Southwest C.A.R.E.S Mental Health Center
2025 Mexican American School Boards Association (MASBA) Award for Outstanding Mental Health Initiative.
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.
Click Here for Frequently Asked Questions
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
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
TAMUSA Graduate Student Intern
Alison Crumb
Hi! My name is Alison, but you may call me Ali. I am currently a Masters student, studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Texas A&M - San Antonio. I have a strong passion for helping others heal and find peace through the challenges they have faced or are currently experiencing.
My goal is to cultivate a safe and supportive environment that encourages authenticity, growth, and healing. My therapeutic approach integrates Person-Centered and Relational-Cultural principles, emphasizing empathy, connection, and empowerment as pathways toward healing and self-discovery.
*Clinical Lead in District- Priscilla Vomero, LPC & Joann "Jojo" Sandoval, LPC
