On Oct. 6th from 1– 1:30 p.m. CST, we celebrated the Grand Opening of the Center for Family & Relational Health. Created to meet the needs of the community, the Center for Family & Relational Health is a new mental health center that provides therapy for couples and families in partnership with the Marriage and Family Therapy program at Wheaton College. The center follows a “Teaching Hospital Model” where interns and seasoned, credentialed supervisors work closely together to provide holistic, compassionate therapy based on the latest research and best practices in their field. The supervisors are also professors at Wheaton College.
The grand opening was an opportunity for the College and the local community to come together. Due to the pandemic, only a small number of guests were able attend in person. However, the whole community was invited to join this inaugural event online.
Watch the Grand Opening Celebration
During the opening event, Terri Watson, Dean of the School of Psychology, Counseling, and Family Therapy spoke about the clinic’s history. David Van Dyke, Marriage and Family Therapy Program Director and Associate Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy, shared how the clinic fulfills the MFT’s mission through training and service to the community. Wheaton Mayor Phil Suess attended and talked about the mental health needs of the local community. Wheaton College President Ryken addressed how the MFT program will be providing a much-needed service to the local community and churches. Additionally, Provost Karen Lee spoke about the unique clinical training opportunities for Marriage & Family Therapy students. Those attending in person had an opportunity to take a COVID-safe tour of the new center.