The WISE Clinic, part of Wichita State University’s College of Applied Studies (CAS), has become an invaluable resource for both the local community and students pursuing careers in counseling. Offering free mental health services to underserved individuals, the clinic provides essential support for those who may not otherwise have access to care. Since its opening, the clinic has served 1,264 unique clients through 12,721 individual appointments. Among these sessions, more than 1,000 have been play therapy sessions, which are crucial for helping children and families address developmental and emotional challenges.

In addition to serving the community, the WISE Clinic functions as a hands-on training space for master’s-level counseling students. These students complete their practicum and internship requirements at the clinic, providing services like individual therapy, family counseling, and group therapy, all under the supervision of licensed faculty and doctoral-level student supervisors. Practicum students contribute a minimum of 40 hours of direct client work, while internship students complete at least 240 hours. This practical experience allows students to develop essential counseling skills such as case management, treatment planning, and ethical decision-making. Furthermore, the clinic supports the newly launched Clinical Mental Health Counselor Education track within the Ph.D. in Education and Behavioral Studies program, which welcomed its first cohort in Fall 2025. Doctoral students in this program provide supervision and guidance to the master’s students, enriching the overall learning experience.

The WISE Clinic’s impact continues to grow, with plans to expand services and outreach. One of the clinic’s primary goals is to introduce telehealth services to support individuals who cannot attend in person, particularly those in rural areas. The clinic is also exploring the integration of translation services to overcome language barriers, ensuring that all members of the community can access vital mental health care.

CAS alumni and community members can play an important role in sustaining the clinic’s work. Through financial donations, volunteering, or assisting with outreach efforts, alumni can help ensure that the WISE Clinic remains a strong, accessible resource for both students and the local community. Donations could support telehealth expansion, student training programs, and other critical needs, directly benefiting individuals in the community and future mental health professionals.

Looking to the future, the WISE Clinic is committed to continuing its growth and deepening its impact. With ongoing plans to expand its services and strengthen community partnerships, the clinic will continue to support the mental health and well-being of underserved individuals while offering hands-on, real-world learning experiences for students in the counseling field.