Rooted in Jacksonville.
Growing through relationships.
Focused on people.
Since 2011, MCS Counseling Center has grown from a single-office practice into a multi-provider, clinician-owned counseling center serving individuals, couples, and families throughout Florida, Connecticut, and New Jersey.
From One Office to a Community of Care
MCS Counseling Center began in 2011 as a single-office practice on Jacksonville's Southside under the name Montesinos Counseling Services. At the time, founder and owner Steven Montesinos worked full-time at the Jacksonville University Counseling Center during the day while seeing clients three evenings a week at the practice.
Having grown up in Jacksonville, Steven envisioned a practice where counseling felt personal, accessible, and centered on each individual. What began as a small private practice grew steadily through relationships, word-of-mouth referrals, and a commitment to providing thoughtful, high-quality care.
2011
Montesinos Counseling Services began as a single-office private practice, open three evenings a week and serving self-pay clients.
2021
Practice expanded to a full-time, single-office private practice and began accepting insurance, broadening access to care for individuals.
2024
Transitioned to a small group practice and established partnerships with local nonprofit organizations.
2025
Continued growing our team with the addition of a full-time clinician and a second office space.
2026
Moved into our current five-office suite, rebranded as MCS Counseling Center, and grew to a team of six clinicians. Today, we provide individual, couples, family, group, trauma-focused, and career counseling services while partnering with insurance providers, local organizations, and community resources throughout Northeast Florida.
Why We Became MCS Counseling Center
When the practice was founded in 2011, the name Montesinos Counseling Services reflected its beginnings as a solo private practice. As the practice grew into a team of clinicians serving individuals, couples, and families, we wanted our name to better reflect who we had become.
While MCS still honors our roots, the transition to MCS Counseling Center represents our evolution from a single-provider practice into a collaborative counseling center. Although our name changed, our commitment remains the same: providing thoughtful, compassionate care and building meaningful relationships with the people and communities we serve.
What Makes MCS Different?
MCS Counseling Center is clinician-owned and clinician-led. We are not backed by private equity, investors, or outside ownership groups. Every stage of our growth has been self-funded and built over time through the trust of our clients, the dedication of our clinicians, and our commitment to serving the community.
While sound business practices are important, we believe people come first. We are clinicians before anything else, and the well-being of those we serve remains at the center of every decision we make.
We proudly offer both in-person and telehealth services. While virtual therapy has expanded access to care, we continue to believe in the value of face-to-face connection and remain committed to maintaining a welcoming physical office where clients can receive care in person.
Although the practice has grown, Steven remains actively involved in both clinical work and the day-to-day operations of the center. We believe every client deserves individualized care, genuine attention, and a therapist who is the right fit for their needs.
Our Commitment
We believe counseling works best when people feel cared for, respected, and understood.
Our center welcomes individuals, couples, and families from all backgrounds, identities, beliefs, and life experiences. We are committed to creating an environment where people can openly discuss personal and professional challenges while working toward meaningful growth and lasting change.
We recognize that every person's story is unique. Our team reflects a variety of backgrounds, cultures, life experiences, and professional paths, helping us create an environment where people from many different walks of life can feel seen, understood, and valued.
We also believe accountability matters. If we make a mistake, we want to know about it. We are committed to listening, learning, and making things right whenever possible.
More than anything, we want every person who contacts our office to feel like a person, not a number.
Whether someone reaches out for therapy, support during a difficult season, or guidance toward personal growth, we want them to feel welcomed, respected, and cared for from their very first interaction with our team.
We are grateful for the opportunity to support our community and honored by the trust our clients place in us.
The story of MCS Counseling Center continues to shape how we serve our clients today. Learn more about the mission, values, and guiding principles that continue to guide our work.
Meet Our Providers
Today, MCS Counseling Center is home to a team of dedicated providers who bring diverse backgrounds, specialties, and perspectives to their work. Together, we are committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care while helping clients find the provider who is the best fit for their needs.
Ready to Begin?
Whether you're seeking support for yourself, your relationship, your family, or your career, we're here to help.