Laura Gurlino

Walk-In Counseling Center

ABOUT WALK-IN: Walk-In Counseling Center offers free mental health counseling for people who have urgent needs and few resources. There are never any waiting lists or fees, and clients don't need insurance. Volunteer clinicians provide our services during no-appointment-needed walk-in hours that are offered Monday through Friday in Minneapolis and St. Paul, and by appointment at each of our sites after the initial client visit. Every year approximately 170 professionals volunteer with Walk-In, serving more than 2,000 people. ABOUT OUR VOLUNTEERS: Volunteer clinicians who serve as our counselors and clinic team consultants are master and PhD social workers, psychologists, marriage and family therapists and professional counselors (and advanced graduate students in these areas). Walk-In offers an exceptional opportunity for clinicians to deepen their knowledge and skills in working with an extremely diverse client population. Volunteers work on inter-disciplinary teams during walk-in clinics and benefit greatly from consultation with their peers, thereby enhancing the experience and developing new skills. Hours of volunteering also count towards clinical licensure. Our volunteer clinic receptionists play a critical role in supporting the clinic team and ensuring the clinic operates smoothly during walk-in hours. Receptionists are often working towards a degree in social work, psychology or a related field. Thousands of local clinicians have volunteered at Walk-In since its inception in 1969. Walk-In volunteers have been recognized by the Minnesota Psychological Association and the Minnesota Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers for their contributions to the community.