Trained mental health professionals serving as “Counselors-in-Residence” are available to meet with students close to home in the residence halls. Services offered include:
- One-on-one appointments
- Drop-in consultations
- Group sessions
- Interactions through hall programs
While located in a designated hall, counselors can meet students from any residence hall. There is no cost and no session limit.
Common session topics include homesickness, school stress, depression, anxiety, coping skills, developing healthy habits, family struggles, roommate and relationship problems, trauma, racial injustice, and COVID-19 stress and loss.
Meet the Counselors
All counselors are second-year graduate students in the Marriage and Family Therapy program.
Lesley Garcia
Harper Dining Center, Room 112
Email: couplefamilyclinic@unl.edu
My name is Lesley Garcia, and I am excited to be a Counselor in Residence in the Harper Dining Center for the school year. Reaching out and attending therapy can be intimidating, but I strive to have an inclusive therapy where students culture, customs, and language are privileged and centered in the therapuetic process. As your therapist, I will support and encourage your healing process by creating a safe and vulnerable space, all while having some humor and some occasional colorful language. In this safe and vulnerable space, students will feel heard, seen, and validated.
I graduated from UNL August of 2020 with a major in Psychology. Now, I am currently in my second year of the Marriage and Family Therapy program at UNL, where I have the privilege to work with English and Spanish speaking individuals, couples, and families of all forms.
I graduated from UNL August of 2020 with a major in Psychology. Now, I am currently in my second year of the Marriage and Family Therapy program at UNL, where I have the privilege to work with English and Spanish speaking individuals, couples, and families of all forms.
Payton Horacek
Eastside Suites
Email: couplefamilyclinic@unl.edu
My name is Payton Horacek and I am here to be a grounding form of support to the students of the Eastside Suites as the Counselor in Residence this school year. I graduated from UNL in May of 2018 with a major in Child, Youth, and Family Studies, with minors in Psychology and Ethnic Studies. I am currently working towards my Master’s Degree as a Marriage and Family Therapist here at UNL. It is here that I am learning and developing the skills and knowledge to be the attuned self-aware, slightly goofy therapist before you. In my free time, you can find me outdoors hiking, rollerblading or hanging in a hammock with a book. I have an extreme addiction to traveling and an adorable cat who has my heart. I love a good laugh and welcome a good cry when needed. I am excited to work with students of eastside suits and look forward to supporting you through the year to come!
My primary focus within the world of therapy is to create an environment in which each person I serve can feel comfortable, supported, and understood. I believe each student deserves the opportunity to express their authentic selves to better provide the most empowering and progressive level of care. It is of the upmost importance that I, as a counselor maintain my cultural awareness, cultivate diverse inclusivity, and consistently affirm better health and wellness in all the work that I provide. ALL are welcome!
Jamie Rojas
Abel/Sandoz Welcome Center
Email: couplefamilyclinic@unl.edu
I appreciate the journey it takes to consider reaching out for help. I value all types of effort that we put to show up authentically, even when it doesn’t come out as we’d hope. I try my best to meet others where they are. To do that, I encourage your feedback along the way. I am also passionate about exploring non-dominant social themes and creatively finding ways to integrate them into your life so that it feels supportive and meaningful to you.
When I’m doing my own thing, I like to try new things. I’m into gadgets, creativity, comedy, dancing! And exploring nature. If I would redo life, I would be an astronaut that dances professionally. And my answer would change the next time I was asked this question.
About the Program
Since its launch in 2019, the program has seen increased use with more than 382 individual counseling sessions taking place in spring 2021. In addition to supporting residents, the counselors also provide consultation to resident assistants and residence directors.
Thanks to a generous grant from the Women Investing in Nebraska, the program expanded to three residential complexes in Fall 2020. The program operates in partnership with University Housing, the Marriage and Family Therapy program, Counseling and Psychological Services, and Student Advocacy and Support.