Counseling and Psychological Services
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Services

Embedded CAPS Clinicians

Benefits to Students

  • Embedded Counselors have familiarity with the culture of a college or area.
  • Students have the ability to connect and consult directly.
  • Embedded therapists are advocates for the students in their area.
  • Embedded therapists have awareness of how current events affect students in their embedded site.
  • Proximity and availability fitting with student schedules.
  • Builds trust and reduces stigma among students enhancing a Culture of Care.

Benefits to Campus Partners

  • Embedded therapists are a visible presence and a direct liaison for consultation with faculty and staff.
  • Increases access, decreases stigma, and affirms a commitment to mental health and well-being.
  • Embedded therapists provide feedback to campus partners based on emerging needs of students.
  • Embedded therapists reinforce mental health literacy within the embedded site and offer education around prevention and accessing mental health resources.
  • Embedded therapists lend their expertise to teams they are a part of within their embedded site.

Support from Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

  • The embedded therapist has direct access to internal services at CAPS (e.g. Care Management, Group Therapy, Skills Workshops).
  • Direct consultation with CAPS central staff
  • The embedded therapist has access to a network of community referral options to connect students with the appropriate level of treatment to meet their needs.
  • In the event an embedded therapist is unavailable, CAPS central staff will continue to be available to all students.
  • Full access to centrally funded scheduling and documentation systems.
  • Ongoing mentorship and professional development opportunities from a large experienced staff.

Our Locations

Embedded Clinician: Chiconia Anderson, LMFT
Location: Academic Advising Center in the Fleming Building
Access Visit Hours: 
  • Mondays: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Wednesdays: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Access Visits (AVs) are available for students who would like to speak with the embedded clinician and explore counseling options. These visits provide an opportunity to discuss concerns, learn about available CAPS services, and determine the best next steps for support.
Students are welcome to drop in during these hours at the Academic Advising Center in the Fleming Building to meet with the embedded clinician. Appointments for ongoing counseling can also be scheduled through CAPS.

Embedded Clinician: Mynika Collins, MS, LPC 
Location: Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine
Access Visit Hours: Wednesdays: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM drop in

Mynika has served as the Embedded Clinician at the College of Medicine for the past three years, specializing in the unique psychological needs of medical students. Recognizing the intensity of medical education, she provides tailored, holistic support integrated directly into the academic setting to ensure care is both accessible and responsive.
Mynika utilizes a person-centered approach to support medical students, fostering a collaborative and culturally inclusive environment. She bridges the gap between professional training and mental health, empowering the next generation of physicians to prioritize their well-being throughout medical school.
Contact Mynika via email at mcollin5@central.uh.edu or during drop-in hours every Wednesday from 2–5 p.m., virtually or in person.

Embedded Clinician: Kia Batiste, MSSW, LCSW

Location: Melcher Hall, Room 305
Access Visit Hours: Mondays: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM drop in

Students can connect with Kia in a way that is flexible and convenient:
You may meet with Kia for an Access Visit (an initial meeting to explore your needs and available support) or a Consultation (a brief, confidential check-in for guidance without committing to ongoing services).

No appointment needed. First come, first served.
Email: If you’re unable to attend drop-in hours, you can reach out via email to schedule a time to meet.

Faculty & Staff Consultations

Faculty and staff play an important role in supporting student well-being. Kia is available to consult on how best to support students navigating personal or mental health concerns.
General Consultations: Contact Kia via email. For urgent Concerns: Call Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at 713-743-5454

Coordinator: Arbaz Ali, M.Ed., LPC. 
Location: Albert and Mamie George (AMG) Building, DSA Suite 119
Access Visit Hours: drop in during these hours

  • Mondays: 10am - 4pm 
  • Wednesdays: 10am - 4pm 
  • Fridays -call to schedule

Arbaz Ali, LPC, serves as the Sugar Land coordinator for the University of Houston. He provides individual counseling services to students, bimonthly workshops, and is available for consultation with students, staff, and faculty. 

Embedded Clinician:  Marissa Solari, LPC
Location: Engineering 2 on the 3rd floor,  office E313A
Access Visit Hours: drop in during these hours

  • Mondays 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
  • Thursday 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
When students arrive for an Access Visit, they are connected via phone to CAPS front office in which they receive initial treatment paperwork to initiate services. Students are provided with a tablet should they need access to completing paperwork. Ongoing appointments are on a bi-weekly basis via scheduling directly with Mrs. Solari or by contacting CAPS.