EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) – The University of Evansville will be hosting a ribbon cutting for their new Mental Health and Wellness Clinic.
The community-based psychology center will provide therapy and assessment services to those in Evansville.
Officials say it was made possible through a partnership of the university and Easterseals.
$750,000 in READI funds went into this as well as many different donations from Easterseals and private donors all to help people with their mental health.
“This is something that isn’t just a convenience anymore, this is a necessity,” said UE president, Christopher Pietruskiewicz.
Pietruskiewicz says their new mental health and wellness clinic will be addressing explicit needs for the community.
“This is a game changer for our city,” said Mayor Lloyd Winnecke.
In addition to providing therapy and mental health service, even prescribing medication, it will function as a mental health assessment center.
“The first crucial step in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions is a thorough assessment process,” said clinic donor, Bob Jones.
As Jones explained, they hope it’s going to save lives. He took a moment to remember folks who lost their fights with mental health issues, people like Emily Young.
“Her story serves as a reminder that we must never ever forget the lives lost in the shadow of a silent yet formidable adversary,” said Jones.
Emily’s family was there as the ribbon was cut, and they saw her name on the front of the building. Her mother said it was perfect.
The University has named it the Emily Young Assessment Center.
In addition to helping the community, it will train students like Ryan Sumner in their brand-new Doctor of Psychology program.
“This is a hands-on, this is taking the literature and putting it into practice,” said Sumner. “This is what we do right here. Right here.”
Hopefully, those who train here will stay here and help the community for years to come.
Sumner says UE opening this program in the Tri-State this year was crucial in his own decision to study.
“It was everything for me,” said Sumner. “I’m a father for a 13- and 15-year-old. I didn’t have a lot of options.”
When the clinic is fully operational, they’ll be helping between 4,000 and 6,000 patients every year.
President Pietruskiewicz says they’re going to get off to a slower start in the Spring semester, but they hope to ramp it up from there.
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