Puerto Rico Counseling Centers

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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

Junneliz Rosario-Vélez
Counseling Center Administrative Assistant
Junneliz Rosario-Vélez

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.

jurosario@psm.edu
(787) 840-2575, ext. 5660
Book time with Junneliz Rosario
José A. Soto-Franceschini, PhD, LPC
Counseling Center Director
José A. Soto-Franceschini
Licensed Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor with over 30 years of experience in both counseling and administrative leadership. Holds a Ph.D. in Psychology with a specialization in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. Deeply committed to student well-being, ethical leadership, and the effective management of academic and mental health support services. He brings a compassionate and strategic approach to both clinical practice and organizational oversight. His therapeutic work is rooted in person-centered counseling, enhanced by cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavior, and evidence-based interventions. He fosters a collaborative and supportive therapeutic environment, empowering individuals to cultivate self-awareness, develop practical skills, and build the resilience necessary for a meaningful and fulfilling life.
jsoto@psm.edu
787-840-2575 Ext. 5600
Book time with Jose Soto Franceschini
Grace M. Morales-Mercado, LRC
Licensed Rehabilitation Counselor
Grace M. Morales-Mercado

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.

gracemorales@psm.edu
787-840-2575 Ext. 5733
939-375-2525
Book time with Grace Morales 
Soniamarie Lugo-Laracuente, LCP
Licensed Professional Counselor
Soniamarie Lugo-Laracuente

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.

slugo@psm.edu
787-840-2575 Ext. 4745
939-375-2524
Xiomarys Rivera Santiago, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Xiomarys Rivera Santiago

 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.

xrivera@psm.edu
787-840-2575 Ext. 5734
Book time with Xiomarys Rivera 
Luz Jeilin Morales-Cruz, PsyD
Licensed Psychologist
Luz Jeilin Morales-Cruz

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.

luzmorales@psm.edu
(787) 840-2575, ext. 5563
For appointments call (787) 840-2575, ext. 5660
Nahomi González Viera, PsyD
Licensed Psychologist
Nahomi González Viera
Dr. González holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and has specialized training in providing emotional support to children, adolescents, and adults. Her professional practice is dedicated to offering a safe and compassionate therapeutic space where individuals can adaptively explore their challenges and develop strategies that strengthen their overall well-being. Her experience includes work in community and healthcare settings, integrating evidence-based approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and solution-focused brief therapy. She has served as Coordinator of Domestic Violence Programs, a role in which she contributes to the professional development of psychology students in training. She is currently part of the Counseling Center team as the psychologist for the School of Dental Medicine at PHSU, where she continues her work supporting doctoral students and promoting a healthy balance between academic demands and mental health. Her professional goal is to facilitate access to culturally sensitive psychological services that are centered on the individual needs of each person.
ngonzalez@psm.edu
(787) 840-2575, ext. 5563
For appointments call (787) 840-2575, ext. 5660

 

San Juan Counseling Center Staff

Tania Cintron-Cruz, LCP
Licensed Professional Counselor
Tania Cintron-Cruz

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.

           tcintron@psm.edu
 787-728-2126
Book time to meet with me
Last Updated 2/26/26