Explore free counseling services this fall

October 10, 2025

The FGCU Community Counseling & Education Center is offering a limited-time opportunity for free counseling services to FGCU faculty, staff and their family members during fall 2025 only.

The center offers services for those facing depression, anxiety, relationship or parenting challenges, life transitions and more.

A cozy room featuring two beige sofas, each decorated with white leaf-patterned pillows. A striped armchair sits in the foreground. A wooden side table beside one sofa holds a box of tissues and a lamp with a white shade. Another lamp with a matching shade sits on an end table between the sofas, accompanied by a box of tissues. A large painting of a waterfall cascading over rocks hangs above one sofa, adding a natural touch. A small wall-mounted clock is visible, and sunlight filters through window blinds, softly illuminating the space.

While the center typically offers low-cost counseling services ranging from $5 to $25 per session, this limited-time, free opportunity gives those who may be curious about counseling a chance to explore the services without the financial burden.

“Problems don’t have to become crises,” said Julieta Wenk, coordinator of Community Counseling & Education Center and instructor II. “Having a safe and confidential space to talk – with a student intern trained to listen – can make a big difference. We believe everybody deserves the opportunity to give counseling a try.”

Counseling services are provided by advanced-level graduate student interns in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. Interns work under the supervision of dedicated licensed professionals and faculty, ensuring they receive the best training possible. This, in turn, allows them to gain invaluable practical experience that will enable them to become successful, independent practitioners in the community.

The first few sessions with counselors are considered assessment sessions. As a training facility, counselors are able to provide a level of care consistent with an outpatient clinic (once-a-week sessions, no crisis or after-hours care). If the counselor or supervisor determines that the center cannot provide the quality of care required, the individual will be provided with appropriate local agencies that can meet their needs.

The center is located on the second floor of the Student and Community Counseling Center. To learn more about the services or to book an appointment, call 239-745- 4777 or visit fgcu.edu/mariebcollege/ counseling/communitycounseling.

In addition, employees always have free access to services through the state’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which includes mental health counseling. The EAP is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 833-746-8337 or online at mylifeexpert.com. Use company code: Florida.