Beyond Barriers – Mental Health Care
Eskenazi Health Foundation proudly supports Eskenazi Health’s efforts to meet the growing mental health needs of the community. Through expanded services, community partnerships and workforce development, Eskenazi Health ensures more individuals receive timely, comprehensive and connected mental health care, bringing hope and healing to Central Indiana.
MENTAL HEALTH CARE
Where We Started
Psychological stress and trauma from the COVID-19 pandemic combined with provider shortages left the community in dire need of immediate help. Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center was ready to take the next steps in innovating workforce development and enhancing mental health service delivery not just for Marion County, but the state of Indiana.
Where We Are Now
Psychological stress and trauma from the COVID-19 pandemic combined with provider shortages left the community in dire need of immediate help.
Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center implemented a new model for community mental health service delivery known as the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC). This model enables Eskenazi Health to expand access to care through 24/7 mobile crisis services, intensive community-based programs and enhanced care coordination and support services.
In February 2025, the John & Kathy Ackerman Mental Health Professional Development Center at Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center (Ackerman Center) was recognized by the Indianapolis Business Journal as an Excellence in Health Care honoree in the mental health advocacy category. Learn more about how the Ackerman Center is re-shaping mental health care for the Central Indiana community and Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center employees.
Through the workforce development and community outreach efforts of the Ackerman Center, Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center continues to make meaningful impact within the community, including:
- Training and hiring 46 graduates from its master’s level internship program into full-time clinician roles over the past five years
- Training more than 3,600 community members in Mental Health First Aid and helping 67 community members become Mental Health First Aid instructors since 2023
- Training and certifying more than 50 individuals as peer recovery professionals since 2023
- Partnering with more than 130 community organizations and community leaders to reduce stigma and nine higher education programs and employers through its workforce development programs
Connecting Resources to Ignite the Community
See how Eskenazi Health Community Weavers are helping improve mental health in the community by strengthening trust, building connections and providing personalized care.
