4204 (text RENEW to 741741)
- Riverside HELPLine: 1-951-686-4357
Bios for our Wellness Together Therapists
Amanda Vargas, APCC
Hello my name is Amanda Vargas. I was born and raised in Southern California where I still reside today. I am a wife and mother of 3 children who loves to spend her free time exploring various coffee shops and serving my community. I am also a firm believer that coffee is equivalent to liquid gold and look forward to starting each morning with a hot cup.
I have a tremendous passion for working with adolescents and young adults in hopes to partner with them in taking control of their lives and setting realistic goals for the future. Being a first generation American and a young mother, my road was not always easy but with hard work and good counsel I was able to see many of my dreams become reality.
During my graduate program I began my work with at risk youth and quickly fell in love with this age group. Upon graduation I started working for a private practice where today I work with a wide range of individuals including couples, young adults, and struggling teens find their way.
I am so thrilled to be working with Wellness Together and SIATech and am looking forward to the opportunity of getting to know each of you soon.
Dennis Olsen, AMFT
Hello! My name is Dennis Olsen and I am currently an Associate Marriage & Family Therapist gaining hours towards licensure. I have worked with children, teenagers, and adults focusing on issues such as stress, anxiety, addiction, co-dependency, family issues, relationship issues, and many more.
My joy and purpose on earth is to help others become their best self! I genuinely do care about my clients and want to see them thrive despite all the hardships or obstacles they have endured from their past or currently. I am here to help support you achieve those dreams/goals that have always been on your mind. There are a multitude of unhealthy habits and excuses that get in the way of improving ourselves each day.
My hope is to help you get closer towards those goals during our time together through discussion, challenging activities, opening up, and building positive coping skills/healthy habits.