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Fuller Psychological and Family Services Celebrates 60 Years of Pioneering Mental Health Care in Pasadena

Initial Publication May 13, 2024/

During Mental Health Awareness Month, Fuller Psychological and Family Services (FPFS), Pasadena’s largest university-based mental health clinic deeply rooted in the community of Pasadena, celebrates its 60th anniversary of providing comprehensive, affordable mental health care to individuals and families. Since its opening in 1964, FPFS, the clinic of the Fuller School of Psychology & Marriage and Family therapy at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, has been at the forefront of addressing the mental health needs within Pasadena and surrounding communities while also training the next generation of doctoral psychologists and master’s-level clinicians.

Over the past six decades, FPFS has distinguished itself through a commitment to integrating evidenced-based and scientific psychological services with spiritual care, reflecting the seminary’s holistic approach to wellness.

Ted Cosse, executive director of Fuller Clinics at Fuller, reflected on this distinction. “When FPFS opened 60 years ago, it was the first clinical psychology clinic owned and operated by a seminary. Since then others have followed, but Fuller’s clinic in Pasadena was the first of its kind.” The clinic has since become a trailblazer in various aspects of mental health care, including the early adoption of multicultural counseling practices and the introduction of community-based mental health initiatives designed to reach underserved populations. “FPFS offers therapy in four languages (English, Spanish, Korean, and Mandarin). We also distinguish ourselves by offering therapy and assessment services at rates far lower than the prevailing market. These unique benefits are made possible by operating as part of Fuller Seminary (one of the largest multi-denominational seminaries in the world) and utilizing supervised students to offer services.”

Data underscores the critical role of services like those provided by FPFS, especially in times when national mental health statistics reveal escalating challenges. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness (51.5 million in 2019). FPFS’s contributions are vital against this backdrop, offering a model for community-engaged mental health care. “Over the past five years, FPFS has provided an average of around 17,000 therapy sessions per year, and the large majority of these sessions have been to Pasadena residents,” added Cosse. “We feel blessed to serve our city in this way, and we appreciate the trust city residents have placed in us.”

Reflecting on the clinic’s 60-year legacy, Cynthia Eriksson, dean of Fuller’s School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy, shared, “As we celebrate this milestone, we are reminded of the thousands of lives in our community touched and transformed by the dedicated work of our therapists and staff. Our commitment to providing affordable, high-quality care while training the next generation of mental health professionals has never been stronger. We look forward to continuing our mission of healing and hope, embracing the rich diversity of Pasadena and beyond.”

As FPFS looks to the future, it remains committed to its founding principles while adapting to the ever-changing landscape of mental health needs and treatments. The clinic is dedicated to expanding its reach, enhancing its services with the latest research and therapeutic techniques, and continuing to serve as a pillar of support for the Pasadena community and beyond.
For more information about Fuller Psychological and Family Services, its history, and the services offered, please visit FPFS’s website.

ABOUT FULLER SEMINARY

Fuller Seminary is one of the largest nondenominational seminaries in the world with a global enrollment of more than 3,000 students. Courses are offered at Fuller’s campuses in Pasadena, Houston, and Phoenix, as well as online. Fuller offers master’s and doctoral degrees through its two schools: the School of Mission and Theology, and the School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy. On-demand non-degree courses and professional training are available through the digital learning platform FULLER Equip. Fuller is a global ecclesial, evangelical, ecumenical, and egalitarian Christian institution. Apply today: https://www.fuller.edu/online-application-for-admission/

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