Expanding access to affordable mental health services while preparing the next generation of skilled counselors
PLEASANT HILL, CA (November 3, 2025) — National University (NU), a nonprofit institution dedicated to innovating around access and success for nontraditional, working, and military learners, celebrated the grand opening of its new Community Counseling Center on Oct. 24 in Pleasant Hill. Operated through NU’s JFK School of Psychology & Social Sciences, the center expands access to affordable mental health services while providing advanced clinical training opportunities for graduate counseling students.
The event brought together local leaders, faculty, students, and community partners to mark this milestone in mental health access and education. Speakers included Vice Mayor Zac Shess, Councilwoman Belle La, Councilmember Andrei Obolenskiy, Dr. Michael G. Harris—for whom NU’s Michael Harris Community Counseling Program is named— Dr. Ruthann Heinrich, chair of the National University Board of Trustees, Dr. Alvin McLean, dean of the JFK School of Psychology and Social Sciences and Jes Moniz, associate director of clinical services of the JFK School of Psychology and Social Sciences.
Following remarks and presentations, the event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Vice Mayor Shess and Dr. Harris, who was also honored with a commemorative plaque recognizing his enduring contributions to counseling education and community service. Guests were invited to explore the center, connect with faculty and student counselors, and learn more about NU’s community service programs.
Throughout the day, counselors and students from the Community Counseling Center led four interactive exhibits highlighting wellness, mindfulness, and cultural awareness. Each experience offered a creative and engaging approach to understanding mental health and connection. Together, these exhibits celebrated that mental health involves joy, creativity, and community, reminding participants that healing happens not only through reflection but also through laughter, curiosity, and shared experience.
“At National University, we are committed to models of education that integrates service, learning, and community well-being,” said Dr. Mark D. Milliron, president & CEO of National University. “The Community Counseling Center exemplifies our commitment to value-rich, career-relevant education—bridging academic learning with meaningful, real-world experience. Through applied practice in community settings, our students develop the professional skills, confidence, and purpose needed to advance in their counseling careers and make a lasting impact in the communities they serve.”
The NU Community Counseling Center will serve as a vital hub for the surrounding community, offering individual, couples, family, and group counseling services on a sliding scale. It joins a network of programs that includes the Michael Harris Community Counseling Program (MHCCP), the ENLACES Community Counseling Program (ECCP), and the Psychological Assessment Clinic (PAC)—all designed to promote equitable access to mental health care and real-world experience for NU students.
“We are thrilled to bring this resource to the Bay Area community,” said McLean. “Not only do our students gain valuable training experience here, but we also welcome students from other MA Counseling and MFT programs when openings are available. Our goal is to ensure that no client is ever placed on a waiting list while expanding high-quality mental health services across the region.”
For more information about counseling services or to schedule an appointment, visit the NU Community Counseling Center client page.
To learn more about counselor training opportunities, visit NU’s Community Counseling Center page.
About National University: National University, a Veteran-founded nonprofit, has been dedicated to meeting the needs of nontraditional, working, and military students by providing accessible, affordable higher education opportunities since 1971. As San Diego’s largest private nonprofit university, NU offers more than 150 online and on-campus programs with flexible four- and eight-week classes and one-to-one graduate education models designed to help students reach their goals while balancing busy lives. Since its founding, the NU community has grown to serve 130,000 learners each year—50,000 degree-seeking students and 80,000 workforce and professional development learners—and includes 250,000 alumni around the globe, many of whom work in helping industries such as business, education, health care, cybersecurity, and law and criminal justice. Learn more at NU.edu.
