Southwest C.A.R.E.S Mental Health Center
NEW!!
Scroll down to meet our SW C.A.R.E.S Therapist and our
2025 ANEW Graduate Student Interns!
Southwest C.A.R.E.S Center Mission Statement
The mission of the SWISD Mental Health Center is to "Empower our SW Community to access life changing mental health services, tools, and support - without fear, stigma or barriers."
-SW C.A.R.E.S Mental Health Team Est. 2023
Services Provided
The SW C.A.R.E.S Center provides a welcoming, confidential and comfortable atmosphere for free mental health services to all SWISD students and the family members they reside with.
Services Offered
- One-on-one Therapeutic/Counseling Sessions
- Family and Couples Counseling
- Screening/Assessment to identify potential mental health needs
- Short Term Therapy
Individualized Treatment Plans Created By Licensed Clinicians & Graduate Interns:
- Reduction for Depression and Anxiety Symptoms
- Grief/ Bereavement/ Loss Processing
- Unresolved Trauma/ Mental, Physical, Sexual Abuse
- Children, Families and Victims of Substance Abuse
- Drug and Alcohol Sobriety
- Self Confidence/ Self Esteem
- Relationship Difficulties/ Changes/ Divorce/ Separation
- Life Adjustments/ Moving/ New Family
- Foster Care Children/ Foster Care Parents
- Navigating Family Household Dynamics
-
Management of Mental Health Disorders
- Support for Family of Loved Ones having a Mental Health Illness
No Insurance Needed
There will be no out-of-pocket expenses for any counseling sessions conducted at the SW CARES Center.
Confidentiality
All mental health services are confidential (as the law allows) and are not part of a student’s academic records or a staff’s employee records.
By Appointment Only. No Walk-ins.
HOW TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
- Parents/Legal Guardians complete Online Request for Confidential Mental Health Services Form to schedule an Intake Appointment.
- Parent/Legal Guardian must be present for 1st Intake Appointment. Intake Appointment may be 1 to 1.5 hours long. Please plan accordingly.
- Clients must be enrolled in SWISD or be an immediate family member living with an SWISD student.
- Individuals 18 or older who have graduated must schedule their own appointments per HIPAA guidelines.
- No Insurance needed/required. No cost to families for services.
DIRECTIONS TO APPOINTMENT
The SW C.A.R.E.S Center is located in portables within the SW Central Office area. There is no direct address. Please follow these directions. At the Valero on Old Pearsall Rd and Edwards Rd drive directly through the SW Arches. Southwest Elementary will be on your right. Drive past 2 stop signs and at the next street make a left. Park closest to the fence beside tan portables/trailers. Go to Portable - Cottage 3 Room 1. Sign in at the Waiting Room for all Scheduled Appointments.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who is the primary point of contact for the SW C.A.R.E.S Center?
The SW C.A.R.E.S Center is co-led by Priscilla Vomero, LPC and Joann "JoJo" Sandoval, LPC. Both are available to provide answers to any questions. Responses are provided within two business days. For inquiries, please use this link: Ask A Question
Who is eligible for services?
The services are offered to enrolled SWISD students and the family members they reside with. SW CARES Center assists children, adolescents, and adults in need of counseling.
Who can make an appointment?
If the patient is under 18 years of age, only the legal guardian or parent can make the appointment. Please note, if a patient is over 18 years of age, we cannot disclose information about that client’s appointments or care to anyone other than that individual.
How do I make an appointment?
Parents/Guardian/Family-Residing in home adult will complete Online Request for Confidential Mental Health Services Form to schedule an intake appointment for themselves or their student.
What if I don’t qualify for services here?
If you do not qualify for our services a clinician will provide you with an appropriate referral or resources to see someone else in the community.
How do I pay for services?
All services are free.
Where are we located?
11914 Dragon Lane, San Antonio, Tx 78252, please see Directions To Appointment in English or Dirección a la Cita en Español
I am a SWISD staff member, I have no children in the SW District. What are the counseling options for me?
The SW District allows staff to apply for EAP (Employee Assistance Program). This is a free, voluntary program that enables staff to see outside counseling providers.
The Employee Assistance Program is a separate program offered by the district and is not a part of the SW CARES Center services. For more information on EAP contact the Benefits Office.
If I am a staff member with a student who attends a SWISD school, can my student and I receive counseling services?
Yes, a staff member that has a student enrolled in a SWISD school can seek services for their student and themselves at the SW CARES Center.
Who is the primary point of contact for the SW C.A.R.E.S Center?
The SW C.A.R.E.S Center is co-led by Priscilla Vomero, LPC and Joann "JoJo" Sandoval, LPC. Both are available to provide answers to any questions. Responses are provided within two business days. For inquiries, please use this link: Ask A Question
Who will be providing services?
Read below and meet the SW C.A.R.E.S Therapist and the ANEW Graduate Student Interns.
I believe education is empowerment, and I’ve had the honor of serving families in SWISD as both a teacher and school counselor. These experiences give me a unique perspective to walk alongside students and families on their mental health journeys.
I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, trauma-informed care, and solution-focused approaches in my work. I see my clients as the experts of their own lives and find joy in helping them uncover moments of gratitude—even during the most difficult times.
Hello! My clients call me Mrs. Jo Jo. I’ve proudly served the Southwest ISD community for over 20 years and am passionate about providing evidence-based mental health care.
I specialize in anxiety, depression, and trauma. I'm a Certified EMDR (EMDRIA-approved) and Certified Sandtray Therapist. I work closely with families to tailor treatment and, when needed, collaborate with doctors and psychiatrists to support medication management.
Marcy Rhodes
I’m a Marriage and Family Therapy graduate student at National University, passionate about helping families, couples, and individuals strengthen relationships. I specialize in working with children and adolescents, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy.
My goal is to help clients build coping skills and tap into their inner strengths to grow and thrive.
*Clinical Lead in District- JoJo Sandoval, LPC
ANEW Graduate Student Intern
Tiffanie Duong
Hello! My name is Tiffanie, and I’m currently a master’s student at Capella University, pursuing a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
My clinical interests include trauma, anxiety, depression, and couples counseling. I enjoy helping clients set meaningful goals and work toward lasting, positive change. Theories that resonate with me include Reality Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Adlerian Theory, and Narrative Therapy, as I appreciate approaches that are both goal-oriented and person-centered. *Clinical Lead in District- Priscilla Vomero, LPC
ANEW Graduate Student Intern
Allison Allen
Hello! My name is Allison Allen, but feel free to call me Ally. I’m currently a student at Capella University, working toward my master’s degree in counseling.
I’m especially interested in the person-centered and cognitive behavioral approaches to therapy. My goal is to support anyone in need of a helping hand and to offer a fresh perspective on the challenges they may be facing.
*Clinical Lead in District- JoJo Sandoval, LPC
ANEW Graduate Student Intern
Geo Reyes
My name is Geo Reyes, a Clinical Counseling graduate student at Wayland Baptist University. I am fluent in English and Spanish and passionate about supporting individuals through life’s challenges. My approach combines solution-focused, cognitive, and goal-oriented therapies. I also incorporate play and art therapy to help children express emotions.
I strive to create a safe, empathetic space where clients feel heard and empowered with tools to heal and grow.
*Clinical Lead in District- Priscilla Vomero, LPC
ANEW Graduate Student Intern
Miranda Perez
Hello, my name is Miranda Perez and I am a OLLU Marriage and Family Therapy graduate student. I have worked in various mental health settings like Clarity Child guidance center and the Our lady of the Lake therapy clinic. A major focus of mine is helping my clients build anxiety management and develop coping skills through self-compassion and self-understanding.
I strongly believe in providing a safe space to my clients to express themselves and have their voice heard. My approach is working with narrative, strengths-based, and solution focused theories to help my clients gain mindfulness towards their issues.
*Clinical Lead in District- Priscilla Vomero, LPC
ANEW Graduate Student Intern
Paige Cook
My name is Paige Cook, and I am a clinical mental health counseling graduate student at the University of Texas San Antonio. I am passionate about working alongside children and helping them heal. I aim to advocate for children so the people around them can see the world through their eyes and experiences.
My goal is to help children gain coping skills and an important understanding of emotions. The most important part of counseling is the therapeutic relationship, so I aim to create safe environments where children and families feel as comfortable as possible.
*Clinical Lead in District- Priscilla Vomero, LPC
