When Niesha Radovanic needed to gain practical experience in clinical mental health counseling, she was able to do so without leaving the Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) campus. The university’s Community Counseling & Education Center provides graduate students with supervised clinical training while also offering affordable counseling services to the local community.
“It’s a great place to really learn and grow as an intern,” said Radovanic, who completed both her undergraduate and master’s degrees at FGCU. She now works as a residential treatment therapist and noted that potential employers have been impressed by her hands-on training at the center. “I remember having this moment as an intern where I felt, ‘Yeah, this is possible. I know what I’m talking about. I will be a clinician one day,’” Radovanic said.
The center, which began operating in 2019, offers services for individuals, couples, families, and groups. Intern counselors address issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, relationships, life transitions, and school performance. Fees are determined on a sliding scale based on clients’ hourly wages, ranging from $5 to $25 per session.
Because the center serves as the primary clinical site for master’s students completing practicum and internships—and due to growth in FGCU’s clinical mental health counseling program—it is currently accepting new clients and can often schedule appointments within days of initial contact.
Faculty members who supervise interns are licensed counselors in Florida with years of professional experience. “This approach ensures that our students receive thoughtful, ethical and developmentally appropriate guidance throughout their clinical training and are well-prepared to meet the needs of the communities they serve,” said Julieta Wenk. Wenk is both an alumna of FGCU’s program and now serves as an instructor and coordinator at the center.
As enrollment in the program increases—up 30% since 2020—the department has expanded partnerships with local organizations to provide more internship opportunities for students. Most graduates remain in Southwest Florida after completing their studies.
“Our program meets that demand by offering high-quality education and clinical preparation that equips students to make a meaningful impact,” Wenk said.
“That speaks volumes about the quality of their training and supervision,” Wenk added. “Our students leave the program well-prepared to begin their careers and make an immediate impact in the field.”
Adrian Surratt graduated from FGCU last spring after interning at both the Community Counseling & Education Center and FGCU’s Counseling & Psychological Services. “My experience at both locations was extremely positive,” he said. “The Community Counseling & Education Center was a very welcoming, supportive environment that was built around counselor empowerment and growth. If I ever had a tough session — and I had many — I knew there was always a supervisor in the building to consult with, and it made all the difference in my growth and my confidence.”
Surratt chose his career path after his own positive experiences with counseling. “After working on myself, I was able to clarify my values, visualize what I want and work toward it,” he said. “I am grateful for that opportunity and want to share it with others.”
“There is a great need for mental health counselors,” Surratt said. “Increased rates of anxiety, depression and stress show how essential it is to have professionals who can help people navigate their thoughts and emotions in times of uncertainty. Counselors aren’t here to fix anyone’s problems but to listen and help promote growth and clarity.”
