Welcome to C.A.R.E. Counseling Services
College can be a time of growth, discovery—and sometimes, stress. If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or facing personal challenges, C.A.R.E. (Counseling and Advising Reaching Everyone) is here to support you.
We offer free, short-term personal counseling to all currently enrolled students, helping you navigate obstacles that may impact your well-being or academic success.
Why Choose CARE Counseling?
Expert Guidance: Our counselors are trained professionals with years of experience in helping students navigate the complexities of college life. We understand the unique challenges you face and provide personalized support tailored to your needs.
Services for Students
We offer a wide range of services designed to support your success:
Emotional Support: Manage stress, anxiety, depression, and life transitions such as grief, divorce,
or marriage.
Academic Success: Strengthen study skills, prepare for exams, manage test anxiety, and receive support
for academic probation.
Personal Concerns: Address fears of failure, low motivation, and other challenges affecting your academic
performance.
Career Counseling: Explore majors and career paths through assessments and one-on-one guidance.
Psychoeducation: Learn about mental health, coping strategies, and self-care techniques.
Referral & Resource Navigation: Connect with community resources and professionals for ongoing or specialized support.
Support for Faculty & Staff
We collaborate with faculty and staff to promote student wellness and academic achievement through:
Workshops & Presentations: Covering topics such as stress management, test anxiety, goal setting, study strategies,
suicide prevention, and more.
Consultation Services: Guidance on student concerns, mental health assessments, and appropriate interventions.
Mental Health Support: Assistance with student mental health issues that may affect classroom performance
and engagement.
If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs immediate help:
Call 9-1-1, if the crisis is life threatening.
For a mental health crisis, call, text, or chat 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The 988 Lifeline is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365.
Veterans in crisis, please text 838255 to reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Meet Our Staff
We have four experienced, knowledgeable Counselors to assist with any counseling needs you may have.
I have worked at CBC since 1990. I received my Master's degree in Social Work from
Eastern Washington Univeristy and have studied internationally in Costa Rica, London
and Mexico.
Contact me!
Most of my career has been spent working in colleges and universities - I truly enjoy being part of an environment where growth and learning are happening every day. Before coming to CBC, I earned my Associate of Arts degree at Endicott College in Massachusetts, my Bachelor’s in Psychology at the University of Massachusetts, and my Master’s in Counseling Psychology at Washington State University. I’m passionate about supporting students’ mental health and helping them discover their unique personality, values, and interests—and how these can connect to future career paths. My ultimate goal is to guide students toward finding work that feels both satisfying and rewarding.
Contact me!
Hi, my name is Sylvia Alvarez and I have worked at CBC for many years and have a diverse
career working in hospitals, social services, nonprofits, and government agencies—experiences
that have shaped both my professional path and personal values. At heart, I’m an educator
and advocate dedicated to creating opportunities for others to thrive.
As a professor, I teach a variety of courses and develop programs that support underrepresented
students, including the Career Mentoring Program, the Hawk Career Readiness Program,
and the STEM Academy. My research also informs my work; I’ve published on mentorship
for first-generation students and equity in STEM education, with a focus on culturally
responsive support systems. Throughout my career, I’ve traveled extensively across
the U.S. as a mentor, advocate, educator, and auditor. No matter where I go, my mission
remains the same: to open doors for students, foster belonging, and ensure that everyone
has a pathway to success.
I am a licensed mental health counselor and I started at CBC in 2019 after one year as Assistant Professor of Psychology at Heritage University. I began my career as a community college counselor in 1995, working at community colleges before entering clinical mental health work. Experiencing academic and personal success at a community college was life changing for me and it's my goal to make sure every student I meet at CBC has that same opportunity.
Contact me!
Anthony Owens has been a committed member of the Columbia Basin College (CBC) community for the past six years. He began his career at CBC serving as both a Coach and a Completion Coach before transitioning into his current role as an Instructor of Counseling. In this position, he provides academic, career, and personal counseling, supporting students as they navigate barriers to success and work toward achieving their educational and life goals.
Anthony earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Providence and a Master of Science in Counseling from Arkansas State University. His academic background, combined with his professional experience in athletics and student development, has shaped a holistic counseling philosophy centered on student growth, resilience, and empowerment.
Passionate about helping students reach their full potential, Anthony integrates his experiences in athletics, psychology, and education to foster both academic achievement and personal development. His work emphasizes the importance of building confidence, cultivating self-awareness, and preparing students for lifelong success beyond the classroom.
Resources
Benton Franklin Crisis Response Unit
Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting
Domestic Violence Services (DVS) of Benton and Franklin Counties
Sexual Assault & Family Trauma (SAFeT) Response Center
Support, Advocacy & Resource Center (SARC)
