About Manzanita Counseling Center for those interested in services
The Manzanita Counseling Center is a community counseling clinic affiliated with the University of New Mexico Counselor Education Program. For more than 30 years, Manzanita has provided free, confidential counseling services to individuals, couples, and families in the Albuquerque community.
Our goal is to make counseling accessible, supportive, and welcoming for people who may be experiencing challenges in their lives. Manzanita is currently the only free counseling clinic in Albuquerque, helping increase access to mental health care for members of our community.
What We Offer
Manzanita Counseling Center provides counseling for a wide range of life experiences and concerns, including:
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression
- Relationship challenges
- Family conflict
- Life transitions
- Grief and loss
- Personal growth and self-understanding
Counseling sessions last 50 minutes and provide a confidential space where you can talk openly with a counselor about what you are experiencing.
Who Provides Counseling
Counseling services at Manzanita are provided by graduate students in the UNM Counselor Education Program who are completing their clinical training. These counselors-in-training work closely with UNM faculty supervisors who are licensed counselors, ensuring that clients receive thoughtful and supported care.
Because Manzanita is a training clinic, counseling sessions are videotaped for training and supervision purposes only. This allows student counselors to receive guidance and feedback from faculty supervisors so they can continue developing their counseling skills and provide the best care possible.
Before beginning counseling, clients review and sign a consent form acknowledging that sessions will be recorded for training purposes.
A Supportive and Confidential Space
We understand that reaching out for counseling can feel like a big step. At Manzanita, we strive to create a space where clients feel:
- Respected
- Heard
- Supported
- Safe to explore difficult experiences
All services are confidential, and our counselors are committed to providing care that is respectful of each person’s background, identity, and life experience.
Our Role in the Community
The Manzanita Counseling Center is both a community service clinic and a training site for future counselors. This partnership allows us to provide free counseling services to the community while helping prepare the next generation of mental health professionals.
