Center for Student Well-being
We know that student well-being has an impact on the overall student experience. Anxiety, mental health concerns, hunger and stress can negatively influence academic performance. The Center for Student Well-being is dedicated to supporting students by offering a variety of programs and resources tailored to their needs.
Review the resources below to find the support you need to ensure you're achieving your full potential. Schedule an appointment any time.
Student Counseling
We provide free and confidential mental health counseling to all PBSC students currently registered for classes. Individual counseling, support groups, psychoeducation, and community resources are available.
Case Management & Resources
Case management services assist students in navigating complex situations and supporting services. We work closely with students to assess their needs, develop action plans, and connect them with resources and support networks.
Foster Care & Homelessness Support
Tuition and fee exemptions are available for students who have been or are in foster care or are experiencing homelessness. We help students navigate through the process of the exemptions and connect students them additional resources.
Food Assistance Programs
The center offers food assistance programs such as Panther's Pantry and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help students experiencing hunger or food insecurity.
Off-Campus Housing Resources
Tools and resources are provided for students to search for suitable accommodations, navigate rental processes, and address any housing-related issues they may encounter.
Wellness Information & Self-care
Our self-service page helps students learn and cope with stress management, consent, mindfulness, and self-care to support physical, emotional, and mental health.
Additional Resources
Emergency Financial Assistance
In situations of unexpected financial hardship, the center offers emergency financial assistance to students facing challenges such as housing insecurity, medical expenses, or transportation difficulties that may prevent them from continuing their education. Please review the application for specific requirements and additional information.
Palm Tran Bus Pass Assistance
Palm Tran, Palm Beach County's public bus system, travels to all major destinations, including Palm Beach State. Use this application to apply for a one-time, month-long Palm Tran bus pass. Note: This application is only for Palm Tran. If you have additional/different transportation needs, use the Emergency Financial Assistance application.
Panther's Closet
Clothing is a fundamental necessity, yet many individuals struggle to afford it. Panther’s Closet is open to all current PBSC students, faculty, and staff. Find great bargains for only $1, with all proceeds helping students. Options range from professional attire and athletic wear to shoes and bags. There are locations on most campuses.
Student Groups
Talk It Out Support Group
Stressed? Lonely? Need some support? Join the Center for Student Well-Beings' Counselors and Case Managers for support, community resource identification, and a listening ear. This group is open to currently enrolled Palm Beach State College students only. You MUST register and join using your PBSC student email to gain admittance.
By attending this group a agree to adhere to the following group rules:
- Confidentiality - What is said in the group stays in the group. No screenshots or recordings are allowed. Violations of confidentiality will result in removal from the group.
- Respect - This is a judgment free zone. This includes, but is not limited to:
- No cursing or hate speech
- No correcting one another
- No bullying
- No Cross Talking. Do not talk over one another. Raise hand via Zoom to speak.
- Sessions will start on time and end on time.
- Microphones should be muted when you are not participating in the discussion.
- A private space is required to attend the session. Please ensure no one else is in the same space as you during the meeting.
Meet the Staff
Robin Russo, LCSW
Director of Student Well Being
Robin has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker within the State of Florida for since 2000. She has been a qualified supervisor for both student interns and post graduate interns seeking full licensure within the state of Florida for almost as long. Over the years Robin has acted in various professional capacities including board membership of the national organization SHARE, Pregnancy and Infant Loss; Florida State Representative of the National Perinatal Social Worker Association; member of the Fetal and Infant Mortality Review Board of Palm Beach County as well as the Child Fatality Review Board of Palm Beach County.
Robin has advanced training and or certification in such modalities as EMDR, TIR, DBT, Hypnotherapy, and Clinical Sexology. She has acted in a Clinical Director role in Substance Abuse Treatment facilities and as Program Coordinator for a specialized programming in the Hospice setting. Robin brings a unique background to mental health care in that she also has a degree in Physical Education/Exercise Science and believes the strong connection between mind and body in maintaining optimal health. She maintains a small private practice focused on women’s issues and supervision.
Lucika Beaubrun
Mental Health Professional
Lucika has outpatient and inpatient therapy experience, with expertise in CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and art therapy techniques. Being originally from Haiti, she brings a unique cultural perspective to the practice, blending traditional therapeutic methods with a holistic approach that honors each person's background and experiences.
Lucika creates a collaborative, culturally sensitive environment. She loves empowering students to navigate challenges and achieve lasting change through empathy, active listening, and creative expression. In her free time, Lucika enjoys reading, eating, and traveling. These activities help maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle, allowing her to bring renewed energy and creativity to working with students.
Martha Mateo
Mental Health Professional
Martha is a dedicated therapist passionate about working with individuals for their mental well-being. She draws inspiration from her strong family values, empathy for others, and Christian faith. Her approach to therapy includes compassion, understanding, and inclusivity for diverse backgrounds. Originally from Central America, Martha was raised in Florida's vibrant culture and deeply appreciates diversity and inclusivity.
Martha has the knowledge and skills to provide compassionate and practical support to individuals in need. She enjoys traveling and visiting coffee shops in my free time.
Vanessa Gonzalez
Mental Health Professional
Vanessa became a mental health counselor because she believes everyone deserves to live their most authentic, meaningful, and fulfilled life. She understands that life may throw people challenges that can be unbearable or difficult to overcome. Throughout her career, she has worked alongside individuals who have experienced overwhelming feelings of anxiety, depression, grief, anger management, spiritual identity issues, eating disorders, domestic violence, trauma, and more.
Vanessa's approach is to treat each person through understanding and sensitivity and, most importantly, to create a safe environment. She aims to walk students through the therapeutic process and help them create the life they want. Her hobbies include gardening, reading, playing video games, mindful exercise, playing instruments, and spending time with her loved ones – especially her fur babies.
As a client of the Counseling Center, you have the right to strict confidentiality and no information about your case will be released without your prior written authorization. The right to confidentiality may be waived, in your counselor's professional opinion, if you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Your counselor believes that you pose a serious & immediate danger to yourself or
others; he/she will take protective actions. These actions may include seeking hospitalization
for you, notifying any potential victim(s), and/or notifying the police.
- Your counselor has reason to believe that a child or vulnerable adult is being neglected
or abused. The law requires that the situation be reported to the appropriate state
agency.
- The issue of your mental health is raised in court proceedings. In this case, your
records may be ordered to be released by a judge.
- You are under 18 years of age. In this case, please be aware that the law provides your parents the right to examine your treatment records. Before giving your parents any information we will discuss the matter with you, if possible, and do our best to handle any objections you may have with what we are prepared to discuss.
Note: Parents of minors must provide consent for ongoing treatment.
Students of Concern Confidentiality Exception
Confidentiality may be extended to the Dean of Students or Threat Assessment Committee under circumstances warranting such discussion for the purpose of Threat Assessment or Safety Concerns as described in the Student Handbook.
