Many undocumented students navigate obstacles to mental wellness in college, but we would like to remind you that you are not alone. We encourage students to explore our resources and get to know our Mental Health partners at the USRC!
Our Mental Health Partners
We are thrilled to have both Maria Helena as our CAN Counselor and Chrisitan as our Doctoral Fellow at the Undocumented Student Resource Center this academic year USRC. Both are here to support your journey and well-being at UC Davis, offering a safe space to process, reflect, and be heard. They provide free, short-term therapy to all registered UC Davis students at no cost.
Get to know more about them by clicking on their respective sections below.
Maria Helena Buitrago Cohoon
Maria Helena is a queer Colombian American psychologist with deep roots in community mental health and college counseling. She brings warmth, authenticity, and a narrative therapy approach that centers you as the expert of your own story. Her work honors identity, relationships, and the impact of sociopolitical environments on mental health.
How to make an appointment? There are two ways to make an appointment with Maria Helena.
- Email - Send Maria Helena an email with your availability and they will get back to you as soon as they can: [email protected]
- Want to get to know more about your options first? Schedule an initial consultation with Mariah Helena through her Calendly: calendly.com/mbuitragocohoon-ucdavis
Christian Cazares
Christian is a proud immigrant from México, passionate about supporting students through life transitions, identity exploration, and emotional challenges. His approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in honoring each student’s unique story and strengths, with authenticity and humor to create a space where students feel safe, heard, and empowered.
How to make an appointment? Online Health-e-Messaging, instructions can be found on their bio website: https://undocumented.ucdavis.edu/people/christian-cazares
In crisis? Text "RELATE" to 741741
Mental Health Programming
The USRC hosts mental heath programming, known as Together We Rise, to provide an affirming space for students who are undocumented or from mixed-immigration status families to come together to create community, destress, and talk about their experiences, or even just their moods that day. With the help of our Doctoral Fellow, a space is created to ensure a space that fosters community and comfort.
To know when events are held, please visit our events calendar, subscribe to our newsletter or our Instagram for updates.
Additional Wellness Resources on Campus
Student Health and Counseling Services (SHCS)
SHCS provides a wide variety of medical, mental health and wellness services to all registered UC Davis students regardless of insurance coverage. Most services are provided through scheduled appointments, however urgent care (services without appointments) for acute medical and mental health needs are also available. Services are provided at two primary locations: The Student Health and Wellness Center and North Hall.
- Urgent Care Services
- Counseling Services
- Group Counseling
- General Information, Appointment Desk, and Advice Nurse: (530) 752-2300
External Mental Health Support
Immigrant Rising
Mental Health Connector : Undocumented students enrolled in California colleges or universities can receive free, virtual, and confidential mental health services from culturally responsive therapists through the Mental Health Connector (MHC). This program is for students ages 18–45 who feel comfortable conversing in English and who have difficulty accessing affordable or culturally sensitive care.
Wellness Support Groups: Undocumented students may be eligible to join free, virtual Wellness Support Groups. These weekly spaces are led by trained facilitators and are designed to build community, foster connection, and support students’ emotional well-being.
United We Dream - UndocuWellness
UndocuHealth Initiative will walk you through and provide toolkits to facilitate and inform our community. Things like music-ivism, artivism, and breathing practices is what will transform these anxieties and insecurities into something positive!