Community Forums are supportive, community-based spaces designed with a specific student population in mind. Community Forums have the intention of building community and a sense of belonging with student mental health and wellness as the foundation for personal and academic success. Facilitated/co-facilitated by a licensed therapist or BHCS intern/trainee.
Fall 2026 Forums
- Umoja Mental Health Hour: Wednesdays: Sept. 9 & 23, Oct. 7 & 21, Nov. 4 & 18 and Dec. 9 at 2pm in the Umoja Village (SU-30) with BHCS therapist Mercedes Tiggs, LCSW.
- Rising Scholars Weekly Check-In: Fridays 10am-12pm with BHCS therapist Mercedes Tiggs, LCSW.
- Ask a Therapist – Open Office Hours: Wednesdays at 10:30am to 12:00pm at the Pride Center (SU-17) with BHCS therapist A.J. Lewison, LCSW.
- Queer Coming Out Group: Thursdays 11am-12pm at the Pride Center (SU-17) starting September 10th and ending October 8th with BHCS therapist A.J. Lewison, LCSW.
Psychoeducational Workshops are stand-alone workshops or workshop series that are psychoeducational in nature with an element of care and support. These workshops have an emphasis on learning and practicing new coping skills. These can be facilitated by licensed therapists and/or BHCS interns/trainees, and any currently registered student can attend.
Workhsops for fall semester are currently being planned. Please check back after the semester begins for dates and times.
Fall 2026 Workshops
- Immigration Impacted Students & Allies: held in person in MD-155C at the San Marcos campus 1pm-2pm and facilitated by BHCS therapist Mariana Guzman, LMFT.
- September 30 – Change & Community
- October 7 – Belonging & Identity
- November 11 – Stress & Self-Care
- December 2 – Strength & Well-Being
Skillshops are typically stand-alone workshops offered by the Student Wellness Advocacy Group, Active Minds, or a BHCS therapist/intern in collaboration with the Palomar Promise program. They are frequently more of an overview of a topic (e.g. Stress Management) as opposed to a deep dive into clinical material. Coping skills can be introduced to students related to the Skillshop topic.
Skillshops for fall semester are currently being planned and will be offered in person at the Welcome Center (WC-112) at the San Marcos campus and via Zoom unless indicated. Please check back for dates and times.
Fall 2026 Health & Wellness Skillshops
- Mindfulness, Meditation & Relaxation:
- Healthy Sleep:
- Stress Management:
- Understanding Depression & Suicide:
- Healthy Relationships:
- Mindfulness Through Vision Boards:
Skillshops are FREE for students and require registration. Visit our Health Promotion website for session registration and location information.
Note: Workshops, Skillshops and Community Forums are not professional counseling. If you would like professional counseling or mental health treatment, please contact the BHCS office at 760-891-7531 to schedule an appointment.
