Walk in Counseling
About Us
Overview
Walk-In Counseling Center was founded by a group of psychologists in 1969, in response to the unmet need for accessible mental health services in the Twin Cities. We incorporated as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in 1971.
For the past 55 years we have provided free mental health counseling to help thousands of people address issues of depression, anxiety, chemical abuse/dependency, trauma, domestic violence and a variety of other emotional and interpersonal concerns.
Our mission: Walk-In serves unmet needs for accessible mental health counseling services in our community. We help people stabilize during a time of crisis and resolve problems before they become severe. We provide free, anonymous, easily accessible services, by professional volunteers who share the values of dignity, compassion, equity and inclusion.
More than 100 volunteer mental health clinicians each year provide the services. We estimate the value of our volunteer clinic services at more than $33 million over the past 55 years.
We are, to our knowledge, the only walk-in mental health service in the world (!) staffed entirely by volunteer clinicians.
In 2024 we…
Served approximately 1,700 individuals: men, women, and young people (unduplicated)
Provided nearly 4,000 free formal counseling sessions
Engaged more than 100 volunteer counselors, team consultants and receptionists who gave counseling, case consultation, outreach and administrative services valued at $964,000
Continued to respond to the pandemic by offering all of our services remotely, by call-in/log-in using the Zoom platform
Continued in-person clinics three afternoons a week.
To read the 2024 overview, click here.
Our History & Future
What we've done
Did you know Walk-In Counseling Center has been around for 55 years?
We celebrated our 50th anniversary in 2019. Watch a video/read a brief history of Walk-In.
Read a narrative history of our first 40 years and our impact on the Twin Cities’ mental health community.
Where we're headed
We plan to be around for many more years. Learn about our Future Plan.
Privacy Statement and Document Retention Policy
To read our privacy statement, click here.
To read our document retention policy, click here.
Free Counseling Services
Counseling services are completely free and anonymous, with no appointment needed. SOME CLINICS ARE NOW IN PERSON! All of our professional counselors volunteer their time.
Quick Info About Walk-In
Get a printable page of our hours, locations, and services.
What we do not do!
Sorry, but we do not write emotional support animal (ESA) letters. We also do not complete the Hennepin County Medical Opinion form.
New Clients
You do not need an appointment. Just come (M,W,F afternoons, or call/login during counseling clinic times. Services are first come, first served, so there may be a short wait, although there are usually about four clinicians available to serve the people who want access.
Typically, counseling sessions are 30 minutes to an hour long, and are held in private Zoom breakout rooms, or in-person counseling rooms. You may remain anonymous if you wish, or give a false name, or just a first name. . . we don’t check! Walk-In services are strictly confidential.
About half of our clients access services only once, but you and your counselor may decide that additional work is appropriate. You can make these visits by appointment. We can also refer you to other helping organizations for additional services that may be helpful, including longer term care and support.
Returning Clients
If you have a follow-up appointment please be on time coming in person, or for a phone call or video visit, or contact your counselor if you are not able to make the appointment. We encourage you to communicate directly with your counselor by calling their voicemail number and leaving a message. You may also call our front desk during regular business hours. We will pick up the messages and help you connect with your counselor if you’ve forgotten their voice mail number.
Counselors often schedule their day according to their appointments, so please call as soon as you know if you won’t be available for a scheduled appointment.
Fees
There is no charge for our counseling clinics or counseling by appointment. However, you may make a donation to help cover the costs of the services we are providing. All donations are 100% tax-deductible and make it possible for us to continue to offer free services. You can mail this to us at: 2421 Chicago Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55404; or go to our website (walkin.org) and donate online.
Equal Opportunity
Walk-In services are available to everyone. We welcome all people regardless of age, ethnic background, race, marital status, sexual/affectional orientation, disability or economic status.
Mailing Address
2421 Chicago Ave S.
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Main Phone:
612-870-0565
Fax:
612-870-4169