At a time when budget cuts to Chicago’s mental health services have left thousands without access to critical psychological services, The Chicago School has partnered with the Community Mental Health Council, Inc. (CMHC) to provide at least 3,200 hours of treatment to those in need.

U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-Ill.) secured $350,000 in federal funding—a result of the FY 2010 Omnibus Appropriations Bill—to provide crucial services to underserved and at-risk populations on Chicago’s South Side. The allocation will allow The Chicago School to contribute the expertise of 10 doctoral students and postdoctoral clinicians to assist CMHC’s clients in four key areas—rehabilitation services, substance abuse, juvenile justice, and child and family services.

The ambitious endeavor is particularly timely given the current economic crisis.

“So many families struggle with treatable mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse,” said Rep. Jackson. “I applaud the efforts of The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and the Community Mental Health Council as they work to prevent the suffering of thousands of children and adults. It is incredibly important, especially during times of crisis, to address the shortage of mental health professionals and provide patients with necessary, vital treatment.”

CMHC is located in the South Shore neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side. It also has outpatient sites in the Englewood and Chatham-Avalon neighborhoods. Thousands of residents take advantage of its services, receiving help with the challenges of mental illness, substance abuse, and other behavior disorders.

Grant White (Psy.D. ‘93), associate vice president of CMHC’s Outpatient & Family Services and associate professor of clinical psychology at The Chicago School, will coordinate the project.

“In this situation, everybody wins,” Dr. White said. “Chicagoans—particularly on the South Side—get quality treatment right away, the council (CMHC) can keep up with the growing need for services in a shaky economy, and our students get priceless hands-on training. The Chicago School trains psychologists to make a real impact in the world, and this program will help doctoral (and other) students do just that right now when and where it is most needed.”