Get Support/Get Connected
The Team
We want to support you towards academic and personal success during your time at Pepperdine. Scroll down to learn more about the resources available to you.
Pepperdine Counseling Center
The Counseling Center seeks to promote mental health by providing individual, relationship, and group counseling to the Pepperdine community. All therapists on staff are available to support you. They can work independently of or in collaboration with Pepperdine Athletics — whatever you prefer. The Counseling Center also has sport psychology staff dedicated to working specifically with student-athlete mental health and performance needs.
Sport Psychology Staff
- Dr. Jorge Ballesteros, Ph.D
Athletics Counselor
Heritage Hall & Student Assistance Center
(campus map, search SAC) - Dr. Lina Chmiel, Psy.D
Athletics Counselor
Heritage Hall & Student Assistance Center
(campus map, search SAC) - Jhanelle Peters, RP
Athletics Counseling Coordinator
Heritage Hall & Student Assistance Center
(campus map, search SAC)
Counseling Center Staff
- Nivla Fitzpatrick, Ph.D.
- Sophia Fang, M.A., LMFT
- Sparkle Greenhaw, Ph.D., NCC, LPCC
- Esther Lee, Psy.D.
- Gloria Walters, Ph.D.
- Jeffrey Williams, M.A., LMFT
How to make an appointment/refer a student-athlete:
- Call 310.506.4210 and ask to speak with the sport psychologist
- Email Jhanelle at jhanelle.peters@pepperdine.edu, Jorge at jorge.ballesteros@pepperdine.edu, Lina at lina.chmiel@pepperdine.edu, or the Counseling Center at student.counseling.center@pepperdine.edu (say you are an athlete!)
- Talk to your coach, athletic trainer, or team doctor
Contact Information & Hours
Counseling Center
Open M—F 8 AM—5 PM
Ph: 310.506.4210
Fax: 310.506.7993
Offices located at the Student Assistance Center (SAC)
For Immediate After-Hours Resources
- After hours (after 5 PM and on weekends): Call the Counseling Center main line (310.506.4210) to talk with a licensed mental health provider
- Dial Public Safety at 310.506.4441 or dial 911
- National Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Additional Resources
- Sanvello: Top rated app for stress, anxiety & depression (Premium services are free with Pepperdine email!)
- National Institute of Mental Health Resources (NIMH)
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- MentalHealth.gov
- NBA Cares: Mind Health
Student-Athlete Care Team (SCT)
The Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Student Affairs has appointed a Student-Athlete Care Team to meet regularly to address student-athlete needs. One of the goals of the team is to provide a safety net for students to ensure their academic and interpersonal success. Anyone in the Pepperdine community may identify students to this team who may be experiencing problems or encountering obstacles, setbacks or challenges to their success and retention at Pepperdine.
Meet the Team
- La Shonda Coleman
- Kevin Wright
- Jordan Holm
- Sparkle Greenhaw
- Cassie Horton
- Britney Summerville-Brannan
- Natalie Hagedorn
- Jhanelle Peters
- Jorge Ballesteros
- Lina Chmiel
You can contact SCT by calling 310.506.6321 or emailing studentcareteam@pepperdine.edu
Helpful Resources
- Title IX - Information regarding sexual misconduct, other forms of violence, or threatening behavior
- Athlete Academic Services (AAS) - Academic resources for student-athletes that will assist them in earning their degree and prepare them for life after graduation
- Sports Medicine Team directory
- Resilience Informed Skills Education (RISE) Program - This program allows students the opportunity to develop their resilience skills, care for themselves and their peers in times of need and reinforce their ability to bounce back from life's challenges no matter how big or small. These opportunities are provided through workshops, classes, resilience mentors, coaches, and peer educators.