The Southern Methodist University Center for Family Counseling and Mediation at Plano ISD celebrated its first semester in operation with an open house Feb. 11 at 1517 Ave. H, Plano. The college had previously had a center in north Plano until the building was sold. Plano ISD then offered to house the group.

As part of the center’s counseling services, interns deliver direct care to families under the oversight of a university professor of counseling services, Susan Modisette, assistant superintendent for Student & Family Support said at a meeting Feb. 4.

Fees range from $0-$45 depending on a family’s income. The center began its first semester by offering counseling two evenings a week, but officials quickly recognized the need for further services.

“It was evident almost as soon as they got off the ground that we had a larger need than they had capacity to serve,” Modisette said. “So we were able to add, this semester, a third evening.”

Mediation and conflict resolution services are run by graduate students as well as a full-time attorney and professor. These services cost $100 per party and are free to PISD staff, students or families. 469-752-3098. www.pisd.edu/page/22000