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Triton Lighthouse: Immersive Care Program

"Guiding Tritons to steadier shores"Sunset view with lighthouse in the distance

The Triton Lighthouse: Immersive Care Program is a campus-based, short-term (8-10 weeks), comprehensive support initiative for UC San Diego students navigating mental health challenges. Designed to provide coordinated and compassionate care that nurtures student well-being, the program offers individualized treatment plans that may include skill-based workshops, therapy, case management, community activities, psychiatric support and digital resources. Through campus partnerships, evidence-based practices and trauma-informed care, Triton Lighthouse empowers students with the tools and community they need to move forward with resilience and balance.

Our goal is to provide additional support when life starts feeling harder to manage, help students get back on track before challenges become overwhelming or require more intensive treatment.

Is Triton Lighthouse an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?

Not exactly. While Triton Lighthouse offers more support than weekly therapy, it is not an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) or Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP).

Instead, Triton Lighthouse is an enhanced outpatient program designed for students who could benefit from more structure, connection, and support than traditional weekly therapy alone.

Think of Triton Lighthouse as a bridge between traditional therapy and more intensive services.

About Triton Lighthouse

Getting Started with Triton Lighthouse

Students

Call the CAPS Central Office at 858-249-0030 and ask to schedule a Triton Lighthouse BTA (Brief Telephone Assessment).

Campus Partners and Staff

How to refer a student

Consultation Services for Campus Partners

  • Non-Urgent Consultations: Contact Lucina Miranda, Psy.D., Triton Lighthouse Manager: 858-249-3066
  • Requesting Presentations: Complete an online presentation or program request through our Online Request

What is Triton Lighthouse?

A FREE, campus-based, short-term (8-10 weeks) immersive care program that guides UC San Diego students through challenging times with coordinated, compassionate mental health support.  

What can you expect?

When you join the Triton Lighthouse Program, you’ll work with a therapist to create a plan just for you. Students participate in approximately 4-5 hours of treatment activities per week, including:

Who is Triton Lighthouse for?

Triton Lighthouse may be a good fit for you if you’re currently enrolled at UC San Diego AND one of more of the following sound resonate with you:

  • You’re willing to participate in one weekly skills based workshop
  • You want support, structure, coping skills, and connection with other students who understand what you’re going through
  • Your mental health has begun affecting school, relationships, work, sleep, eating or daily life.
  • You feel like you need more support than traditional therapy alone
  • You’re feeling hopeless or overwhelmed by thoughts or emotions that make life difficult
  • You’re dealing with self-harm that does not require medical attention
  • You have experienced a stressful, traumatic, or difficult life event in the last several months
  • You feel disconnected, isolated, or like you don’t belong
  • You are looking for short term support that helps get you back on track
  • It’s okay if you’re not sure whether this program is right for you—our team can help you determine the appropriate level of care

Who might need different services?

Triton Lighthouse may not be the best fit if:

  • You’re looking for long-term therapy
  • You are looking for an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), or inpatient treatment
  • You’ve been hospitalized for mental health reasons in the past 12 months
  • You need specialized treatment, like treatment programs for substance use or an eating disorder

Workshop Schedule

Students attend one required workshop per week and may choose the workshop that works best with their schedule. Workshops are in-person at the Triton Health and Wellness Building.

2026 – 2027 Workshop Schedule 

Monday
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday (Art Therapy Workshop)
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Thursday
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

About the Team

lucina-miranda.pngLucina Miranda, Psy.D. (she/her/hers)
Triton Lighthouse Manager

Hi Tritons! I'm Lucina Miranda and proud to be part of Triton Lighthouse.

I’m a cisgender, Latinx/Chicana psychologist from the Bay Area, where I spent over 15 years supporting people through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. I understand college can feel overwhelming—balancing academics, relationships, identity and everything in between. My goal is to create a space where you feel seen, heard and genuinely supported.

Before coming to UC San Diego, I worked in a variety of mental health settings, including intensive outpatient programs, crisis stabilization and hospital diversion programs, and gender-affirming care. I approach my work through an intersectional lens—recognizing how race, culture, gender, class, and other identities shape our mental health and lived experiences. I’m committed to showing up with compassion, cultural humility and profound respect for every person’s unique story.

At Triton Lighthouse, our team is here to help guide you toward steadier shores—because you don’t have to navigate this journey alone.

sarah-bromley_1-web.jpgAlisa Stuckert, LPCC 
Triton Lighthouse Clinician

Hello! My name is Alisa Stuckert (she/her/hers). I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and Registered Art Therapist (ATR).

I am so excited to be a Triton Lighthouse Clinician. It takes trust and vulnerability to address difficult life experiences, and as a first-generation college student myself, I am honored to be part of a program that can assist students on their journey to healing.

Prior to joining Triton Lighthouse Program, I've worked in many different clinical environments such as mobile crisis work, community mental health individual/group work, residential facilities and hospitals, schools, etc. in different areas of the country.

My work with students is always person-centered and through an intersectional, trauma-informed lens. I believe that cultural humility is vital and, of course, a little humor.

Ellen-Heyneman_web.jpgJessica Castaneda, LCSW
Triton Lighthouse Clinician

Hello UC San Diego! My name is Jessica Castaneda (she/her), and I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist proudly raised in Southern California. I’m honored to be part of the UCSD community and to serve as a resource on campus, supporting students as they navigate this exciting and transformative chapter of their lives.

My clinical work is rooted in a deep passion for helping youth and young adults explore and embrace their authentic selves. I strive to create a safe, affirming space where students can reflect, grow, and build a strong foundation for self-empowerment and personal development. My therapeutic approach is centered on providing compassionate support and guidance, fostering a reparative experience that encourages healing and growth.

My journey into this profession was shaped by my own complex upbringing and a desire to be the kind of support I once needed. This path has led me to work with individuals, families and communities facing a wide range of challenges, helping them develop the tools to thrive.
I believe that difficult moments are a natural part of life—and that it’s okay to not have all the answers. What's important is having a space to process, reflect and take meaningful steps forward. I’m here to offer that space and to walk alongside students as they balance the transition into adulthood and pursue their academic and personal goals.

I look forward to supporting the UCSD community and helping students cultivate a full, balanced and enriching college experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to attend the workshops?

Yes. The workshops are a core part of the Triton Lighthouse Program. Students tell us that the workshops help them feel less alone, give them practical strategies for managing emotions, and improve their mental health.

  • The workshops are confidential—everything shared in the group stays in the group.
  • They are designed as learning spaces—you won’t be expected to share personal information.

We know it can feel intimidating at first, but we encourage you to give them a try. Students are surprised at how helpful and supportive these spaces can be.

I’m not sure if I’m struggling “enough.” Can I still call?

Absolutely! Many students join Triton Lighthouse because they feel overwhelmed, disconnected, burnt out, stressed, or worried that things are getting harder to manage. You do not need to be in crisis to participate.

A Triton Lighthouse Brief Telephone Assessment (BTA) can help determine whether Triton Lighthouse or another service would be the best fit for your needs.

What happens if I am not eligible for Triton Lighthouse?

After the Triton Lighthouse BTA or after speaking with your CAPS or CMHP provider, you will be referred to appropriate care and given the necessary referrals.