Mental Health and Wellness Services

Colby is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 17 years of experience working in an array of Community Mental Health settings throughout the Sacramento area. Supporting students in managing symptoms of anxiety, depression, past traumas, and adjusting to ever-changing situations are her current areas of focus. She has been with Los Rios for five years and provides in-person sessions on the CRC campus on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and virtual sessions to students across the district. Colby utilizes short-term solution-focused interventions to work towards emotional and mental stability through goals identified by the student. Colby’s experience and skills gained over the years greatly support the diverse populations within our Los Rios community, and on our campuses. Colby identifies as an ally to the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. 

Mychi and family, along with 178 other people, escaped Vietnam in a cargo boat in March 1987. As a teenager, she lived in Malaysia and Philippines refugee camp for over a year. Since their arrival in America in 1988, Mychi's parents reminded their five children that it is important to work hard, and get a college education to have a better life than theirs.

Mychi is the first person in her family to attend college, specifically American River College (of the Los Rios Community College District) in the early 90's. She utilized supports and campus resources, such as the Learning Resource Center and the Counseling Center, and completed her general education. Mychi then transferred to California State University of Sacramento, completed her bachelor's degree in psychology, earned a master's degree in social work, and became a licensed clinical social worker.

Mychi has extensive experience in providing mental health services to children, adults, and families from a culturally diverse population and communities with low level of care to high needs. Mychi strongly believes mental health is 100% important as physical health, and she is very passionate about providing a safe space for individuals to voice their struggles, gain insight, learn skills to balance emotions, improve relationships, manage stress, process trauma, grief, and loss to reduce psychological suffering. Mychi considers herself as an integrated mental health therapist and uses different evidence-based practices, such as Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Mychi is currently serve students at the ARC campus, and she attempts to customize her clinical skills to meet each student's needs and support them to move forward with their academic goals.

My name is Natalie Studzinski. I have a masters in science in clinical psychology and I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist. I have been working in the field of mental health for over 10 years. My approach is eclectic and holistic, drawing from various styles best suited for each individual. My passion is to support individuals that are struggling by normalizing their experiences and teaching ways to accept their current selves, by identifying their values and goals, uncovering their potential and finding happiness.

Hello, my name is Kofi Adjepong, and I am a currently a third-year doctoral student. I operate with the mindset, "where we start is not where we need to finish." Our life experiences are our superpowers, and I am here to help people identify their strengths. I am passionate about increasing mental health awareness and destigmatizing the idea of therapy. Whether you are struggling with stress, depression, relationship difficulties, etc., or just want a space to vent, allow therapy to be that space. I am committed to helping others and creating unique relationships with each client. I have a particular interest in working with underserved and under supported communities. I have a history of playing sports and advocating for others, and am looking forward to gaining new experiences here at Los Rios.

Hello, my name is Matthew Chan, and I am a third year doctoral student at California Northstate University and your new Mental Health Intern here at American River College! I was born and raised in Southern California and studied Psychology at the University of California, Riverside. I have always been passionate about raising awareness for mental health and ending the stigma behind it. I love learning about the unknown and gaining new perspectives of the world as well as the stories behind the person I am helping. My door will always be an open and accepting place for all from all walks of life.

Patrick obtained his undergraduate degree in social work at California State University in Sacramento. Areas of support include individuals with disabilities, the LGBTQ+ community, and those who are struggling to meet their basic needs. Patrick is passionate about understanding students’ life experiences and supporting them in overcoming challenges towards success. Patrick currently attends graduate school at Walden University as well as Sacramento City College to finish his sociology degree. He aspires to continue to work with college students towards graduation goals. In his spare time, Patrick enjoys both tabletop and computer gaming, as well as going to the movies.

Sarah LaCasse is currently in the master’s program for Counseling Psychology at University of the Pacific. She originally embarked on her academic journey at a fellow Los Rios college, American River, where she obtained three associate degrees in Psychology, Sociology, and Individual and Society. After realizing her passion lies in the mental health field, Sarah transferred to California State University, Sacramento and earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. After completing her master’s program, she plans to become a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and continue to work in a community-based setting. Working within the Los Rios community, Sarah hopes to expand her knowledge about various therapeutic techniques while providing the necessary tools to promote and support students’ relationships with themselves and others.

Hello, my name is Marlen Mendez Garcia, and I am currently a third-year doctoral student at California Northstate University. As we move through different stages of life, I know that we can encounter obstacles that can prevent us from being the best version of ourselves. My goal is to be able to work with you to provide a safe and non-judgmental space where you can be free to express yourself, all while assisting you in developing tools to cope with those unexpected challenges. I have a passion for working with individuals on issues such as life transitions, grief and bereavement. I am also passionate about working with those who are struggling with cultural issues especially in the Latinx/e community and can provide services in English and Spanish. In my free time I enjoy listening to various genres of music, watching dramas/anime, traveling, and spending time with family. Please know that we are all human and it is okay to ask for help or just to talk out our thoughts. I look forward to meeting you and getting to know you!

Hello! My name is Yama Sultani and I am a Mental Health Intern at Folsom Lake College. Currently, I am in my third year as a doctoral clinical psychology student at California Northstate University. I grew up in Elk Grove, CA and relocated to Folsom a few years ago. A couple of fun facts about me, I have a three-year-old Shih Tzu named Aryo, and I am an avid Sacramento Kings Fan.

My name is Demond Washington, I am a current 3rd year PsyD student. I am passionate about the field of psychology and committed to becoming a well-rounded and knowledgeable mental health professional. With my strong background in social sciences and interest in helping others, I am eager to gain the skills and experience needed to succeed in the field. In my current studies, I am focusing on learning about a wide range of mental health issues and treatment approaches, with a particular career interest in working with underserved communities and athletes. I am also dedicated to staying current on the latest research and developments in the field and am always looking for opportunities to learn and grow.

Sandra is an Egyptian American doctoral student. She was born and raised in Portsaid, Egypt and moved to New Jersey, USA in 2013 with her family. Sandra moved to California in 2021 to pursue her master's and doctoral degree in clinical psychology at California Northstate University. She is fluent in both Arabic and English with moderate Turkish and able to provide services in these languages. Sandra believes that mental health is extremely important, not only can it affect our day-to-day lives, but it can also have an impact on our physical health. She hopes to be able to provide support and care to students and allow them to express themselves and grow.