About Be WELL

Mission Statement: The Mission of Be Well CCE is to support the emotional well-being and mental wellness for the advancement of all currently enrolled San Diego College of Continuing Education students by providing care to enhance academic and personal success.

Meet your staff

Janisha Street Janisha Street is a Marriage and Family Therapist originally from New York. Janisha obtained her Bachelor's Degree from The Lincoln University and her 1st Masters from Liberty University and her 2nd from Alliant International University in Marriage and Family Therapy. Janisha has worked with many different populations that intersect. Being a first generation college graduate,She continues to do the work by being of service to the underserved and underrepresented populations, aiding them with Mental Health Supports as they pursue their educational goals. Janisha has a very collaborative approach that empowers the students to take control of their mental health in a progressive, informative way. Janisha started as an intern at City College 2019, went on to pursue mental health services across different intersectionalities and joined the Continuing Education family 2021.

Jeremy GarciaJeremy Garcia is excited to return to the world of college counseling as the new Mental Health Counselor for the College of Continuing Education. He has been in San Diego since 2016, where he received his Bachelors degree in Psychology and Masters degree in Counseling from San Diego State University. Jeremy is currently an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, whose clinical work has centered around young adults and college students. Jeremy completed his final year internship as a therapist within SDSU's Counseling & Psychological Services. Since finishing his program, he has worked with adults in private practice, as well as with children providing school-based mental health services. He takes a solution-focused and person-centered approach to counseling, integrating tools from Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Narrative Therapy. Jeremy works with students to cultivate a life for themselves according to their values, their culture, and their identities.

Students

  1. Seek support: Reach out to teachers, counselors, or other support staff at your school or educational institution. They can provide guidance and resources to help you manage academic stress.
  2. Establish a routine: Create a schedule that includes dedicated time for studying, breaks, and self-care activities. Having a structured routine can help you stay organized and reduce stress.
  3. Set realistic goals: Break down your academic tasks into smaller, manageable goals. This will make your workload feel more achievable and prevent you from feeling overwhelmed.
  4. Practice self-care: Take care of your physical and mental well-being by engaging in activities that help you relax and recharge. This can include exercise, meditation, spending time with loved ones, or pursuing hobbies.
  5. Utilize available resources: Take advantage of any academic support services offered by your school, such as tutoring, study groups, or writing centers. These resources can provide additional assistance and help alleviate stress.
  6. Prioritize and manage time effectively: Identify your most important tasks and prioritize them accordingly. Use time management techniques, such as creating to-do lists or using a planner, to stay organized and ensure you allocate enough time for each task.
  7. Break tasks into smaller steps: If a particular assignment or project feels overwhelming, break it down into smaller, more manageable tasks. Focus on completing one step at a time, which will make the overall task seem less daunting.
  8. Practice stress-reducing techniques: Explore different stress management techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, or journaling. These techniques can help you relax and reduce anxiety during challenging times.
  9. Connect with peers: Reach out to fellow students who may be experiencing similar challenges. Sharing your experiences and supporting each other can provide a sense of community and help alleviate stress.
  10. Celebrate achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate your academic achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Recognizing your progress and hard work can boost your motivation and reduce stress. Remember, it's important to reach out for professional help if you're feeling overwhelmed or experiencing persistent stress. Mental health professionals can provide additional support and guidance tailored to your specific needs.
  1. Create a schedule: Develop a weekly or daily schedule that includes dedicated time for studying, attending classes, completing assignments, and other commitments. Stick to this schedule as much as possible to establish a routine.
  2. Prioritize tasks: Identify the most important and urgent tasks and prioritize them accordingly. This will help you focus on what needs to be done first and prevent you from feeling overwhelmed.
  3. Break tasks into smaller steps: If a task seems overwhelming, break it down into smaller, more manageable steps. This will make it easier to tackle and give you a sense of progress as you complete each step.
  4. Use a planner or digital tools: Utilize a planner, calendar, or digital tools such as task management apps to keep track of deadlines, assignments, and important dates. Set reminders to ensure you stay on top of your tasks.
  5. Eliminate distractions: Minimize distractions while studying by turning off notifications on your phone, finding a quiet study space, or using website blockers to limit access to distracting websites or social media.
  6. Take regular breaks: Break up your study sessions with short breaks to rest and recharge. This can help improve focus and prevent burnout. Use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, where you study for a set amount of time (e.g., 25 minutes) and then take a short break (e.g., 5 minutes).
  7. Find your optimal study environment: Experiment with different study environments to find the one that works best for you. Some people prefer complete silence, while others may find background noise or music helpful. Discover what helps you concentrate and create that environment.
  8. Use active learning techniques: Instead of passively reading or listening to information, engage in active learning techniques such as summarizing, teaching the material to someone else, or creating flashcards. These techniques can enhance understanding and retention of the material.
  9. Seek help when needed: Don't hesitate to ask for help if you're struggling with a particular subject or concept. Reach out to teachers, classmates, or tutors for clarification or additional support.
  10. Take care of yourself: Prioritize self-care by getting enough sleep, eating well, and engaging in physical activity. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being will improve your focus and overall academic performance. Remember, everyone's study habits and techniques may vary, so it's important to find what works best for you. Experiment with different strategies and adapt them to your own learning style and preferences.

Support Groups

BeWell CCE provides bi-weekly support groups for both staff and students!

“This Thing Called Life” is a support group for students only that meets virtually on every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month! Students can learn about a variety of mental health topics, as well as tools and strategies to implement in daily life.

“Think it Through Thursday” is a space for faculty and professional staff only, where they can come de-compress, de-stress, and refuel with helpful psycho-educational workshops.

*Groups are closed to faculty, staff, and currently enrolled students in the College of Continuing Education. Contact Bewell@sdcce for the group flyers and Zoom link.*

Outreach Events and Workshops

Be Well CCE is proud to provide educational workshops, classroom presentations, and on-site student outreaches to all seven CE campuses. Follow our instagram @bewellcce to hear the latest information about when we will be on your campus!

  1. Prioritize sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Establish a consistent sleep schedule and create a relaxing bedtime routine to promote better sleep.
  2. Eat a balanced diet: Fuel your body with nutritious foods that provide energy and support overall well-being. Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats in your meals.
  3. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body hydrated and functioning optimally. Carry a water bottle with you to remind yourself to drink regularly.
  4. Engage in physical activity: Incorporate regular exercise into your routine to boost your mood, reduce stress, and improve overall health. Find activities you enjoy, such as walking, dancing, yoga, or sports, and make them a regular part of your schedule.
  5. Practice relaxation techniques: Explore different relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation. These techniques can help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve mental well-being.
  6. Connect with others: Maintain social connections with friends, family, and community members. Engage in activities that allow you to connect and spend quality time with others, whether it's through shared hobbies, conversations, or virtual meetups.
  7. Take breaks and engage in hobbies: Set aside time for activities you enjoy and that help you relax. This can include reading, listening to music, painting, gardening, or any other hobbies or interests that bring you joy.
  8. Practice mindfulness: Be present in the moment and cultivate mindfulness in your daily life. Pay attention to your thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment. Mindfulness can help reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being.
  9. Seek support: Reach out to trusted friends, family members, or professionals when you need emotional support or guidance. Don't hesitate to seek therapy or counseling services if you're struggling with your mental health.
  10. Set boundaries: Learn to say no to excessive commitments or activities that may overwhelm you. Establishing boundaries and prioritizing your own needs will help prevent burnout and promote self-care.
    Remember, selfcare is a personal journey, and it's important to find what works best for you. Experiment with different activities and techniques, and listen to your body and mind to determine what brings you the most joy and relaxation.
  1. Stick to a consistent sleep schedule: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This helps regulate your body's internal clock and promotes better sleep.
  2. Create a bedtime routine: Establish a relaxing routine before bed to signal to your body that it's time to wind down. This can include activities such as reading, taking a warm bath, practicing relaxation techniques, or listening to calming music.
  3. Create a sleep-friendly environment: Make sure your bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet. Use curtains or blinds to block out any external light, and consider using earplugs or a white noise machine to drown out any disruptive sounds.
  4. Limit exposure to screens before bed: The blue light emitted by electronic devices can interfere with your sleep. Avoid using screens, such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops, for at least an hour before bed. Instead, engage in relaxing activities like reading a book or listening to calming music.
  5. Avoid stimulating substances: Limit your consumption of caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol, especially in the evening. These substances can interfere with your sleep quality and make it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep.
  6. Create a comfortable sleep environment: Invest in a comfortable mattress, pillows, and bedding that support your body and help you sleep better. Experiment with different sleep positions to find the one that is most comfortable for you.
  7. Exercise regularly: Engaging in regular physical activity can help promote better sleep. However, try to finish your workout at least a few hours before bedtime, as exercising too close to bedtime can make it harder to fall asleep.
  8. Manage stress: Stress and anxiety can interfere with your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. Practice stress management techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or journaling, to help calm your mind before bed.
  9. Avoid napping late in the day: If you need to take a nap, try to limit it to a short duration (around 20-30 minutes) and avoid napping too close to your bedtime, as it can disrupt your sleep at night.
  10. Seek professional help if needed: If you consistently struggle with sleep issues or suspect you may have a sleep disorder, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Remember, healthy sleep habits are essential for overall well-being. Experiment with different strategies and find what works best for you to promote restful and rejuvenating sleep
  1. Prioritize and set goals: Determine your priorities and set specific goals for both your academics and personal life. This will help you stay focused and manage your time effectively.
  2. Create a schedule: Develop a schedule that includes dedicated time for studying, attending classes, participating in extracurricular activities, and taking breaks. Stick to this schedule as much as possible to ensure a balance between your academic and personal commitments.
  3. Time management: Learn effective time management techniques, such as creating to-do lists, breaking tasks into smaller, manageable chunks, and using productivity tools or apps. This will help you make the most of your time and avoid procrastination.
  4. Avoid overloading yourself: It's important to challenge yourself academically but be mindful of your limits. Don't overload yourself with too many courses or commitments, as it can lead to burnout. Be realistic about what you can handle and make sure to leave some time for relaxation and self-care.
  5. Communicate and collaborate: If you're feeling overwhelmed or struggling to balance your commitments, don't hesitate to communicate with your professors, advisors, or classmates. They can offer support, guidance, or even suggest resources to help you manage your workload.
  6. Take care of yourself: Self-care is crucial for maintaining a healthy balance. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat well, exercise regularly, and engage in activities that you enjoy. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being will enhance your productivity and ability to manage both academics and personal life.
  7. Learn to say no: It's okay to say no to certain commitments or social events if you feel overwhelmed or need to prioritize your academic responsibilities. Remember that your education should be your top priority during your college years.
  8. Find a support system: Surround yourself with supportive friends, classmates, or mentors who understand the challenges of balancing academics and personal life. They can provide encouragement, advice, and help you navigate through the college experience.

Please remember, finding the right balance between academics and personal life is a continuous process. It may require some trial and error to discover what works best for you. Be flexible, adaptable, have grace and willing to adjust as needed.

  1. Cultivate a growth mindset: Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. Believe in your ability to improve and develop new skills. View setbacks as temporary and use them as motivation to keep pushing forward.
  2. Set realistic goals: Break down your goals into smaller, achievable steps. This will help you stay motivated and build confidence as you make progress. Celebrate each milestone along the way to maintain a positive mindset.
  3. Develop problem-solving skills: Learn to approach problems and obstacles with a solution-oriented mindset. Break down problems into smaller parts, brainstorm possible solutions, and take action to address them. Seek help and guidance when needed.
  4. Practice self-care: Take care of your physical and mental well-being. Prioritize activities that help you relax, recharge, and reduce stress. This can include exercise, spending time with loved ones, engaging in hobbies, or practicing mindfulness and self-reflection.
  5. Build a support network: Surround yourself with positive and supportive individuals who can provide encouragement and guidance. Seek out mentors, teachers, or peers who can offer advice and support during challenging times.
  6. Develop effective coping strategies: Identify healthy coping mechanisms that work for you, such as deep breathing exercises, journaling, or engaging in creative outlets. These strategies can help you manage stress and bounce back from difficult situations.
  7. Practice self-compassion: Be kind and understanding towards yourself, especially during times of struggle or failure. Treat yourself with the same compassion and empathy you would offer to a friend. Learn from mistakes and use them as opportunities for growth.
  8. Seek opportunities for personal growth: Step out of your comfort zone and embrace new experiences. Take on challenges that push you to develop new skills and expand your knowledge. Embracing new opportunities can help build resilience and confidence.
  9. Maintain a positive mindset: Focus on the positive aspects of your academic journey and remind yourself of your strengths and accomplishments. Surround yourself with positive affirmations and engage in positive self-talk.
  10. Seek help when needed: Don't hesitate to reach out for support when you're feeling overwhelmed or struggling. Talk to teachers, counselors, or mental health professionals who can provide guidance and resources to help you navigate challenges. Remember, building resilience is a process that takes time and practice. Be patient with yourself and keep working on developing these skills. Each challenge you overcome will strengthen your resilience and contribute to your personal growth as a student.
  1. Online Mental Health Support: A variety of organizations in San Diego County provide resources that assist individuals experiencing mental health difficulties and/or can provide more information about mental health. Below are a few of many groups that can provide additional support.
    1. 2-1-1 San Diego: Access individual needs and connect them with appropriate community resources, with services available 24/7 and provided in over 200 languages.
    2. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988. Available 24/7. Free & confidential. Will connect you over the phone to a mental health professional.
    3. San Diego Access & Crisis Line: 888-724-7240.
    4. County of San Diego Behavioral Health Services
    5. Mental Health America of San Diego County
    6. Community Health Improvement Partners
    7. It’s Up to Us
    8. Jewish Family Service San Diego
    9. National Alliance on Mental Illness San Diego
    10. The Trevor Project
    11. Crisis Stabilization Units
    12. San Ysidro Health
    13. Family Health Centers of San Diego
    14. San Diego Postpartum Health Alliance
    15. The San Diego LGBT Community Center
  2. Campus Initiatives and Events: Follow @sdcce and @bewellcce on Instagram to hear about the local events and mental health initiatives occurring throughout the school year!
    1. September: Suicide Prevention Month
    2. October: Domestic Violence / Intimate Partner Violence Awareness Month
    3. November and December: Keep an eye out for our workshops on managing family dynamics and holiday blues As the year begins to come to a close.

Staff

  1. Active Listening: Give your full attention to the student, maintain eye contact, and show empathy. Let them express their concerns or frustrations without interruption.
  2. Calm & Composed: Maintain a calm demeanor (even if the student becomes agitated or confrontational). Your calmness can help de-escalate the situation. Speak in a calm and respectful manner, using a neutral tone. Avoid raising your voice or using aggressive language, as it can escalate the situation further.
  3. Body Language: Keep an open posture, avoid crossing your arms, and maintain a relaxed stance. This can help create a non-confrontational atmosphere.
  4. Validation: Acknowledge the student’s emotions and concerns, even if you don’t agree with them. Validating their feelings can help defuse tension and show that you respect their perspective.
  5. Avoid Power Struggles: Refrain from engaging in arguments or power struggles with the student. Instead, focus on finding common ground and understanding their point of view.
  6. Offer Options: Provide the student with options or alternative solutions to address their concerns. This can help empower them and give them a sense of control over the situation.
  7. Seek Support: If the situation becomes too intense or you feel unsafe, don’t hesitate to seek assistance from campus security or other relevant authorities.
  8. Set Boundaries: Clearly communicate your expectations and boundaries regarding behavior and academic standards. Reinforce the importance of respectful communication and adherence to classroom rules.
  9. Follow-Up: After a tense situation, follow-up with the student privately to address any unresolved issues or concerns. This can help rebuild trust and maintain a positive relationship.
  1. Practice self-reflection: Take some time each day to reflect on your thoughts, emotions, and overall well-being. Ask yourself how you're feeling and what you need at that moment. This self-awareness will help you understand your own needs and enable you to show up for others more effectively.
  2. Regularly check in with your values: Reflect on your core values and ensure that your actions align with them. When you live in alignment with your values, you'll feel more fulfilled and authentic. This authenticity will enable you to show up for others genuinely and with integrity.
  3. Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries to protect your time, energy, and emotional well-being. Learn to say no when necessary and avoid overcommitting yourself. By setting boundaries, you'll prevent burnout and ensure that you have enough resources to be there for others when they need you.
  4. Prioritize self-care: Make sure you're taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Engage in activities that bring you joy, relaxation, and rejuvenation. This could include exercise, meditation, reading, spending time in nature, or pursuing hobbies. When you prioritize self-care, you'll have more energy and capacity to support others.
  5. Practice self-compassion: Be kind and compassionate towards yourself, especially during difficult times. Treat yourself with the same care and understanding you would offer to a loved one. Remember that you're only human and it's okay to have limitations or make mistakes. By practicing self-compassion, you'll cultivate a positive mindset and be better equipped to support others.
  6. Practice mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine. This can involve activities like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply being fully present in the moment. Mindfulness helps you stay grounded, reduces stress, and allows you to be more present and attentive when interacting with others.
  7. Seek support: Don't hesitate to reach out for support when you need it. Talk to trusted friends, family members, or professionals about your feelings and challenges. Having a support system in place can provide you with the necessary guidance and encouragement to show up for others.

Services

The BeWell CCE Mental Health Treatment Model is composed of four phases:

  1. Telephone Screen: The mental health counselor will contact the student to hear their current concerns, assess their immediate needs, and determine the next course of action.
  2. Assessment and Resource Planning: The student and mental health counselor meet for a more in-depth assessment and to create a resource plan.
  3. Provide Resources for the Student: The student is provided local community resources to address the current unmet needs and resource gaps.
  4. Termination/Referrals: The student and mental health counselor have a completion meeting where the skills learned are reviewed, a plan for mental health maintenance is developed, and it is ensured the student is connected to the resources provided.

Crisis Intervention

Be Well CCE works alongside the Vice President of Student Affairs, the Dean of Student Affairs, and when necessary Campus Police, to address any immediate on-campus or student crisis:

If you are a current CE student and would like to be referred, Please have a staff member fill out this form.

Collaborative Care Committee

Mission Statement: The San Diego College of Continuing Education Collaborative Care Committee (CCC) promotes the health and safety of students, faculty and staff by providing an environment where individuals are free to work and learn in a safe and supportive environment. The CCC serves as a central network focused on providing caring prevention and early intervention for students experiencing serious distress or engaging in harmful or disruptive behaviors. The CCC will work collaboratively and cross functionally to support students throughout their entire journey from enrollment to graduation.

Goals:

  • Review information from the campus community regarding students of concern to determine appropriate response.
  • Assess and assist students who exhibit behaviors of concern and intervene appropriately. Early intervention will be prioritized.
  • Centralize collection and assessment of concerning student behaviors to respect student privacy.
  • Address disparate problematic actions involving one student that may be known to various faculty, staff and administrators and identify patterns.
  • Coordinate followup and ensure that services, support and resources are deployed effectively.
  • Utilize a formalized protocol of instructions for communication, coordination and intervention.
  • Balance FERPA, HIPAA and counselor privilege with college needto-know and emergency communication needs.
  • Coordinate actions: mental health assessment, conduct actions, disability services, hospitalization and/or medical leave/withdrawal, as needed.

While extensive, this listing of behaviors of concern is not all-inclusive:

  • Disruptive behaviors (e.g., in the classroom, offcampus)
  • Threatening words or actions toward faculty, students or staff
  • Online posting in social media or journals that are threatening
  • Uncharacteristic and/or extreme aggression toward others
  • Projects or papers that convey clear intentions to harm self or others
  • Observed selfinjurious behavior, such as extreme thinness, burns or cuts
  • Suicidality, including threats, gestures, ideation and known attempts of suicide
  • Relationship violence
  • Stalking
  • Aggressive acts toward an individual group
  • Students with weapons or an infatuation with fire, firearms, bombs, ammunition or weaponry
  • Paranoia or delusions by a student
  • Flat affect or extreme lack of responsiveness
  • Excessive class absenteeism
  • Uncharacteristic poor academic performance
  • Substance abuse

How to refer students to the CCC

Students will be referred to the CCC by using the Student Incident/Concern Reporting Form in Maxient - using the Student Incident/Concern Reporting Form

Mission: San Diego College of Continuing Education commits to student success and community enrichment by providing tuition-free, accessible, equitable, and innovative quality education and support services to diverse learners in pursuit of lifelong learning, training, career advancement, and pathways to credit college. Read more about the SDCCE mission »