Navigating challenging times can be overwhelming. Whether you’re facing personal transitions, organizational shifts, or societal challenges, prioritizing your mental health and well-being is more important than ever.
The Office of Behavioral Health is committed to fostering a culture of care at USC. As part of this mission, we provide timely, responsive programs to support the university during critical periods. In light of the challenges our community faces on the path to fiscal sustainability, we are offering a holistic program to promote employees’ mental health and well-being.
We recognize that these are challenging times for many across our community and invite all faculty and staff to participate in the programs and services offered to you.
Individual Counseling
The WorkWell Center provides responsive, no-cost, confidential, brief counseling and referral for impacted employees. WorkWell helps employees navigate their health plan benefits for long-term therapy. For employees who receive notice, we continue services for 30 days post-separation.
Leadership Consulting
We recognize that leaders are making challenging decisions that affect the lives of people they work with and care about. We provide strategic consulting and executive coaching for leaders – all in a confidential setting. We consult for customized support to create and plan proactive well-being strategies for teams, such as departmental level wellness talks.
Weekly Dialogue Groups
We continue to offer our weekly live dialogue groups every Tuesday, designed to build community and provide a safe space to share coping strategies, resources, networking, and support – however you have been impacted.
In addition, WorkWell is now offering groups to support Managers and HR partners.
All three of our groups allow faculty and staff to connect, reduce feelings of isolation, and explore effective ways to manage stress and adversity together.
This is a collaboration with partners including: WorkWell counselors, Student Health, Department of Psychiatry, and others.
Monthly Webinar Series
Navigating Challenging Times webinar series supports USC faculty and staff to navigate through periods of uncertainty with greater confidence. The series provides practical strategies and insights for managing stress and fostering resilience as well as ways to prioritize self-care practices, develop healthy coping strategies and create sustainable routines. Join us to reflect, reconnect, and restore.
The webinars kicks off monthly on the third Wednesday of each month at 12pm, beginning August 20, 2025 through December 17, 2025.
Webinar Topics
Season of Gratitude: Sustaining Well-being
Wednesday, Dec. 17, 12 – 1 p.m.
In this interactive wrap-up session, we’ll reflect on the insights and strategies shared throughout the series. Participants will be invited to participate in experiential learning activities such mindfulness meditation, yoga and breath work, and intention setting. Learn and share self-care practices you plan to carry forward into the new year. Come ready to connect, contribute, and leave inspired by your colleagues.
Presenters
Cindy Ryan Ph.D., LMFT, CEAP, CPC
Associate Director, Clinical Services , USC WorkWell Center
Julie Chobdee, MPH
Associate Director, Health & Well-being Program, USC WorkWell Center
Allyson Pimentel, EdD
Director, Mindful USC
Office of Religious and Spiritual Life (ORSL)
Eden Goldman
Director, YogaUSC
Lara Hilton, PhD, MPH, CEAP
Director, USC WorkWell Center
Previous Webinars
Social Connection and Belonging: The Importance of Community
Wednesday, Nov. 19, 12 – 1 p.m.
Connection is essential to mental health and well-being. This session focuses on the importance of community, belonging and social support. Learn how to nurture relationships that uplift you and discover ways to build meaningful connections and community, especially in times of change.
Presenters
Vanessa Gomez Brake, Ed.D, M.Div
Senior Associate Dean, Office of Religious & Spiritual Life
Jessica Ayala, LCSW, CEAP
Employee Assistance Professional, USC WorkWell Center
Elaine Padilla
Senior Employee Development Specialist, UHR, Learning and Organizational Development
Coping with Trauma, Loss, and Grief
Wednesday, Oct. 15, 12 – 1 p.m.
Life’s challenges can leave lasting emotional impacts. This session will address the complex experiences of trauma, loss, and grief—and offer pathways to healing and moving forward. Explore strategies for processing difficult emotions and learn how to care for yourself and others with empathy during hard times.
Presenters
Kristian Dijamco, BSN, MSW, MS-DRL
Emotional Support and Wellness Counselor, Care for the Caregiver
Tom Badzey, LMFT, CEAP, ACC
Employee Assistance Professional, USC WorkWell Center
Danielle Brown LCSW, BC-DMT
Coordinator, Trauma Recovery Center, USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work
Mental Health and Well-being: Support and Resources for Thriving
Wednesday, Sept. 17, 12 – 1 p.m.
Mental health is a vital part of overall well-being and important during times of change and uncertainty. This session provides an overview of the mental health & well-being resources available to USC faculty and staff. Discover a range of support services, programs, and practical tools to help you thrive personally and professionally.
Presenters
Cindy Ryan Ph.D., LMFT, CEAP, CPC
Associate Director, Clinical Services, USC WorkWell Center
Ebony Watson, LCSW, CEAP
Employee Assistance Professional, USC WorkWell Center
Julie Chobdee, MPH
Associate Director, Health & Well-being Program, USC WorkWell Center
Alice Chen, MBA, MHA
Assistant Vice President, USC Health Plans
Jennifer Barroll, MPH, CHES
Senior Workforce Health Consultant, Workforce Health Consulting, Kaiser Permanente
Scott Waite
Senior Customer Success Manager, Lyra Health
Dara Marino, MSW
Program Director, Care for the Caregiver
Navigating Change and Transition with Self-Care
Wednesday, Aug. 20, 12 – 1 p.m.
Change is inevitable—how we navigate it makes all the difference. This kick off session will explore strategies for managing change with resilience and purpose. Strategies for taking care of yourself and prioritizing your mental health and well-being will be shared along with an opportunity to develop your own personalized self-care plan. This session will include opening remarks from Dr. Steve Siegel, Vice President, Office of Behavior Health.
Opening Remarks
Steve Siegel, MD, PhD
Chair and Professor, Department of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences, Keck School of Medicine
Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering
Chief Mental Health and Wellness Officer, Keck Medicine of USC
Vice President, University of Southern California
Lara Hilton, PhD, MPH, CEAP
Director, USC WorkWell Center
Presenters
Julie Chobdee, MPH
Associate Director, Health & Well-being Program, USC WorkWell Center
Cindy Ryan Ph.D., LMFT, CEAP, CPC
Associate Director, Clinical Services , USC WorkWell Center