Georgia students to be charged for once-free therapy

ATHENS - When University of Georgia students return to school in August, among the changes will be the cost of therapy, which had been free previously. <br> <br> The change will occur when the Counseling and Testing Center merges with the Mental Health Clinic to form Counseling and Psychological Services, housed in the University Health Center. <br> <br> The new department will have a graduated fee structure, making Georgia the only one of the state&#39;s four public research institutions to charge students for such services. <br> <br> Students will receive six free sessions and will then pay 22 dollars a session. By comparison, Georgia Tech students receive 16 free counseling sessions a year; Georgia State offers 26 free sessions per degree. <br> <br> Counselor Ruperto Perez said -- quote -- &#34;This isn&#39;t about students. It&#39;s about money. A focus group a few years ago showed students want services that are confidential and free, with no stigma.&#34; <br> <br> The university said free therapy is something Georgia can no longer afford, given the size of the student population and the limited number of psychologists, counselors and psychiatrists on staff. <br> <br> U.G.A.&#39;s vice president for student affairs, Richard Mullendore, said anyone needing long-term help will be referred to a practitioner in the community.