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Hamilton County has one mental health provider for every 690 residents, well below the state average. When 20 percent of American adults have a mental illness each year and each provider sees only about 25 clients at a time, that represents a significant need for more professionals.
One church in Westfield wants to help improve that statistic.
Christ United Methodist Church in Westfield has been serving the city for more than 150 years, including a very popular preschool for the last 50 years. Based on a similar approach to ministry, the church plans to start a counseling center on Sept. 1.
The vision behind the Counseling Center is rooted in the church’s understanding of the profound impact counseling can have on individuals’ lives. With an aim to significantly enhance the accessibility of quality mental health services in Westfield, the people of the Counseling Center aspire to be a pivotal resource for those in need, offering a wide range of counseling services. The initiative is driven by a belief in the power of healing and the potential for counseling to foster growth, resilience, and recovery.
They will host seven full-time therapists who will provide individual and group therapy for mental health, relationship, and family counseling. To realize this ambitious project, the church has launched a fundraising campaign with the goal of raising $40,000 to cover construction costs. This foundational step underscores the community’s role in bringing the vision to life, inviting members and supporters to contribute financially and through advocacy. Beyond the initial setup, the center plans to achieve sustainability through rental fees from participating therapists, ensuring its ongoing impact on the community.
“This initiative is not just about establishing a counseling facility; it’s about creating a movement towards a healthier, more resilient community,” Christ United Methodist Pastor Dr. Jeremiah Gibbs said. “We envision a future where everyone in Westfield has access to the mental health support they need, embodying a collective effort to address and mitigate mental health struggles. With community support and professional collaboration, we are poised to make a significant difference in the lives of many, fostering a culture of care, understanding, and healing.”
A generous donor has provided matching funds to double the first $10,000 in gifts before March 26. You can contribute to the effort at christwestfield.org/counselingcenter. Licensed therapists, including those with associate license, who are interested in practicing at the center may also inquire through the website.