From Executive Director Lisa Kelly
Five years ago, Mental Health Awareness of Michiana (MHAM) launched the Asesoramiento Gratuito (PBCP) with a clear, ambitious goal: to shatter the cost barrier for mental health care. Today, as we approach the end of the year, we celebrate the incredible progress and the profound impact this program has had on our community.
The PBCP isn’t just a referral service; it’s a lifeline, connecting uninsured or under-insured individuals, couples, and families with volunteer licensed mental health professionals and Master’s Level Interns for short-term, free counseling (up to 12 sessions). This unique model has proven to be an overwhelming success in a region where access to affordable mental health services remains a critical challenge.
Five Years of Transformative Impact
The numbers speak volumes about the dedication of our volunteer clinicians and the immense need they fulfill. Here’s a snapshot of the PBCP’s impact in 2024:
- Life-Changing Sessions: In 2024 alone, the PBCP facilitated 660 free counseling sessions, representing a staggering 260% increase from the prior year.
- Growing Demand: Applications for the project increased by 63% in 2024, showing the urgent need for this barrier-free support.
- Improved Functioning: Data shows that PBCP participants saw significant improvements. On average, clients report a decrease of 11 days per month, on average, where they experienced “bad mental health days.”
- Community Reach: A high percentage of applicants are from vulnerable zip codes in St. Joseph and Elkhart counties, ensuring the service reaches those facing the greatest socioeconomic challenges.
Ultimately, the goal of the PBCP is not just to provide appointments, but to foster improved functioning, better relationships, and a renewed sense of hope—outcomes consistently validated by client feedback.
Success Story: From Crisis to Progress
While the statistics are vital, the true success of the PBCP is measured in individual lives changed.
“This program was truly a godsend and I could not be happier with who I was matched with. [My therapist] helped me in so many ways and I am beyond grateful that we were brought together!” – A grateful PBCP Client
For Michiana residents struggling with mental health concerns, the PBCP provides essential support at a time when they are most vulnerable and least able to afford care. Our volunteer clinicians are the heart of this work, donating their time, expertise, and compassion to heal the community.
End of Year Appeal: Help Us Keep the Promise of Hope
As we celebrate five years of success, we also look ahead to the rising demand for our services. Every successful counseling session, every positive outcome, requires the necessary administrative and outreach support to make that connection possible.
Your end-of-year gift directly funds the coordination of the PBCP—the vital work of screening applicants, matching them with the perfect volunteer clinician or intern, and supporting those clinicians with resources.
Will you invest in a Michiana resident’s mental health journey today?
- $75 covers the cost of PBCP outreach materials distributed to the community.
- $250 sponsors the registration cost of 10 PBCP clinicians receiving CE’s.
- $500 sponsors our annual volunteer appreciation luncheon.
- $1,000 supports the administrative costs of screening and matching applicants.
Help us celebrate this five-year milestone by ensuring the Asesoramiento Gratuito is here to serve Michiana for many years to come. Your generosity is a direct investment in the mental well-being of our community.
DONATE NOW to Support the Pro Bono Counseling Project!
Thank you for being a part of the MHAM family and for making mental health a priority in Michiana.
