News Summary
Augusta University has received a $2.4 million federal grant to enhance mental health services for youth in underserved areas. This initiative, titled ‘The Targeted Resources and Advanced Instruction for New Behavioral Health Professionals,’ aims to train and deploy qualified behavioral health providers. The project will focus on increasing access to mental health care for children and adolescents, partnering with local organizations to ensure effective training and placement of professionals in critical areas over the next four years.
Augusta – Augusta University has been awarded a significant $2.4 million federal grant aimed at improving access to mental health services for children, adolescents, and young adults in underserved regions of Augusta. This funding, provided by the Health Resources and Services Administration, is part of a collaborative initiative between the university’s College of Education and Human Development and the School of Public Health.
The initiative is titled The Targeted Resources and Advanced Instruction for New Behavioral Health Professionals and is focused on training and deploying behavioral health providers in critical areas lacking adequate support. The project seeks to establish a robust pipeline of qualified professionals committed to addressing the mental health needs of Georgia’s youth.
Dr. Alicia Becton has been designated as the principal investigator for the project, supported by co-principal investigator Dr. Raven Cokley. The leadership team comprises Dr. Richard Deaner as clinical coordinator, Dr. Jordon Beasley as clinical trainer, and Kathleen Cleveland-Kennedy serving as project coordinator, all from the College of Education and Human Development. Additionally, Katherine Hatcher from the School of Public Health will manage grant operations, with Dr. Ashwini Tiwari Pandey acting as the program evaluator.
The project outlines four primary objectives to guide its mission:
- Expanding partnerships with training sites.
- Promoting team-based care models.
- Recruiting students committed to working with young populations.
- Increasing the number of clinical supervisors to mentor trainees.
Over the next four years, Augusta University plans to collaborate with several local organizations, including Serenity Behavioral Health Systems, Wellstar MCG Health Pediatrics, Christ Community, and the Medical Associates Plus’ Neighborhood Improvement Project. This collaboration aims to facilitate the training and placement of skilled behavioral health professionals in the most affected areas.
The growing need for mental health services among youth has become increasingly apparent, particularly in underserved areas where resources are often limited. This grant represents a proactive step towards addressing this gap by ensuring that qualified professionals are available to support the mental health of young individuals.
Through the establishment of this initiative, Augusta University aims not only to improve immediate access to necessary services but also to create a sustainable environment for future behavioral health professionals. The comprehensive approach focuses on both training and practical application, ensuring that professionals are adequately prepared to meet the mental health challenges faced by children and adolescents in the Augusta area.
The investment in the mental health workforce aligns with broader national efforts to improve access and quality of care in the behavioral health sector, particularly for vulnerable populations. As the initiative progresses, it is anticipated that it will lead to significant improvements in mental health outcomes for Georgia’s youth, ultimately contributing to better social and educational achievements.
In conclusion, the $2.4 million federal grant received by Augusta University not only signifies a commitment to enhancing mental health services but also underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in training a new generation of behavioral health professionals dedicated to serving the youth of the community.
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Additional Resources
- Augusta Press
- Wikipedia: Mental Health
- Augusta Free Press
- Google Search: mental health services Augusta
- WRDW
- Google Scholar: Mental Health in Youth
- News Leader
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mental Health
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
