The Alliant Educational Foundation, in partnership with local nonprofits, launched the San Diego Regional Children’s Mental Health Consortium in 2020 to deliver free mental health services to underserved communities. The initiative addresses a growing need for accessible mental healthcare, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has exacerbated mental health challenges among youth and families.
Addressing a Growing Crisis
“Especially after COVID, we saw that our youth are really struggling, and therefore our families are struggling,” explained Dr. Jessica Taverniti, a clinical psychologist and supervisor with the program. The collaboration works closely with organizations such as Father Joe’s Villages Programs and the San Diego Unified School District, focusing on providing support to young children and families in underserved areas.
The program also leverages its connection with Alliant International University, offering doctoral students the chance to work alongside licensed professionals. This dual-purpose approach trains future psychologists while filling a critical gap in community mental health services.
Empowering Students to Give Back
For students like Nicholas Ibarra, the opportunity is deeply personal.
“As a Mexican-American student, it’s very important for me to give back to my community,” said Ibarra, who trains at the San Diego Center for Children, one of the program’s sites. He noted a rising need for mental health services among youth, particularly within the community he represents.
Promising Results in Youth Mental Health
The program’s impact is clear. A report from the foundation highlights significant progress:
- 705 students treated through the partnership with the San Diego Unified School District showed measurable improvements in overall mental health functioning over the past year.
- 75% of students reported decreased symptoms of depression.
Dr. Taverniti noted that these results reflect the program’s effectiveness, saying, “We’ve been able to decrease the rates of depression and anxiety among youth while providing families with resources to tackle mental health challenges.”
A Long-Term Vision
The consortium envisions continuing its work for years to come. Dr. Taverniti emphasized the importance of the three-way partnership among Alliant International University, the Alliant Educational Foundation, and the various nonprofits across San Diego County.
Ibarra echoed the sentiment, recognizing the collective effort involved in providing mental health care. “I’m just a part of a bigger system,” he said. “I’m fortunate to be surrounded by like-minded clinicians who contribute in their own ways to making a difference.”
A Model for the Future
By addressing both the immediate mental health needs of underserved communities and the long-term development of mental health professionals, the San Diego Regional Children’s Mental Health Consortium serves as a model for how collaborative efforts can make a lasting impact.
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