Ball State University College of Health’s Counseling Practicum Clinic will be able to better serve the mental health needs of the surrounding community thanks to a $50,000 donation from Heart of Indiana United Way.
The Counseling Practicum Clinic provides counseling services to children, adults, couples, and families. Under the supervision of experienced faculty and licensed health professionals, Ball State University counselors in training work closely with clients from the community to provide affordable, quality care.
Jenni Marsh, president and CEO of Heart of Indiana United Way, said that giving to and partnering with the College of Health helps meet an urgent need among families in the community.
“The families we work with and serve identified the toll the pandemic has taken on their mental health as one of their top needs,” Marsh said.
Through this partnership, neighbors referred through Heart of Indiana United Way’s partners will be able to quickly access counseling services. This is in contrast to extended delays that people often face when attempting to start mental health services in the community. Additionally, the counseling services will be free for those individuals and families referred through the Heart of Indiana’s partner agencies.
Dr. Lina Burkhart, director of the Counseling Practicum Clinic, called the partnership an exciting opportunity to serve more people.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Heart of Indiana United Way for recognizing and valuing the importance of accessible mental health services for our community while simultaneously supporting the growth and development of our next generation of mental health professionals,” she said.
The funds will support the Counseling Practicum Clinic’s mission to extend its reach into all areas of the surrounding communities and to ensure everyone with a need is able to access counseling services in a timely manner.
The Counseling Practicum Clinic is currently offering telehealth services to the community and hopes to resume in-person counseling in the near future. Counseling services are available to all community members, with a sliding fee available to those in need. The clinic is open both during the day and in the evening. Anyone interested in receiving services can call 765-285-8047.
The Counseling Practicum Clinic welcomes everyone, including all beliefs, genders, religions, and immigration statuses.
“You are safe at the Counseling Practicum Clinic,” Burkhart said.
The Counseling Practicum Clinic provides services within the College’s Interprofessional Community Clinics (ICCs) which also houses the athletic training, audiology, and speech pathology clinics as well as the Healthy Lifestyle Center. To learn more about the health services offered in the College of Health, please visit bsu.edu/icc.
To fund your favorite Ball State programs, including these clinics that serve our communities, contact or visit the Ball State Foundation at bsu.edu/foundation.