Our Services

We provide individual counseling, family counseling, couples counseling, group counseling, and to children and guardians who are participants of the USC Educational Partnerships programs. We also offer online Telehealth sessions via HIPAA compliant USC Zoom. 

Who Can Receive These Services

Anyone who is a participant of a USC Educational Partnership program may receive free counseling including:​

  • Adults​
  • School-age children​
  • Transition-age youth​
  • Foster youth​
  • Unhoused​
  • Any graduate of an E.P. program ​
  • *E.P. programs include: USC Family of Schools, USC NAI, USC Kidwatch and USC Kinder2College​

Our Team

Ericka Paez, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Clinical Director

Marcy Higareda, Master in Social Work 

Tao-Lin Pai, Licensed Marriage Family Therapist 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can students and families/guardians receive services?

A referral may be submitted via email at epmh@usc.edu to the Mental Health staff by you, a staff member, a teacher, or by a student’s parent/guardian, or by the student.

How do I make an appointment?

On our home page please click on the “Contact us Form”. Our email is epmh@usc.edu  

How do I know if I qualify for free services.

In order to qualify for free services the person referred must be a participant of one of USC Educational Partnerships programs.  (USC Kinder 2 College, USC McMorrow Neighborhood Academic Initiative, USC Community Computing Center, USC Family of Schools). When in doubt, email us to consult!

How long does counseling take “to work”?

Counseling sessions take place one time a week for 50 minutes and usually range from 12-48 weeks.  Counseling is a lifestyle adjustment and can take time, the benefits almost always outweigh the wait!

Are you an emergency service?

No, we are not an emergency service.  If you have an emergency or an urgent need please call 911 or 988 (suicide hotline)  or go to the nearest emergency room.  Please note if you email or call/text after hours we may not be able to respond to your request.  

What are your hours of operation?

Our regular business hours are Monday-Friday.  During the Academic Year (September – April we have Saturdays available based on scheduling.  During the summer we are only open Monday- Friday. 

Facts

  • Over 1000 individuals and families have been supported and served by the Mental Health Clinic 
  • We have developed trust among the community and have an ongoing caseload of over 85 individuals. 

Wellness Conference/Fair

  • We have held three annual Wellness Conferences/Fairs with over 150 participants engaging in over 30 different workshops/activities!

To schedule a appointment 

Click Here Contact Us

*please note someone will reach out within 2-3 business days. If this is an emergency call 911

The USC EP MHC is comprised of a multi-disciplinary team of a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Marriage Family Therapist, MSW’s, MSW Interns, and MFT Interns 
epmh@usc.edu 

661 West Jefferson Boulevard

Los Angeles, CA 90007