Counseling Services

DSS Counselors offer students with disabilities specialized counseling and guidance to assist with coordinating accommodations, decision-making and educational planning. Counseling is available by appointment or by drop-in. See below for details on how to meet with a DSS counselor on a drop-in or in a scheduled appointment. 

DSS Counseling Drop-Ins

Drop-in counseling is available daily. DSS drop-in times are approximately 15 minutes in length and are best used for brief questions regarding classes or accommodations, or for urgent situations that cannot wait for a scheduled appointment. 

Students can meet with a DSS Counselor on a drop-in over zoom or in person. Drop-in students are seen first come first served.  The drop-in list will close 15 minutes prior to the end of the drop-in period or when the maximum number of students who can be seen has been reached. 

Email Nicole Santamaria or check the DSS Canvas page under Counseling Drop-In Times for the schedule. Please note that these drop-in times can change week to week, so if you plan to meet with a DSS Counselor be sure to check the current week’s drop-in times first.

Summer Appointments with DSS Counselors

Please be aware that in summer DSS has a small number of appointments. Appointments are currently booked out two weeks.

Summer appointments are available only for:

  • Incoming transfer students
  • Returning DVC student who did not attend the Spring 2024 semester
  • College students enrolled in a DVC summer class
  • College students needing the Maximum Time Frame Appeal for Financial Aid and must update their educational plan
  • Students requiring an appointment after attending a Dismissal workshop

How to Schedule a Counseling Appointment

Students may schedule one appointment per term of 1 hour for any reason. DSS Counseling appointments are best utilized for comprehensive education planning, dismissal reinstatement, or Maximum Timeframe appeals. 

  1. Complete the DSS Counseling Request Form. In response you will receive a phone call and/or email from Nichole Santamaria. Please reply to her to schedule a time. Her phone number is (925) 969-2182. All emails will be sent to your Insite email address. Please check that for a reply.
  2. If you must cancel, please call (925) 969-2182 as soon as possible so that time slot can be made available for another student. If you do cancel, be aware that it may take some time before you can be rescheduled.

  3. Please note that appointments for comprehensive education planning, dismissal reinstatement, or maximum time frame appeal must be scheduled for 1-hour and cannot be completed in a drop-in. Dismissal appointments are scheduled at the dismissal workshop. Students on academic/progress alert may meet with a counselor or watch a video on the Academic Standing webpage to have their alert hold lifted.

Available Services

Accommodation Management

DSS Counselors coordinate necessary support services, recommend accommodations, and serve as a resource to help students obtain appropriate services beyond those provided at DVC.

Academic Advising

DSS Counselors are available to assist students with individual academic advising and educational planning.