Student Health & Wellness Center

Log in to the Patient Portal Using your Saddleback College Login

Students who are eligible for health services can use the patient portal to perform a variety of actions, including but not limited to:

• Schedule, view, or cancel appointments online
• View messages from the Student Health and Wellness Center
• View letters from the Student Health and Wellness Center

Scheduling an Appointment

Telehealth and in-person appointments are available.

To schedule a telehealth or in-person appointment with a nurse practitioner, nurse, or therapist, please click here to schedule an appointment or call (949) 582-4606.
 

Why is it important to be in the State of California during my Telehealth Visit?

Due to individual state regulations, healthcare providers at the Student Health and Wellness Center may not be able to conduct telehealth appointments with patients located outside of California at the time of their telehealth visit. To ensure compliance with state rules regarding telehealth services, you may be asked to confirm your location at the time of your appointment. Please inform the Student Health and Wellness Center if you will not be in California for your telehealth visit to reschedule your appointment.

Prepare for Your First Appointment

Once you’ve scheduled your appointment, please download and complete the consent and health questionnaire forms. These must be filled out prior to your visit to the Student Health and Wellness Center. Arrive 15 minutes before your first appointment to complete any remaining paperwork.

NOTE: All information is confidential.

• Health Questionnaire
• Consent for Treatment

The Saddleback College Student Health & Wellness Center offers a holistic approach to health care, addressing physical, psychological, and social factors. Our multidisciplinary team is committed to meeting the medical and mental health needs of our students, with a strong emphasis on preventative health and wellness education. Our services include:

• Care for acute illnesses and minor injuries
• Physical examinations
• Women's health and Pap testing
• Sexual health and sexually transmitted infection screening
• Immunizations 
• TB testing
• Laboratory testing
• Prescriptions
• Health program clearances
• Psychotherapy
• Psychological testing
• Mental health crisis intervention
• Health education
• Community referrals

Crisis Intervention and Mental Health Support 

The Student Health and Wellness Center provides short-term mental health therapy for individuals, couples, and families, as well as crisis intervention for currently enrolled students. We treat all patients confidentially, with the goal of helping students achieve their personal, academic, and life goals.

If you are a student in distress or crisis, you may walk into the Student Health and Wellness Center or call us during hours of operation to receive immediate help or schedule an appointment for less urgent help.

Our trained and caring therapists are here to help students in need of LGBTQ support; alcohol, drug, and addiction help; support for victims of domestic violence and abuse and sexual assault.

Costs

Consultations with nurses, medical providers, and mental health therapists are free of charge for eligible students. Certain services such as physical exams, medications, tests, immunizations, treatments, and procedures incur reasonable fees. Students using the Student Health and Wellness Center pay the actual costs of medications, tests, immunizations, and supplies used in their care to ensure continued availability and replenishment. These charges are significantly lower than what students would pay for similar services outside the Student Health and Wellness Center.

Patient Notices

View the Immunization Registry Notice to Patients
View the Notice of Privacy Practices

For any life-threatening emergency, please contact Campus Police at extension 4444 from campus phones or dial 911 from any phone for emergency assistance.

After-Hours Mental Health Crisis Resources

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis after hours, these resources are available to you:

• Dial 988 for 24-hour Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. For those who are deaf or hard of hearing, dial 711 then 988, or use the online chat service.
• Contact OC Links - the (855) 625-4657 phone line and live chat are both available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741
• The OC Warmline offers non-crisis mental health support for anyone struggling with mental health and substance use issues. Call 877-910-9276.
  • The staff providing the services has been through a similar journey, either as mental health or substance use services consumer or as a family member of an individual receiving these services.

Community Resources for Medical and Mental Health Care

Community Clinics

• Camino Health Center

Urgent Care

• South Coast Family Medical Center

Hospitals

• Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo
• Aliso Ridge Behavioral Health

NOTE: Please check the specific services offered by each resource to ensure they meet your needs. Students are responsible for all fees for services rendered. The Student Health and Wellness Center is not affiliated with any off-site facilities.
 

NOTE: The Student Health and Wellness Center does NOT provide emergency care services.

In the event of a life-threatening medical emergency, mental health emergency, or serious injury,
contact Campus Police at extension 4444 from campus phones or dial 911 from any phone for
emergency medical or mental health assistance.

Information On Recognizing Medical Emergencies
Learn What To Do In Case Of A Medical Emergency

Obtaining Protected Health Documents: In order for Saddleback Student Health and Wellness Center to release any protected health information, a student must fill out and sign the Authorization of Release Protected Health Information (PHI) form. Please allow 24-48 hours for all medical information to be processed. All mental health summaries require 7-10 business days.

Download the Authorization for Release of Health Care Information Form

Saddleback College recognizes that sexual assault is a serious issue and does not tolerate sexual assault in any form. The college will investigate all allegations of sexual assault occurring on-campus or at off-campus grounds or facilities maintained by the South Orange County Community College District, and take appropriate disciplinary, criminal, or legal action. If the sexual assault did not occur on campus-controlled property but the alleged assailant is a Saddleback College student or employee, the victim should report the incident to the Vice President for Student Services as soon as possible.

Any student or employee suspected of committing a sex offense of any kind is subject to both criminal prosecution by the State of California and disciplinary action under district and college policies and regulations. Campus disciplinary action will be initiated even if criminal charges are not pursued.

Disciplinary actions may be imposed on individual students, student organizations and/or any college faculty or staff responsible for any act of sexual violence. The accuser and the accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during a campus disciplinary proceeding and both shall be informed of the outcome. College sanctions following campus disciplinary procedures, detailed in Administrative Regulation 3540, depend on the outcome and may range from suspension to expulsion.

Every effort will be made to criminally prosecute perpetrators of sexual assault.

Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid health care program. This program pays for a variety of medical services for children and adults with limited income and resources. Depending upon your income, you can get free or low-cost health care through Medi-Cal.

Where to Apply for Medi-Cal:

• County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA)
  • www.benefitscal.org or 1-800-281-9799
• Coalition of Orange County Community Health Centers
  • www.coalitionoc.org or 1-714-352-5990
• Community Health Initiative of Orange County
  • www.chioc.org or 1-855-927-8333
• Covered California
  • www.coveredca.org or 1-800-300-1506
  • Covered California and Medi-Cal use the same application. That means that once you apply, you'll find out which program you qualify for. Some households qualify for both.

Community Clinics

• Camino Health Center

Urgent Care

• South Coast Family Medical Center

Hospitals

• Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo
• Aliso Ridge Behavioral Health

Substance use interferes with academic, co-curricular, and extracurricular interests and can lead to health, personal, social, economic, and legal problems. The South Orange County Community College District’s Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program (DAAPP) aims to prevent the abuse or unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs by students and employees on District premises or as part of any of its activities. Please visit the following board policy and administrative regulation for the full version of the DAAPP:

• Administrative Regulation 3550 
• Board Policy 3550

Saddleback College offers a variety of educational opportunities addressing alcohol- and drug-related issues. Students are encouraged to complete the following anonymous, interactive online programs, which provide personalized feedback on alcohol and cannabis use, help identify risk patterns, and provide useful resources.

• Cannabis eCHECKUP TO GO
• Alcohol eCHECKUP TO GO
• Alcohol101+

Health Risks Associated with the Use of Illicit Drugs and/or the Abuse of Alcohol

Substance use can lead to serious health and behavioral problems, with both short- and long-term effects on the body and mind. Acute health issues resulting from alcohol and drug use may include heart attack, stroke, and sudden death. Long-term effects may include disruption of normal heart rhythm, high blood pressure, destruction of brain cells, permanent memory loss, infertility, impotence, immune system impairment, kidney failure, cirrhosis of the liver, and lung damage.

Counseling, Treatment, Rehabilitation, or Re-Entry Programs

Healthcare professionals are available to assist with alcohol and drug-related issues. Students can seek help at the Student Health and Wellness Center for crisis intervention, psychotherapy, health education, and community referrals. Additional resources for substance use include the following:

• OC Navigator
• Smart Recovery
• Alcoholics Anonymous 
• Marijuana Anonymous
• Narcotics Anonymous

Standards of Conduct

The District shall be free from all unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs by students and employees. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of alcohol or any controlled substance is prohibited on District property, during District-sponsored field trips, activities, or workshops, and in any facility or vehicle operated under the control of the District.

Disciplinary Action

Any student or employee who violates the standards of conduct will be subject to appropriate action, up to and including termination of employment, expulsion, and referral for prosecution; or, as permitted by law, may require satisfactory participation in an alcohol or drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program.

Legal Sanctions

Specific ordinances regarding violations of alcohol laws are available from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Under California state law, possession of any amount of certain controlled substances is punishable by up to one year of incarceration in a county jail, pursuant to Sections 11054 and 11350 of the Health & Safety Code. Under federal law, possession of a controlled substance is punishable by up to three years of imprisonment, pursuant to 21 U.S.C. §§ 802 and 844(a).

Drug-facilitated sexual assault occurs when alcohol or drugs are used to compromise an individual's ability to consent to sexual activity. Date rape drugs refer to substances used to make rape or sexual assault easier. Alcohol is often used in this manner, and date rape drugs such as Rohypnol, GHB, and Ketamine can be added to a drink without the victim's knowledge. Drugs or alcohol can cause a person to become confused about what is happening, less able to defend themselves against unwanted sexual contact, or unable to remember what occurred.

Ways to Reduce Risk

• Be aware of drinks in containers that can be easily "spiked" (when alcohol or another drug is added to a drink without permission).
• Don’t accept drinks from other people. If someone offers to get you a drink from a bar or at a party, go with them to order your drink. Watch your drink as it is poured, and carry it yourself.
• Open your drink yourself. Keep control of it at all times.
• Don’t drink anything that smells strange. Stop drinking any beverage that tastes strange. Some date rape drugs may taste salty or bitter, but most are tasteless and odorless.
• Don’t drink more than you want to just because someone else wants you to, or to impress them.
• Find a friend who can help you get to a safe place right away if you feel drunk and haven't had any alcohol or if you feel like the effects of drinking alcohol are stronger than usual. 
• Look out for your friends, and ask them to look out for you.

Drink-spiking drug test kits are available and accessible at the Student Health and Wellness Center.

Additional Resources

• Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN)
• Waymakers

Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids are the most common drugs involved in overdose deaths according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Even in small doses, it can be deadly. Over 150 people die every day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl.

Signs of Overdose

Recognizing the signs of opioid overdose can save a life. Here are some things to look for:

• Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils”
• Falling asleep or losing consciousness
• Slow, weak, or no breathing
• Choking or gurgling sounds
• Limp body
• Cold and/or clammy skin
• Discolored skin (especially in lips and nails)

Naloxone

Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. Naloxone is safe and easy to use and works almost immediately. It is now available over the counter, without a prescription at pharmacies, convenience stores, grocery stores, and online.

How to Use Naloxone Nasal Spray

Fentanyl Test Strips

Fentanyl test strips (FTS) are a low-cost method of helping prevent drug overdoses and reducing harm. FTS are small strips of paper that can detect the presence of fentanyl in all different kinds of drugs and drug forms (pills, powder, and injectables). FTS provide people who use drugs and communities with important information about fentanyl in the illicit drug supply so they can take steps to reduce risk of overdose.

How to Use Fentanyl Test Strip

Where to Find Naloxone and Fentanyl Test Strips on Campus

Naloxone is available at the Student Health and Wellness Center, Campus Police, and in all the Automatic External Defibrillator boxes. Fentanyl Test Strips are available at the Student Health and Wellness Center.

In the event of a medical emergency, contact Campus Police at extension 4444 from campus phones or dial 911 from any phone.

Additional Resources

• Fentanyl Facts
• "Fentanyl is Forever" Awareness Campaign

Respiratory viruses commonly cause illness such as COVID-19, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), especially in the fall and winter. They can cause cold or flu-like symptoms and be more serious in some people. They are typically spread by direct contact with a person who has a respiratory virus (through coughing or sneezing) or indirect contact with a person who has a respiratory virus (from items an infected person touched). There are actions you can take to protect yourself and others.

COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) 

COVID-19 is a disease caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 most often causes respiratory symptoms that can feel much like a cold, the flu, or pneumonia. 

Influenza (Flu)

Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. Some people, such as people 65 years and older, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at higher risk of serious flu complications.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Infants and older adults are more likely to develop severe RSV and need hospitalization.

How Can I Protect Myself and My Community?

• Stay up to date on vaccines: Vaccines are the best way to protect against severe illness and death. COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines are available to eligible individuals.
• Stay home if you're sick: Staying home when you’re sick slows the spread of flu, RSV, COVID-19, and even the common cold. Take steps to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses when you are sick.
• Test and treat: Test for COVID-19 and flu if you have symptoms. If you test positive, contact your healthcare provider, and ask about treatments.
• Consider wearing a high-quality mask, especially if you’re sick and in crowded or indoor areas.
• Wash your hands: Wash hands throughout the day with soap and water. Use a hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Cover your cough or sneeze: Cough or sneeze into your elbow, arm, or a disposable tissue. Make sure to throw away your tissue then wash or sanitize your hands.

Talk to your healthcare provider or the Student Health and Wellness Center if you have questions about your symptoms and for further guidance. 
 

The Saddleback College Student Health and Wellness Center (SHWC) Practicum Training Program allows trainees an opportunity to work with medical professionals, licensed clinical psychologists, doctoral psychology interns and doctoral level practicum trainees to provide a multidisciplinary, holistic approach to the mental health treatment of our students.

Saddleback College students are a diverse group in terms of age, ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, and lifestyles. Presenting problems include depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma and stress-related disorders, eating disorders, substance-related and addictive disorders, and personality disorders.

The SHWC staff collaborate regularly with other departments on campus, such as Disabled Students' Programs and Services (DSPS), Veteran’s Education and Transition Services (VETS), Office of Student Development, and more.

Individual therapy is the most common modality of treatment, although there is occasionally an opportunity to provide couple or family therapy, as long as one of the clients is a currently enrolled student. We also provide group therapy. We are currently offering therapy services via telehealth and in person. 

Clinical supervisors encourage practicum trainees to utilize various theoretical orientations and to learn how to tailor the approach and interventions to the individual client. We provide one hour of individual supervision and two hours of group supervision weekly as well as didactic training monthly.

The SHWC practicum trainees provide all of the adult ADHD assessment and psychological testing done on campus for currently enrolled students who might benefit from academic accommodations based upon a psychiatric diagnosis. Practicum trainees participate in various campus and community outreach opportunities throughout the training year. Practicum trainees work a minimum of 20 hours per week that is 100% on-site. 

This site accepts only advanced doctoral students. Applicants must have completed one clinical practicum providing therapy to adults and must have passed their comprehensive exams prior to application. This is a yearlong practicum beginning in August.

If interested, please contact Dr. Lisa Schenitzki for more information at lschenitzki@saddleback.edu.

The Saddleback College Student Health and Wellness Center (SHWC) is offering one psychology post-doctoral internship position. The position provides an opportunity to work with medical professionals, licensed clinical psychologists, and doctoral level practicum trainees to provide a multidisciplinary, holistic approach to the mental health treatment of our students. 

Saddleback College students are a diverse group in terms of age, ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, and lifestyles. Presenting problems include depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma and stress-related disorders, eating disorders, substance-related and addictive disorders, and personality disorders. We are currently offering therapy services via telehealth and in person.

The SHWC staff collaborate regularly with other departments on campus, such as Disabled Students' Programs and Services (DSPS), Veteran's Education and Transition Services (VETS), Office of Student Development, and more.

The intern will be supervised regularly but work with more autonomy than in prior experiences in practicum and pre-doctoral training. Post-doctoral interns receive one hour of individual supervision and two hours of group supervision weekly. The position allows the post-doctoral intern to deliver individual supervision to a doctoral level practicum trainee and to deliver didactic training to the practicum trainees monthly.

The SHWC post-doctoral interns have the opportunity to provide adult ADHD assessment and psychological testing for students who might benefit from academic accommodations based upon a psychiatric diagnosis. Post-doctoral interns also participate in various campus and community outreach opportunities throughout the training year. 

This is a paid, yearlong position completed entirely on-site. Applicants must have met all professional doctoral degree requirements from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. The doctoral degree must be conferred before the start of the postdoctoral internship. Preferred candidates have prior experience working at a university counseling center.

If interested, please contact Dr. Lisa Schenitzki for more information at lschenitzki@saddleback.edu.