Mental Health & Wellness

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. 

Headshot of Maria Helena smiling warmly in front of a warmly in front of a blurred background.

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. 

  1. Email - Send Maria Helena an email with your availability and they will get back to you as soon as they can:  mbuitragocohoon@ucdavis.edu
  2. Want to get to know more about your options first? Schedule an initial consultation with Mariah Helena through her Calendly: calendly.com/mbuitragocohoon-ucdavis
Headshot of Christian Cazares smiling warmly in front of a blurred background.

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? Call 530-752-0871 and let the receptionist know you are requesting Christian as a referral from the USRC.

 

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.

Outside Sources

Immigrant Rising Support Groups
https://immigrantsrising.org/

United We Dream - UndocuWellness
https://unitedwedream.org/our-work/undocuhealth-wellness/