Counseling

The Counseling Department is committed to ensuring a safe and supportive environment and valuing individual lived experiences. Counselors are essential in providing student-centered counseling services and ensuring equitable access and empowerment to a diverse community of learners.

Counseling now has appointments In-Person and Online (chat with a live SBVC Counselor, synchronous via Cranium Cafe). If there are no appointments available, you may meet with a counselor via the virtual lobby. See specialized program’s webpage for details on how to meet with a counselor.

How to Speak with a Counselor

SBVC counselors can assist you in making informed decisions about your academic, career and life goals. Meet with a counselor to develop an educational plan to reach these goals.

• Schedule an online appointment (ONLINE CRANIUM CAFE) via Cranium Café, a web-based counseling platform. A computer or laptop are preferred when using Cranium Café. 
• Schedule an in-person appointment (INPerson). In-person meetings require a scheduled appointment, no walk-in services will be available. We ask students to refrain from bringing anyone to appointments, unless required for assistance. Masks are required.
• No appointments available? Drop-in online to meet with a counselor same day.
  
  

We will be transitioning to a new appointment system. If you have booked an online appointment and are unable to join the meeting through your appointment link, please enter the drop-in lobby and the counselor will be with you shortly.

Note: We make the utmost effort to see students in a timely manner. However, registration periods tend to be the busiest times to meet with a counselor.  Thus, students may experience at times a longer waiting period.  Please be patient with us as we work to expedite the services needed. We thank you in advance for your understanding and support.   

Student Frequently Asked Questions 

• Why are there no counseling appointments available?

  Appointments are booked 2 days in advance. If no appointments are available, please check back the next day. 
  

• I've booked an online appointment. What's next? 

  Follow these steps to attend your meeting:

  • Check your student email for appointment confirmation, meeting link, and online counseling guidelines. 
    
  • Online appointments work best with a laptop or computer. 
  • Your meeting link will be activated 5 minutes before the appointment start time. Clicking the meeting link will check you in for the appointment. Please do not leave the lobby or close your session once you have checked-in. 
  • Appointments will be canceled after 10 minutes if you do not check-in.
  • If you are having trouble with your meeting link, please enter the virtual drop-in lobby for assistance.  
  • Have your student ID number and questions ready. 
• I've booked an in-person appointment. What's next?

  Follow these steps to attend your meeting:

  • Check your student email for appointment confirmation, meeting link, and online counseling guidelines. 
  • You will need your SBVC student ID number to check in through the Kiosk at the front desk.
  • Once you have checked in, please have a seat in the waiting area and the counselor will get you.
  •  We ask you to refrain from bringing anyone to this appointment, unless required for assistance.
  • Masks required and must be covering your nose and mouth.
  • NOTE: If you are not feeling well the day of your appointment and would like to convert your in-person appointment to an online appointment, please cancel through the online appointment system.
    
• What can I expect from a virtual drop-in session? 
  Virtual drop-in sessions are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited to 5 - 15 minutes. These sessions are reserved for general questions, and work best on a laptop or computer. Although we try to see students within 5 minutes, busy times may result in longer wait times. While you are waiting in the lobby, please review posted information and have your student ID number ready.  Counselors may recommend a follow up appointment if more time is needed. 
  

   

• The drop-in lobby is locked. What does that mean? 
  A locked lobby means we are not available or busy assisting other students. Please check back at a later time. 

   

• Why doesn't Cranium Café work for me?
  Be sure to check that your audio/webcam are compatible with Cranium Cafe. Also, review our guidelines to help you prepare for your appointment.  
  

   

•  How do I register for classes? 

   
  

  For registration assistance, watch the WebAdvisor Tutorital. If you need further assistance, please visit the Welcome Center. 

•  How do I add a class using an add code?
  Click here for add code registration assistance. 
• Where can I find my educational plan? 
  Once you meet with a counselor to create a plan, it can be found on Starfish.  
•  Additional questions
   

  Check our additional resources: 

  English FAQs 

  Spanish FAQS