Cozy new treatment rooms, state-of-the-art technology and a wing of faculty offices are a welcome boon to the Texas Wesleyan University Counseling Center, which joined the Rosedale Renaissance in August when it moved to former retail space along the main drag. Call it a new kind of retail therapy.

Formerly housed in the Glick House, the Counseling Center now has more space —6,000 square-feet — and better teaching aids for the more than 25 graduate student counselors who see clients from around Tarrant County for personal, couple and family counseling.

A valuable clinical program

The Counseling Center, created in 2007, is a community service program that gives masters and doctoral students clinical experience under watchful eyes. Each of the eight treatment rooms are connected to an observation room with a one-way window and a recording system that allows other students and faculty to observe the sessions live, or review them later in the center’s technology room.

"Observation is the ideal way to train therapists," says Linda Metcalf, director of graduate counseling programs, who, like the other seven faculty, sees clients there. "I love having students observing my sessions. It makes me work hard and keeps me fresh, and they learn as well."

Between 1,500 and 1,600 clients from around Tarrant County come to the center each year for help with depression, anger, anxiety, behavioral problems and more. Some are dealing with things like HIV or homelessness. They are usually referred to the center from local groups, including the Fort Worth Independent School District, Catholic Charities, the Salvation Army and local churches.

Most clients come for a few weeks or a few months but serious, long-term problems like personality disorders or schizophrenia are referred to places with more extensive services such as John Peter Smith Hospital or MHMR Tarrant County. Wesleyan students are also welcome, but they are seen by Clinic Director Joseph Methvin and the counseling is free. External clients pay on a sliding scale.

A welcome change

Metcalf says they are delighted to have this new home.

"Clients who have been with us for awhile say they miss the old bedroom in the Glick House where we had sessions, but everyone else really likes the new place," she says. "I enjoy being here. It’s so inviting and cleaner and professional, and reflects all the exciting things going on here at Wesleyan."

The Rosedale Renaissance and campus enhancements are part of the 2020 Vision, the strategic plan that defines Texas Wesleyan's priorities and serves as a roadmap to educational excellence. 

New therapy room

 

Reception area