CSUSB Welcomes CAPS Director Dr. Jennifer Moulton
Dr. Jennifer Moulton is the Director of Counseling and Psychological Services. She joined the Coyote family in April 2023 and brings with her a wealth of higher education experience, having previously worked at the University of Wisconsin-Madison for the last 10 years and trained at DePaul University.
At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dr. Moulton held a variety of roles, including psychologist, group therapy coordinator, assistant director for a training, and a member of the mental health leadership team. She focused a lot of her energy on BIOPOC [Black, Indigenous, People of Color] students and the different identities that people held, such as LGBTQ, transgender, diverse, first-generation, and international students.
While training at DePaul University, she discovered her passion for working in higher education. It was there she realized the complexities of student mental health needs.
Prior to working in higher education, Dr. Moulton worked in community mental health settings, providing care to individuals from marginalized communities and communities that are often overlooked.
As a therapist, she enjoyed identity development and how people become who they are, what are the experiences that shaped them, and what are the different identities that they hold that influence how they view the world and move forward. She also focused on what barriers people experience and the strengths they gain from them.
Dr. Moulton has been able to help students navigate these experiences and has found the work rewarding.
“College is such a prime time in people’s lives when they’re figuring all of that stuff out,” said Dr. Moulton.
As Director of Counseling and Psychological Services, Dr. Mouton provides oversight of CAPS and ensures the department provides students a wide range of services.
“I see a director role as having the possibility of being able to think creatively with the resources that we have to better meet students’ needs in a range of ways, and how do we then potentially have an impact on the campus culture and climate in regards to mental health," said Dr. Moulton.
She also sees her role as an opportunity to build awareness and provide resources to people on campus about how to respond when someone is struggling or having a moment of vulnerability.
"If people are receiving more support where they're at, then they're more likely to stay well and be well," said Dr. Moulton. “What I love about my job is helping, and I get to do that in a variety of ways, and that's exciting."
To access information about Counseling and Psychological Services, click here.