The quotes shared in the following article are from HOPE Fund clients and are used with their permission.

Issue: A Growing Mental Health Crisis and a Critical Shortage of Care

Mental health challenges are on the rise, but access to care remains dangerously out of reach for many in our region. Georgia currently ranks 49th in the nation for access to mental health care, and the Chattahoochee Valley—where the Pastoral Institute serves over 90% of its clients—faces an alarming provider-to-resident ratio of 2,327 to 1.

This gap has devastating consequences: adults and youth alike are left to navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, and other serious conditions without the professional support they need. Nationwide, one in five adults lives with a mental illness, and more than half do not receive treatment due to cost or availability of services. That reality hits even harder in underserved communities like ours.

Action: Expanding Affordable, Lifesaving Mental Health Services through the HOPE Fund

In response to this crisis, the Pastoral Institute has strengthened its commitment to increasing access to mental health care through the Helping Other People Endure (HOPE) Fund. This donor-supported initiative allows the Institute to provide high-quality therapy services to individuals and families at a significantly reduced cost.

By also expanding direct service hours through its Clinical Training Program, the Pastoral Institute is developing the next generation of qualified mental health professionals, further addressing the long-term shortage while helping clients right now.

The HOPE Fund offers real, affordable solutions for those facing acute or chronic conditions. Most treatment plans require at least 8-18 sessions to be truly effective, and thanks to this fund, clients can access care for as long as needed without choosing between therapy and basic necessities.

Result: Reclaiming Health, Healing, and Hope—One Session at a Time

Since July 1, 2024, the HOPE Fund has helped 355 individuals access more than 1,980 therapy sessions. For many of these clients, cost had previously been the biggest barrier to seeking or continuing care. Now, they’re getting the consistent support they need—and the results are life-changing.

“Without the HOPE Fund, neither I nor my teenage daughter would have been able to continue our therapy sessions. We are both trying to recover from assorted traumas, and this is truly a life saver.”

“When I found out my insurance raised my copay to $60 per visit, and my EAP ran out, I could only squeeze one appointment per month into my budget. Now I can afford to do twice a month as I should be doing.”

“We suddenly lost our insurance with no warning… because of the generosity of the HOPE Fund, my kids were able to continue therapy. It truly has made a difference in our lives and we really, really appreciate the help.”

This program is helping create a Healthy Community, one of United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley’s core impact areas. Mental wellness is foundational to living a healthy life, and ensuring that everyone has access to quality care, regardless of their income, builds a stronger, more resilient region.

Beyond the Therapy Room: A Broader Impact on Community Resiliency

Mental health doesn’t exist in a vacuum, it affects every part of a person’s life and every corner of a community. The HOPE Fund not only helps individuals, but also strengthens families, improves workplace performance, and eases pressure on schools, health systems, and social services.

“This (HOPE Fund) allowed me to continue my therapy after my EAP ran out. We have four children, and one with major medical needs that cost, so this has allowed me to continue my therapy while also helping to care for my child’s needs.”

This work aligns with United Way’s Community Resiliency impact area by making sure no one has to face mental health challenges alone. When one person gets better, the whole community gets stronger.

The United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley proudly supports the Pastoral Institute. Together, we are ensuring that affordable, accessible, and compassionate mental health care is available to every person who needs it, no matter their circumstances.