City of San Francisco Gives Major Grant to School of Professional Psychology

CIIS has received a grant of $367,000 from the City of San Francisco to help the School of Professional Psychology (SPP) better serve underrepresented populations. The funds became available through the Department of Public Health and the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), and are already aiding to recruit and retain students.

"We're grateful for the support of San Francisco's MHSA program," says Professor Steven Tierney, chair of the programs in Counseling Psychology and Community Mental Health. "CIIS wants to continue to play a critical role in re-envisioning the field of public and community mental health. One main component of improving the current mental health system is to open it up to those who have been denied access. This means outreach to marginalized individuals, families, and communities. More importantly, it means welcoming individuals from these communities into our programs and our profession."

The grant also provides support for SPP faculty and staff to participate in trainings in cultural competency, vital to diversifying the student body and the curriculum. In general, the grant is being used to promote a recovery and wellness model of therapy to help clients at risk.

Staff member Joy Amao (ICP '10) is playing a key role in the programs funded by the grant. Amao's work includes attracting and supporting students from underrepresented communities, LGBTQ students, and students who have struggled with mental illness or had family members with mental illness. "As a graduate of the CIIS counseling programs, I'm thrilled to now be working here in the role of advocate for underserved students," says Amao. "This grant will help CIIS prepare licensed therapists for our community who reflect the diversity of our state. That, however, is only the first part. What I find deeply fulfilling is that once we recruit new students, we have funding through the grant to provide a system of support services on campus that will help to ensure that each student successfully graduates and finds employment."

Tierney concurs that the funds will have a long-lasting impact. "This grant is good news for the students and for the CIIS community, and will ultimately improve the health and wellness of all San Franciscans."