Schoellkopfs Enhance Support for Mental Health Counseling at IU Columbus

Tom and Barbara Schoellkopf have expanded their support for mental health counseling services at Indiana University Columbus, significantly increasing access for students and residents in South Central Indiana. Both alumni of Indiana University, the Schoellkopfs have been advocates for mental health services and counselor education in the region.

Their previous contributions led to the establishment of the Tom & Barbara Schoellkopf Community Counseling Center in 2019, which provides free and reduced-cost counseling while giving graduate students supervised clinical experience. Barbara Schoellkopf remarked on the development of the program, stating that it has trained compassionate and skilled counselors who positively impact individuals and families in the community.

The latest contribution from the Schoellkopfs will fund enhanced clinical staffing and technology upgrades at the community counseling center. It also includes support for an annual paid internship and increased scholarship opportunities for graduate students in the mental health counseling program at IU Columbus. Tom Schoellkopf expressed hope that their gift would strengthen the program's reputation, attract exceptional students and faculty, and support the rising demand for mental health counselors in the area.

Since its opening, the counseling center has conducted 1,452 therapy appointments and served 144 clients from IU Columbus, Ivy Tech, Purdue Polytechnic, and neighboring communities. Additionally, it has provided 80 graduate students with valuable feedback on their counseling skills.

The Schoellkopfs' ongoing investment is crucial in addressing the significant shortage of mental health professionals in South Central Indiana, according to Darrin Carr, Director of the Mental Health Counseling Program at IU Columbus. He noted the profound impact the Schoellkopfs’ generosity has had on students and the communities they serve.

This support is part of the Never Daunted campaign, designed to enhance opportunities for students and foster community engagement across all IU campuses.