International Student Services

“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” Nelson Mandela

Hi, I'm Denise, your International Student Services (ISS)/Global Center Life Management Counselor.

I'm a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) for the state of Arizona. I provide consultation and individual and group therapy to international students seeking emotional support during their tenure at UArizona. I also strive to build community with staff and faculty to help them better support students and understand what services are available. I have 13+ years of focus on sexual and racial trauma, addiction, harm reduction, eating concerns, and mood disorders and provide LGBTQIA+ Affirming Care and Culturally Affirming and Sustaining Practices.

My services are: 

  • Confidential.
  • Paid for by the university, which means they're free to students. 
  • Usually available for same or next week appointments.
  • Available in person and online.

Contact Me

To contact me, please complete my contact form below.

*This form is not monitored 24-7 and should not be used for mental health crises. If this is a mental health emergency, please contact the Pima County Crisis line at 520-622-6000, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency department. If you are a student or are concerned about a student, you can also call CAPS 24/7 at 520-621-3334. After-hours crisis callers may speak with a Crisis and Access Specialist by pressing 1 when prompted by the automated message. 

International Student Mental Health Matters

International students face many of the same mental challenges as domestic students. Anxiety, depression, academic stressors, and homesickness are common for any student. However, international students also face unique stressors. Culture shock, isolation, discrimination, homesickness, language-related concerns, financial stress, cultural misunderstandings, dietary restrictions, and lack of support from American peers can all put international students at a greater risk for academic difficulties in comparison to domestic students. (Source: Vistas Online)

Services & Events

  • Consultations for students, staff, and faculty
  • Psychological/risk assessment
  • Individual therapy
  • Couples counseling
  • Group therapy
  • Education and prevention workshops
  • Assistance with on-off campus resources

How to Get Started

What to Expect

I collaborate with students to determine the most appropriate services and counseling interventions.