Puerto Rico Counseling Centers
We're Here to Help
Confidential | Professional | Ethical
About the Ponce and San Juan Counseling Centers
The PHSU Counseling Center at the Ponce and San Juan campuses offers academic, personal, and career counseling services free of charge to all enrolled students.
We provide a safe, confidential, professional, and supportive environment where students can address challenges that may impact their success. Our goal is to help students navigate emotional, academic, and life challenges using practical tools and compassionate guidance.
Scheduling & Services
- In-person counseling
- Telemental health sessions via Microsoft Teams
Locations & Contact
Ponce Campus
PHSU – Academic Tower (1st Floor) 388 Zona Industrial Reparada 2 Ponce, PR 00716-2347
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
787-840-2575 ext. 5600
939-375-2524 | 939-375-2525
San Juan University Center
Professional Offices Park V Tower III – Floor 6
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 787-728-2126
Crisis Support
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Línea PAS: 1-800-981-0023
- 911 for emergencies
During office hours, please notify the receptionist if you are in crisis so we can assist you immediately.
What We Offer
- Individual & Group Counseling
- Psychotherapy (short-term)
- Academic & Career Counseling
- Telemental Health
- Workshops & Groups
- Academic Crisis Support
- Faculty & Staff Consultation
Scope & Limits of Service
We provide:
- Short-term counseling
- Crisis intervention
- Psychoeducation
- Referrals when needed
We do not provide:
- Psychiatric medication management
- Long-term therapy
- Court-ordered therapy
- Comprehensive psychological evaluations
Common Concerns
- Anxiety & Depression
- Stress & Burnout
- Academic Difficulties
- Grief & Loss
- Mood Disorders
- Eating Disorders
- Trauma & PTSD
- Relationship & Family Issues
- Substance Use
- Adjustment & Homesickness
Meet Our Staff
She holds a bachelor’s degree in office systems and technology from the University of Puerto Rico at Ponce, specializing in Health Plan Billing, and was a student-athlete. She enjoys participating in 5K, 10K, and half-marathon races. Running helps her stay active and clear her mind. She worked as an administrative assistant at the Intellectus Foundation. She is currently an administrative assistant at the Counseling Center at the University of Health Sciences in Ponce, where she welcomes students and faculty with professionalism and confidentiality.
Licensed Rehabilitation Counselor since 2018. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Office Systems from the “Universidad de Puerto Rico” and a master’s degree in social sciences specializing in Rehabilitation Counseling from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico, where she received academic excellence awards from both institutions. She also holds certifications as a Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor and in Assistive Technology and Mental Health. With extensive experience in educational settings, she currently serves as a Rehabilitation Counselor at Ponce Health Sciences University, where she leads committees focused on ensuring compliance with laws that protect the rights of individuals with disabilities. Passionate about education and inclusion, she is committed to fostering a sensitive, accessible, and inclusive academic environment and inspiring others to join in these efforts.
939-375-2525
Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor, focus in cognitive-behavioral therapy. Provides counseling to medical and other health professions students, promoting both emotional and academic well-being. Her work focuses on managing anxiety, depression, time management, and the prevention of high-risk behaviors, among others. She is known for offering compassionate support tailored to the individual needs of each student, fostering a safe space for personal and professional growth.
Since 2007, Xiomarys Rivera has worked as a Licensed Professional Counselor, providing guidance and support to diverse populations. She has offered counseling services to students ranging from kindergarten through graduate-level programs. Her experience includes developing intervention programs, delivering socio-emotional support, and implementing strategies to promote overall well-being and academic success. She holds a Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling from Ana G. Méndez University, Gurabo Campus, and a Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in Forensic Psychology from the University of Puerto Rico at Ponce. Additionally, she has professional experience in the mental health field as a Services Coordinator, performing patient triage and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to ensure comprehensive and effective care. Currently, Xiomarys serves as the Counselor assigned to the Psychology, Nursing, and Master’s in Medicine programs, providing academic guidance and socio-emotional support to students in these disciplines. Her commitment has always been to accompany each individual in their personal and educational growth, fostering a safe and supportive environment.personally.
Dr. Luz Jeilin Morales Cruz is a clinical psychologist and a graduate of the PsyD program at Ponce Health Sciences University. She holds certifications in Family and Couples Therapy, Forensic Evaluation, and ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training), in addition to training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Her therapeutic approach integrates systemic understanding and evidence-based intervention to support emotional and relational well-being. She currently serves as a clinical psychologist at the PHSU Counseling Center, where she provides psychological support to the student community.
(787) 840-2575, ext. 5563
For appointments call (787) 840-2575, ext. 5660
San Juan Counseling Center Staff
Licensed professional counselor with eight years of experience. She holds specialties in individual, family, and couples therapy, as well as a second specialty in school-based counseling. She has earned certifications in Psycho-Traumatology from the Instituto Psico-Traumatológico de Puerto Rico and in Neuroscience from the Instituto de Neurociencia at the University of Puerto Rico’s Medical Sciences Campus. Her professional background includes providing services to a wide range of populations, including low-income and faith-based communities, victims of crime, children and adolescents, and, most recently, individuals within the university setting.
787-728-2126