FGCU opens new mental health counseling center on Friday

Reporter: Nicole Gabe
Published: Updated:
FGCU Student and Community Counseling Center (WINK News)

Access to mental healthcare is changing here in Southwest Florida, starting with a brand new Student and Community Counseling Center at Florida Gulf Coast University that opens at 10 a.m. on Friday.

According to Mental Health America, last year Florida ranked 44th for access to mental health care.

Lack of services was a big reason why this center was created.

It’s an affordable option for people in our community who need counseling.

The center will be open 3 days a week but what makes this center unique is that they don’t take insurance, instead it will cost you $25 an hour, or whatever you make per hour at work, whichever is less.

A number of different services will be offered at the counseling center.

Alise Bartley, the director of community counseling center, says this center is meant for everyone in SWFL, including Lee County students.

“We are going to provide services to children, teenagers, adults, families and couples. We’ll be addressing issues of depression, anxiety, maybe their family working well together or if they’re having some relationship issues, we’ll be here to help them,” said Bartley.

The community counseling center will be operated by graduate student interns, and something important to note is that counseling services will also be available in Spanish.

For more information you can visit the community counseling center website here.

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