Clinic gives counseling students experience

Four third-year students in the University of North Georgia's (UNG) Master of Science in Counseling program are gaining valuable field experience on campus as interns in the UNG Community Counseling Clinic.  

"They have tons of support and more clinical supervision than they would receive at another site," Holly Redmond, assistant director of clinical counseling, said.  

Located at UNG's Dahlonega Campus, it is a state-of-the-art clinical training facility with four counseling rooms and a playroom for counseling children. The clinic offers several free types of counseling: individual/adult counseling, child/adolescent counseling, family counseling, career counseling, and marital/relationship counseling. 

The Community Counseling Clinic adheres to the ethical standards of the American Counseling Association. Clients are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Referrals are made to outside sources when necessary. The Community Counseling Clinic is open Monday through Wednesday, except during student holidays or semester breaks. Clients are seen by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call 706-867-2588. 

"To have a place that's free for people who can't afford services is a wonderful gift the university gives to the community," Redmond said.  

Cassie Cain, a Brunswick, Georgia, native, is on the clinical mental health and college counseling and student affairs tracks. She said her coursework prepared her well for the ways she can help clients at the clinic. Cain's goal is to work in private practice in a college town. 

I've changed so much as a person and grown and gained the clinical experience I've been wanting over these past few years. It's really been an incredible experience. I've had such a rich wealth of experiences that have shaped me professionally and personally.

Cassie Cain

Master of Science in counseling student

"You get a lot of support from the faculty and the university in general," Engelbrecht said. "Knowing we have people to support us has made it easier to adjust to this setting." 

Wendy Thomas, who is on the clinical mental health track, was inspired to make a career shift to counseling after hearing about family members' experiences as health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Community Counseling Clinic is assisting her path ahead. 

"I have really appreciated the opportunity to meet amazing individuals of all ages that we serve at the clinic and develop those relationships and have those real-life counseling experiences," Thomas said. "The clinic provides a variety that is valuable in deciding my career path." 

Cassie Kobetich, a Cumming, Georgia, resident, is on the addictions counseling track. Taking part in the clinic has helped solidify her desire to work with kids. She appreciates that her sessions are recorded so she can see on video what she did right and how she can improve.  

"It's been hard, but it's been really amazing," Kobetich said. "It's a whole different experience than anything I've ever done in my life."