Columbia International University (CIU) recently announced an exciting development: they have received a $420,000 grant from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation of South Carolina to set up a community counseling clinic in the Midlands.
This new facility, named The Denny Terrace Mental Health Clinic, will be located in North Columbia, near CIU’s campus. It aims to provide essential mental health services to an underserved area, where many locals face economic challenges. In fact, research highlights that 28% of households in the 29203 zip code live below the poverty line, making this clinic a crucial addition to the community.
Operating under the supervision of CIU students from their counseling master’s program, the clinic will partner with Sandhills Community Church. Seth Scott, who leads the graduate counseling division, described the clinic as a realization of a 30-year vision. He emphasized its goal: to make quality mental health care accessible, especially where it’s needed most.
The clinic plans to open in the summer of 2026 and will offer both telehealth and in-person sessions. It is projected to handle around 200 clients weekly, providing services at no cost or on a sliding fee scale.
Such initiatives are increasingly important as a study from the National Institute of Mental Health indicates that nearly one in five adults in the U.S. experience mental illness each year. Community-based solutions like this clinic can play a vital role in addressing these needs.
Overall, The Denny Terrace Mental Health Clinic aims not just to treat, but to educate and support the whole person. This initiative not only supports individuals in need but also fosters a sense of community resilience in Richland County.
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