Volunteer
Austin Child Guidance Center engages hundreds of volunteers every year, from Play Leaders who are an integral part of the therapeutic process for families to Healing Garden volunteers and board members. We welcome anyone who wants to help us make a difference.
Below you find volunteer opportunities that are typically available. If you are interested in an internship or practicum, please visit our Careers & Internships page.
Board Membership
Board Members steer Austin Child Guidance Center towards a sustainable future by adopting sound, ethical, and legal governance and financial management policies, as well as providing professional guidance and oversight of programs, support the work of the Executive Director and actively participate in making sure the nonprofit has adequate resources to advance its mission. To learn more about Board membership or becoming a board member, complete this application form or contact Sarah Fontenot at sarah@sarahfontenot.com.
Volunteer as a Bi-Lingual (Spanish/English) Counselor at our Walk-in Clinic
The Walk-in Clinic is not taking volunteers at this time.
Austin Child Guidance Center (ACGC) operates the only mental health clinic for children and adolescents in Central Texas.
The ACGC Walk-in Clinic provides one hour of counseling to any child, teen, parent or guardian during clinic hours. The clinic provides support to young people and their families who may benefit from a one-time session or for extra support until the intake process can be completed if ongoing care would be beneficial. The clinic does not offer appointments for intake, screening, or assessments.
As a Volunteer Counselor at ACGC, you will have the opportunity to work with some of the most amazing children and families in Austin and make a difference in their lives. You will also be able to hone your professional skills by working with a wide-range of clientele and their concerns, have free access to quality in-service education and training, learn how to make maximum use of the therapeutic hour through our “briefest of brief therapy” therapeutic approach, and work with a team of professionals in a supportive environment.
Volunteers must have a Master’s Degree in a mental health discipline and either be licensed in the State of Texas or in the process of obtaining a license. If you are in the process of obtaining a license, you must have a clinical supervisor outside of ACGC.
If you are ready to commit a minimum of two half-days per month, please complete the Walk-In Therapist Volunteer Sign-Up.
Committee Membership
Board and community participation as a Committee Member includes monthly meetings with ACGC staff to guide, plan and manage organizational efforts and events. Current committees include Outreach, Events Planning, and Technology. Tasks may include event planning, management, and participation, community awareness and advocacy, and providing assistance to technology needs and strategies. Submit the volunteer information request for more information.
Healing Garden
The Healing Garden at Austin Child Guidance Center is a space for relaxation and therapeutic healing for clients and the wider community. Among the chaos and noise of everyday life, the garden provides a place to reflect, relax, and renew. It also provides an alternative space for individual/family and group therapy sessions, private space for reflection following sessions, and outdoor waiting room.
Individuals, families, and groups are needed to help us maintain, grow and expand this beautiful space. Donations of plants, tools, and gardening materials are also welcome. Contact volunteer@austinchildguidance.org for more information.
Play Leaders
Volunteers interact with children in the waiting area while waiting for their appointment or while their parents are consulting with staff. Activities may include reading, playing quiet games, and art projects. Contact volunteer@austinchildguidance.org for more information.
Professional Services
A meaningful way to make an impact at ACGC is to volunteer your professional services. By giving your expertise in information technology, marketing, communications, graphic design, interior design, human resources, or professional services, you help build the capacity of ACGC to impact children and families. As of October 2024, we are seeking volunteers for our community events and maintaining our building. Contact volunteer@austinchildguidance.org for more details.
Employee Volunteer Grants
A growing number of corporations encourage giving back to the community through volunteerism by providing paid time to give back or by making a donation to a nonprofit for volunteer time. Find out more about your corporate volunteer policies or by making a donation to the nonprofit for volunteer hours. Find out more about your corporate volunteer policies using the form below.
