2024 Initiatives

Predoctoral Interns
We support students from internship through postdoctoral training, providing services with engagement in the Church in underserved rural areas.

Research, Resources, and Consultation on Christian Mental Health
This project involves qualitative studies of Christian spirituality, creating and disseminating resources, and conducting research in collaboration with Christian churches and organizations.

Family Mental Health Consultations
We expanded our consultation services to reach even more families and now proudly offer shorter consultation options, providing greater flexibility and accessibility for those seeking support.

Circle of Security Parenting and Child Development Group
In partnership with Belmont Assembly of God, the Marriage and Family Therapy Clinic facilitated an 8-week parenting course for four families. Parents gained tools to connect with their kids, and children improved emotional awareness. The program is set to expand next year with both English and Spanish groups.

Pastors, Academics, and Counselors Together (PACT)
PACT aims to support the mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of Asian Americans in Chicagoland by fostering collaboration between mental health professionals and churches/pastors.

Parenting Workshops
Parenting Workshops were introduced this year to support more families. The first session at Belmont Assembly of God welcomed 40 parents, who appreciated the practical, Biblically rooted parenting tips. Future plans include additional workshops and a potential expansion to a two-day format in 2025.

Care for Underserved Children Project
This project seeks to improve coordinated therapeutic care for racial minorities, involving interviews with Department of Chidlren and Family Services representatives, providers, and publishing a perspective paper on improving child and family care.

Advanced Mental Health Training
Building on the success of our 2023 online training, we launched an advanced, all-day in-person training session in 2024. We are excited to continue expanding our offerings and providing valuable learning experiences.

Marriage Enrichment Weekends
Two Marriage Enrichment Weekends were held in Wheaton and Chicago’s Roseland neighborhood, serving 15 couples, including church leaders and underserved families. Couples left feeling more connected and hopeful, while graduate students gained valuable facilitation experience.

Couple’s Workshop for Wheaton College Students
A workshop was offered for up to 40 couples at Wheaton College, providing relationship-building tools and conflict resolution skills. This is planned to become an annual event to help young couples thrive.