Fuller Declares Support for Groundbreaking Pasadena and LA County Mental Health and Homeless Services Partnership

In a statement on Wednesday, Fuller’s Chief Operating Officer and Dean of the School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy said the seminary is proud to support a groundbreaking partnership with the City of Pasadena and Los Angeles County to expand mental health outpatient services and housing in the community.

“We are thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking proposal and are committed to working with the City of Pasadena and Los Angeles County to potentially provide space and mental health workers to address the need for more mental health services in our community,” said Dr. Ted Cosse, Fuller’s Chief Operating Officer and Dean of the School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy.

On Monday evening, the Pasadena City Council voted to pass the Mayor’s recommendation to explore properties in the City of Pasadena for co-location for health outpatient services and housing.

The focus is on providing expanded mental health outpatient services and housing for the homeless population, marking a significant step forward in addressing the critical need for mental health services and housing for the homeless population in Pasadena.

The partnership will involve the City of Pasadena and Los Angeles County, including the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health and the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services.

Fuller is being considered for engaging its school of Psychology and Marriage and Family Therapy to provide clinical therapy and support to those in need. Further, there may be considerations for a possible co-location of a mental-health clinic to expand services.

Councilmember Steve Madison took the seminary to task for covenants students are forced to sign declaring they are not part of LGBTQ relationships.
Madison at one point said he could not support the recommendation if Fuller were part of it. He later voted for it after it was pointed out the Council was only discussing exploring properties.

President David Emmanuel Goatley in Wednesday’s statement said, “Fuller has long been committed to providing quality education and training for mental health professionals, and we believe this partnership will enable us to fulfill that mission in an even larger way.”

Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership in his letter to the City Council saying, “I look forward to our City working with the County on exploring a joint venture that would meet a critical need for health outpatient services and housing in our community.”

The partnership will provide a comprehensive approach to addressing mental health needs in Pasadena, including through the newly approved mental health facility. The facility will be located in Pasadena and will offer a wide range of mental health services marking a significant step forward in addressing the mental health and the homeless crisis in Pasadena.