Group Counseling
One out of every three United States citizens are currently living without health insurance. That is over 87 million people. With the price of our material rising, and the numbers in our bank account decreasing; where can an American catch a break? The Center for Group Counseling. This organization is dedicated to providing emotional well-being though a variety of free and cost programs.
In 1973, Dr. Elizabeth H. Faulk (the first women to earn a PH.D in Psychology from the University of Florida), established the Center for Group Counseling, “to provide free psychological and mental health consultation services to the needy.” The Center, which is located in Boca Raton, Florida, provides free support groups (i.e. bereavement, caregivers to life threatening diseases, divorced or separated, men’s issues, women’s issues, and senior issues),
clinical programs, affordable initial evaluations, adult groups, couples group, parent-child groups, parent-teen groups, on-site school therapy, and a Head Start program for the training of pre-doctoral interns.
Each support group is led by graduate students pursuing master’s degrees or doctoral degrees in psychology, social work or mental health counseling. Although these are not “therapy” based groups, they maintain a client-centered perspective within a non-judgmental atmosphere. The clinical program is also run by graduate students, how ever they will be under the supervision of psychologists.
The initial evaluation ($40 or $20 pre-pay), are necessary for entry into several of the programs. The evaluation will determine an individual’s current issue, and whether or not the Center can provide the correct help. If the Center believes that another location will better suite the solution, they will aid you with a referral. The adult, couples, parent-child, parent-teen groups, all follow the client-centered atmosphere with no specific theme. Since each individual’s issues are based in different aspects, the meetings will take the form of the client’s desires. An individual can also request one-on-one therapy sessions. Through the cost of $35/session, an individual will undergo several different psychological tests, and client-centered therapy in order to establish a solution.
The Center also provides on-site counseling within the elementary, middle, and high schools of the Palm County area. This practice enables the parents, teachers, and student to establish a firm grasp of the issue at hand. Along with aiding younger students, the Center established the Head Start Program, which provides pre-doctoral interns with mental health consulting, screening of all students, training workshops, and play therapy groups with preschool children identified as needing special help in adjusting to the school setting.
In order to spread the awareness of mental health, the Center, offers a public meeting on the first Wednesday of every month. This series of presentations is an opportunity for members of the community to learn about mental health issues and topics. It also gives guests an opportunity to stay for lunch ($5 donation), meet the Center’s volunteers, and learn about the Center. If you are interested in the monthly meetings, providing a donation, or mental health information; go to, http://groupcounseling.org/.