About GMHC
In 1998 two graduate students. Doug Fowler and George Drobinski, were coming to the end of their graduate school studies in Mental Health Counseling. A professor had relayed to their class some information pertaining to a bill that was being considered in the House of Representatives that could have had a detrimental impact on the Mental Health Counseling profession. George and Doug decided to see what they could do.
Over the next couple of weeks, as they contacted a number of Mental Health Counselors and others related to the profession, they came to realize that a vast number of individuals in the Lee, Collier, and Charlotte counties were unaware of the legislation, as well as other bills, past and present, that would have similar impact.
They both knew that the Florida Mental Health Counselors Association (FMHCA) did good things for the profession on a statewide level, but there was an apparent need to get the information and networking out on a more local level. It was at this point in time that the Gulf Coast Mental Health Counselors Association was born, quickly developed, and grew.
In 2011 our maturity as a professional organization has led us to incorporate as a 501(c) company under the name of Gulfcoast Mental Health Counselors, Inc (GMHC, Inc). This will allow us to expand our business affairs to accept donations for scholarships to further promote our profession.
GMHC, Inc. is your local affiliate of FMHCA, giving you greater accessibility and a streamlined information network that benefits you, the Mental Health Professional.
2011 - 2012 Officers:
Vice President - Renee Young
Treasurer - Batia Gold
Secretary - Melissa Rounds
Member-at-large - Nancy Dauphnais
Webmaster - Alexander McAllister