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Student Resources

This resource page provides information and a comprehensive listing of resources available to students, including confidential and non-confidential on campus resources, counseling services, community-based resources, and web resources. The University has created "safe havens" for those students who want to approach a knowledgeable person for guidance and support who is also confidential, such as CAPS and the Wellness Center.

For more information, please click on the tabs below to expand the listing of resources in each category:

 

Cowell Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) 

Cowell Center, Bldg. 701
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–5:00 pm

CAPS Crisis Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–4:00 pm
Inquiries, Information, & Appointments: (408) 554-4501

After-Hours Concerns & Emergencies: Contact Campus Safety Services: (408) 554-4444

CAPS is staffed by licensed psychologists, a psychiatrist, and psychology trainees—pre-doctoral trainees and advanced practicum students. Services are available to students free of charge. CAPS offers assistance with referral to off-campus mental health providers. To schedule an appointment for psychological or crisis services, call (408) 554-4501 or visit the Cowell Center during business hours.

The Wellness Center

In support of the Vision and Mission of Santa Clara University, the Wellness Center utilizes evidence-based initiatives to promote a culture of holistic health that empowers students to make informed decisions and develop self-efficacy in achieving intellectual, spiritual, social, physical, and emotional well-being. The Wellness Center strives to promote a culture of well-being where students identify and practice lifelong skills that improve their quality of life. Confidential resources offered through the Wellness Center include: 
 

Wellness Center Advocate

The confidential advocate is located in the SCU Wellness Center and offers free, confidential support to students who have been impacted by sexual assault, relationship violence, and stalking. The advocate aims to provide a safer, compassionate, and non-judgmental space for students to explore their options, rights, and resources. To speak with an advocate, please contact Meredith Lierk at mlierk@scu.edu or (408) 554-4448. Appointments are available in-person or via Zoom. Please see the Survivor Advocacy & Support page for more information.

Student Groups 

The Wellness Center has two confidential student groups: the Peer Health Educators and the Violence Prevention Educators. These groups receive information and annual training from the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX on managing confidential information and supporting students with their concerns, including offering various support resources available on and off-campus. 

Clergy and Chaplains 

Santa Clara University Clergy and Chaplains who are working within the scope of their licensure or ordination and within their designated role at the University can offer confidential guidance and assistance to students, faculty, and staff.

 

 

SANTA CLARA COUNTY RESOURCES:

Santa Clara County - Office of Gender Based Violence Prevention

Unfortunately, for people who are experiencing violence in the home, a shelter in place order is especially difficult because they cannot escape their abuser. Isolation increases and tensions run high. For survivors, the focus quickly shifts to safety and survival.  Am I safe?  Are my children safe? How will I pay for groceries and rent?  Where can I find help?

While violence at home may increase for many victims of abuse, help is available in person, online and by phone—whenever it is safe to reach out. In Santa Clara County, local domestic agencies serve survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking and sexual assault. Credible National resources can also provide relief and support. 

YWCA

The YWCA is there to help minimize the traumatic aftermath of sexual assault and promote safety, mobility, and freedom from abuse for all people. Services include: 24-hour crisis line for survivors, family members, and friends; medical advocacy; legal advocacy; and counseling and prevention programs for children, teens, and the general community.

They provide counseling services which improve the emotional, mental, and behavioral wellness of community members.  They offer short- and long-term counseling to clients of all ages on a sliding-fee scale. Services are offered onsite at their San Jose and Sunnyvale locations and at various schools in the San Jose Unified School District.

1717 The Alameda
San Jose, CA 95126
Tel: (408) 298-1717

Linda Haskell Empowerment Center
375 South Third Street
San Jose CA 95112

Tel: (408) 295-4011

For immediate in-person crisis assistance and counseling services, contact the 24-hour Sexual Assault  and Domestic Violence Crisis Line at (800) 572-2782.

Victim Services Unit

The Victim Advocates Unit serve as your connection to prosecutors, law enforcement and other criminal justice agencies, and help to ensure that you have a voice in the criminal justice process.  Your Victim Advocate will link you with local resources, provide you with case updates, and support you during court hearings and testimony. 

The Victim Services Unit helps victims from all walks of life and experiences, regardless of age, background, or immigration status.  Walk-ins are welcome and all services are free. Your Victim Advocate can assist you even if a suspect is not identified or if criminal charges have not been filed. 

70 W. Hedding St., West Wing 
San Jose, CA 95110

Email: victimservices@da.sccgov.org

Tel: (408) 295-2656

Rapid Medical Evaluation & Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center

Individuals who have experienced any form of sexual or relationship violence are encouraged but not required to seek medical attention as soon as possible (i.e., within 72 hours) after the assault.  The Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) provides medical and forensic response to victims of sexual assault, 12 years and older, who come into their Emergency Department, 24 hours a day. 

In Santa Clara County, SART exams are performed at the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center (SCVMC) in San Jose. Trained medical professionals will address an individual’s medical needs related to the assault as well as collect evidence at no cost to a victim of sexual violence.

SART nurses maintain Counselor/Victim Privilege of Confidentiality as legally required under California Evidence Codes. 

Victims have the option to speak with the police or not. The ability to have a medical-legal exam performed is not dependent upon speaking with the police or filing a police report; however, hospitals in the State of California are required to notify the police if a physical injury has been sustained, and will contact law enforcement. 

ERA Center

At Era Center the mission is to empower survivors of sexual trauma and bring healing and advocacy to impacted communities. Era Center is a specialized team providing intersectional services that address the physical, emotional, and psychological effects of sexual assault. Era Center is committed to creating a more trauma-informed society through the provision of psychotherapy, outreach education, and our comprehensive training program.

2021 The Alameda, Suite 101, San Jose, CA 95126

(408) 579-9487
kpxue@era-center.org

Peace it Together

Peace-It-Together Counseling Agency provides prevention and intervention counseling services to at-risk youth, and offers affordable mental health care services to vulnerable populations in our community. They recognize many people do not have the necessary insurance to seek mental health services. PIT intentionally offers lower fee counseling to: individuals, children, teens, couples and the older-aging population to help those who would not ordinarily be able to afford counseling. They make our services affordable by offering them on a sliding scale based on your income.

They provide help with:

  • Domestic Violence: Outreach and Intervention Programs
  • Relationships: Individual, couples counseling
  • High Conflict Relationships
  • Stress Reduction
  • Trauma: (We accept Victim Witness)
  • Teen Depression: Group counseling available for teens and parents
  • Parenting Classes: 12 Week group- New Skills and Choices (NSC):Co and Parallel Parenting: Class Fees for NSC: 25.00 per class
  • Counseling for Children/Teens: Individual counseling available

info@peace-it-together.org
Tel: (408) 774-1009
Fax: (408) 249-2291

1588 Homestead Road
M/B #10, Suite A & B
Santa Clara, CA 95050

Business Hours: 
Mon-Fri 9am-8pm
Saturday by appointment only

Women's Therapy Institute

Women’s Therapy Institute is a local women’s therapy center providing full-service mental health counseling services in Palo Alto, CAMountain View, CA, and the nearby areas. WTI was founded by Mabel and was born from a desire to help those who identify themselves as women and girls who are coping with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, and other health concerns. Our practice has evolved into a team of clinicians who are dedicated to helping women and girls live their very best lives.

Mabel Yiu
Women’s Therapy Institute
825 San Antonio Road, Suite 104
Palo Alto, CA 94303
Tel: (650) 337 – 0955
mabel@womenstherapyinstitute.com

Gronowski Trauma Clinic

The Gronowski Center is a community-based mental health clinic associated with Palo Alto University. They are dedicated to providing counseling and psychotherapy for adults, children, adolescents, older adults, couples, and families in Santa Clara and nearby counties.

The Center offers services on a sliding scale fee schedule as part of its community mission. Services are provided by Palo Alto University doctoral-level psychology students under the supervision of licensed clinical psychologists.

5150 El Camino Real, Building C, Suite 15
Los Altos, CA 94022
(650) 961-9300
 

California Victim Compensation Board

If you have been a victim of certain crimes, whether it was reported to police or not, you may be eligible for financial compensation for therapy, lost wages, damaged property, etc.  If you need assistance and/or guidance on this process please contact the Cowell Center Case Manager.

Customer Service: contact Customer Service with questions about victim compensation claims.
P.O. Box 3036
Sacramento, CA 95812-3036
Phone: (800) 777-9229
(916) 491-3600
Fax: (866) 902-8669
info@victims.ca.gov

Santa Clara County Victim Services Unit

The Victim Services Unit is here to help you. Our Victim Advocates serve as your connection to prosecutors, law enforcement and other criminal justice agencies, and help to ensure that you have a voice in the criminal justice process. Your Victim Advocate will link you with local resources, provide you with case updates, and support you during court hearings and testimony.

The Victim Services Unit helps victims from all walks of life and experiences, regardless of age, background and/or immigration status. Walk-ins are welcome and all services are free. Your Victim Advocate can assist you even if a suspect is not identified or if criminal charges have not been filed.

The California Victim Compensation Program(Cal VCP) can assist you and your family with out-of-pocket costs related to the crime, such as medical and counseling bills. To do that, Victim Advocates can help you fill out the proper forms.

You are entitled to certain, constitutional rights in the criminal justice process, which are described in the California Crime Victim’s Bill of Rights, also known as Marsy’s Law. Your Victim Advocate can help you to enforce these rights in court.

PLEASE CONTACT:
Victim Services Unit
70 W. Hedding St., West Wing
San Jose, CA 95110
Email: victimservices@dao.sccgov.org
Phone: (408) 295-2656

CITY OF BERKELEY & ALAMEDA RESOURCES:

Berkeley Mental Health Adult Services

Crisis, Assessment, and Triage

Short-term crisis counseling, assessment, evaluation, brief clinic based treatment services, and linkages to community based resources. 

Comprehensive Community Treatment (CCT) Program

Case management and support services designed for people with serious and persistent mental disabilities. Comprehensive Community Treatment patients are people with histories of psychiatric hospitalization who are in need of mental health, and other medical and social services, and who require long-term comprehensive services to maintain stability in the community.

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Program

Comprehensive case management and support services for people whose problems have resulted in multiple and lengthy hospitalizations or whose health and mental health status puts them at critically high risk. Patients are seen on a daily basis, when necessary, to obtain assistance with multiple and complex needs.

General Hours of Operation

Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–4:00 pm

Crisis Response Hours

Sunday–Saturday, 11:30 am–10:00 pm
Phone: (510) 981-5254 (Voice message)

Location

2640 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Berkeley, CA 94704

Tel: (510) 981-5290
Fax: (510) 981-5265
TDD: (510) 981-6903

Bay Area Women Against Rape (BAWAR) 

Founded in 1971, BAWAR was the first rape crisis center in the country. It was founded with the two-part goal of establishing a place where rape and incest survivors could receive the quality counseling and advocacy they need, and to provide community education regarding sexual assault.

24-Hour Hotline, English and Spanish: (510) 845-7273

Bay Area Women Against Rape
470 27th Street
Oakland, CA 94612

bawar@bawar.org
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm PST (Excluding Federal Holidays)

Tel: (510) 430-1298
Fax: (510) 430-2579

Medical Services and Sexual Assault Response Team (SART)

Alameda County has two hospitals that provide both forensic exams and medical care. Other hospitals in the county provide medical care only, and are not designated as forensic exam facilities.

Highland Hospital
1411 East 31st Street
Oakland, CA 94602

Tel: (510) 437-4800 

Washington Hospital
2000 Mowry Ave
Fremont, CA 94538

Tel: (510) 797-1111

Tri-Valley Haven

Each year, Tri-Valley Haven receives between 3,000 and 4,000 crisis calls. That’s almost 10 calls every day, from survivors in need. These crisis calls are handled compassionately and knowledgeably by trained staff and volunteers—24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Through their crisis line, they provide crisis intervention and referals to services such as their Domestic Violence Services, Sexual Assault Services, Restraining Order Clinics, Sex Trafficking Services, Homeless Services, Food Pantry, and Counseling & Support Groups. They also provide referrals to other domestic violence shelters, community partners, and resources.

Tri-Valley Haven's Community Building is located at:
3663 Pacific Avenue
Livermore, CA 9455

24 Hour Crisis Lines: (925) 449-5842 or (800) 884-8119

Study Abroad Students

Pathways to Safety International (Formerly Americans Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center) empowers victims of interpersonal & gender based violence abroad. Pathways undertakes the global challenge of assisting victims who are enduring extreme suffering in isolated situations where support seems minimal and many obstacles block the path to safety. Services are provided 24/7/365 via technology on a global scale to American victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and forced marriage.

This is achieved via an international toll free crisis line, 833-SAFE-833, accessible from over 120 countries, serving a population estimated at 9 million American civilians living overseas, 80 million Americans traveling overseas, and the 450,000 American military personnel and their dependents.

833-SAFE-833 | International Toll-Free
crisis@pathwaystosafety.org

NATIONAL RESOURCES:

Give an Hour

Give an Hour’s mission is to develop national networks of volunteers capable of responding to both acute and chronic conditions that arise within our society. By harnessing the skill and expertise of volunteer professionals, we are able to increase the likelihood that those in need receive the support and care they deserve. 

Email: info@giveanhour.org

Media inquiries: media@giveanhour.org

Open Path Collective 

Open Path Psychotherapy Collective is a non-profit nationwide network of mental health professionals dedicated to providing in-office mental health care—at a steeply reduced rate—to individuals, couples, children, and families in need.

Services from $30-$60 per session.

Available by phone (1-800-268-2833) and chat 9am to 5pm ET Monday through Friday.

Psychology Today

Psychology Today provides a comprehensive directory of therapists, psychiatrists and treatment facilities near you.

Thriving Campus

Discover why 80+ schools trust ThrivingCampus to connect their students with off-campus mental health referrals near campus or across state lines.

Love is Respect

Highly-trained advocates offer support, information and advocacy to young people who have questions or concerns about their dating relationships. We also provide information and support to concerned friends and family members, teachers, counselors, service providers and members of law enforcement. Free and confidential phone, live chat and texting services are available 24/7/365.

Chat at www.loveisrespect.org
Text LOVEIS to 22522*
Call 1-866-331-9474

Online, loveisrespect strives to be a safe, inclusive space for young people to access information and get help in an environment that is designed specifically for them. Our website provides comprehensive education on healthy, unhealthy and abusive dating relationships and behaviors.

Love is Respect also mobilizes parents, educators, peers and survivors to proactively raise awareness on healthy dating behaviors and how to identify unhealthy and abusive patterns. Through trainings, toolkits, and curriculum, we are growing community educators and advocates to promote healthy relationships and prevent future patterns of abuse.

Rainn

RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE, online.rainn.org y rainn.org/es) in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country and operates the DoD Safe Helpline for the Department of Defense. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help survivors, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.

ValorUS

Originally founded in 1980 as the California State Coalition of Rape Crisis Centers, ValorUS was created by rape crisis centers from across the state interested in creating a unified voice to advocate on behalf of the statewide needs of survivors, system’s change, funding needs and policy advocacy.

NSVRC

The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) is the leading nonprofit in providing information and tools to prevent and respond to sexual violence. NSVRC translates research and trends into best practices that help individuals, communities and service providers achieve real and lasting change. NSVRC also works with the media to promote informed reporting. Every April, NSVRC leads Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), a campaign to educate and engage the public in addressing this widespread issue. NSVRC is also one of the three founding organizations of RALIANCE, a national, collaborative initiative dedicated to ending sexual violence in one generation.

TITLEIX.com

TitleIX.com is the destination for students, administrators, advocates, parents, organizations, attorneys, and all those who seek and contribute to Title IX knowledge.  

Gender and sex equity is an inherent good in our society, and those seeking to advance sex and gender equity need good quality tools and resources. TitleIX.com culls and organizes the content you need in user-friendly, free, and accessible format, including mobile access on-the-go.  

Curated research is available on topics such as sexual harassment, sexual violence, pregnancy and parenting, athletics, news and events, as well as frequently asked questions. Visitors may also submit their questions for review. Organizations doing work related to Title IX are listed. Attorneys seeking referrals can submit their information to TitleIX.com

 

Reporting to University Officials 

Individuals may make a report to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX, Office of Student Life, Campus Safety Services, Human Resources, a supervisor, a provost/vice provost, dean, or department or program head.  In general, when one of these offices or employees receives a report, the University must begin a preliminary inquiry to determine if there is reasonable cause to believe that the University's policies against discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct has been violated. 

Reporting to University officials still affords privacy to the reporter, and information will be shared as necessary. The circle of people with this knowledge will be kept as tight as possible to preserve an individual’s rights and privacy. Reports of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, or retaliation may be made using any of the following options listed below.

Office of Equal Opportunity & Title IX

Loyola Hall
425 El Camino Real, Suite 140
Santa Clara, CA 95050

Interim Director of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Coordinator: Brandi Williams

Inquiries & Information: (408) 551-3043

Officials With Authority

In addition to Notice or reports made to the Director of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Coordinator, individuals may provide notice or make a report to the President of the Santa Clara University, to any member of her Cabinet, and any of the Deans of Colleges or Directors of Centers of Distinction.

Jullie Sullivan, President

Ed Ryan, Acting Co-Provost

Kate Morris, Acting Co-Provost

Renee Baumgartner, Athletics Director

Alison Benders, Vice President for Mission and Ministry

Kelly Douglas, General Counsel

T. Shá Duncan Smith, Vice President for Inclusive Excellence

Ed Grier, Dean of the Leavey School of Business

Michael Kaufman, Dean of the School of Law

Zenobia Lane, Vice President of Human Resources

Lawrence Lokman, Vice President for University Marketing and Communications

Wilson Garone, Vice President for Finance and Administration

James Lyons, Vice President for University Relations

Eva Blanco Masias, Vice President for Enrollment Management

Molly A. McDonald, Chief of Staff

Agbonkhianmeghe Orobator, S.J. Dean of the Jesuit School of Theology

Daniel Press, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences

Elaine Scott, Dean of the School of Engineering

Sabrina Zirkel, Dean of the School of Education and Counseling Psychology

Jeanne Rosenberger, Vice Provost for Student Life

Deans of Colleges and Directors of Centers of Distinction,

https://www.scu.edu/aboutscu/leadership/school-deans-and-center-directors/

Campus Safety Services

Located on the ground floor of the parking structure, Campus Safety Services is responsible for ensuring the safety, security, and peace on campus and is on-duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Emergency Phone: (408) 554-4444
Main Phone Number: (408) 554-4441

Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office Sexual Assault Team

The Sexual Assault Team handles Statutory Rape Vertical Prosecution Grant and Child Abuse Vertical Prosecution Grant both funded by the State of California, felony violations of the sex registration laws, and prosecutions of sexual assaults on adult and child victims. Each year the sexual assault team handles over five hundred felony sexual assault cases and over one hundred and fifty felony violations of the sex registration laws. Many of the cases prosecuted by the Sexual Assault Team carry potential life sentences mandated by the "One Strike" laws that apply to aggravated circumstances such as multiple victims, kidnapping, and burglary.

Victims of sexual assault are guaranteed anonymity throughout the court process and victim’s address is protected by state law from disclosure, California Penal Code Sections 293 and 293.5. The Sexual Assault Team also obtains search warrants of defendants’ blood to test for HIV on behalf of sexual assault victims where there is probable cause to believe that there was an exchange of bodily fluids, California Penal Code Section 1524.1. The local health department will inform the victim of the result in a medically confidential manner and provide professional counseling, California Penal Code Section 1524.1(f)(g)(h).

For More Information Please Contact:

Sexual Assault Team
70 West Hedding Street, West Wing
San Jose, CA 95110
Email: publicinformation@dao.sccgov.org

Tel: (408) 792-2793

REPORTING A CRIME

Resources exist on- and off-campus for individuals to report crimes to law enforcement.  

Campus Safety Services

Individuals should contact Campus Safety Services to report an emergency, report a crime, or request immediate assistance. Reports can be made 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. People are not required to file an incident report with Campus Safety Services or file a criminal report with law enforcement in order to access resources and support services on- or off-campus. 

Law Enforcement 

The University encourages individuals to pursue criminal action for incidents that may also be crimes under California criminal statutes. Proceedings under this Policy may be carried out prior to, simultaneously with, or following civil or criminal proceedings off campus. The University will assist a complainant in making a criminal report and will cooperate with law enforcement agencies if a complainant decides to pursue the criminal process to the extent permitted by law. A complainant may also choose not to pursue criminal action, and under most circumstances, law enforcement will not force an individual to participate in an investigation or pursue charges if they are not willing to do so. 

Santa Clara Police Department (SCPD)

601 El Camino Real
Santa Clara, CA 95050

Office Hours:
Monday–Friday, 7:00 am–5:00 pm
Saturday 9:00 am–3:00 pm
Closed Sunday

Inquiries & Information: (408) 615-4700

Berkeley Police Department

2100 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Berkeley, CA 94704

Email: police@cityofberkely.info

If you are calling to report a crime in progress, dial 9-1-1.  For all non-emergencies, reporting suspicious activity, or making an initial report, please call the Department's non-emergency number (510) 981-5900.

OTHER OFF CAMPUS NON-CONFIDENTIAL RESOURCES

Individuals may file a complaint additionally or alternatively with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

OneLove is an organization aiming to educate people about the nature of healthy and unhealthy relationships as well as relationship violence. They provide resoruces and support available to all. Check them out here: https://www.joinonelove.org/

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