Counseling graduate students from the Stephen F. Austin State University School Counseling Program will hold free counseling clinics in the greater Palestine area through Aug. 12.
The clinics will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Magnolia Medical Center on South Loop 256 in Palestine. The first off-campus counseling clinic has been established with the assistance of the East Texas Physician's Alliance and Dr. Mike Smith.
The students are in the final two semesters of their graduate program and are holding the clinics to serve individuals, groups, couples and families. The counselors-in-training are working under the supervision of Dr. Le'Ann Solmonson, LPC-S, CSC and Kelly Smith, LPC-S, CSC.
"The short-term clinic is an excellent opportunity for individuals who are interested in receiving counseling in order to address personal issues, develop problems solving skills, improve relationships, increase self esteem, or improve daily functioning," Solmonson said.
"Counseling services are often difficult to obtain and this is an opportunity for individuals to have the benefits of high quality counseling at no cost."
The off-campus cohort was created to train students to address the shortage of professional school counselors in the East Texas area. The 10 graduate students currently work as educators in Palestine, Westwood, Frankston, Mexia, Chapell Hill and Elkhart.
The counseling clinics are free and open to the public, and appointments are required. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Dr. Le'Ann Solmonson at (936) 468-1065.
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