CHESTER COUNTY, PA – New London Counseling Center has been awarded a $100,000 grant from The Cigna Group Foundation to support its ongoing efforts to address the escalating youth mental health crisis. This funding will help subsidize therapy services for local youth and expand community education initiatives aimed at better equipping youth-serving organizations and schools to manage youth mental health.
Dr. Katie Bowman, executive director of New London Counseling Center, expressed her enthusiasm about the grant, emphasizing the importance of removing barriers to mental healthcare. “Our efforts are tackling the youth mental health crisis by reaching communities where young people already gather,” she said. “Through free community education, we aim to teach youth how to manage stress, cope with challenges, and build resilience—tools that will not only help them now but provide lasting benefits throughout their lives. Additionally, we will offer individual and group therapy for youth who need more intensive support.”
The grant will enable New London Counseling Center to continue its mission of providing affordable, accessible, and high-quality mental health services to young people in Chester County. The Center will also expand its outreach through partnerships with local non-profit organizations to educate the community about mental health and build long-term resilience in youth.
Melissa Skottegaard, board chair of The Cigna Group Foundation, emphasized the importance of partnerships in tackling the mental health crisis. “To effectively address the youth mental health crisis, it is essential to collaborate with nonprofit organizations dedicated to the well-being of young people,” said Skottegaard. “The pandemic’s impact on mental health is only now becoming fully apparent, and we are honored to support New London Counseling Center in its critical work to improve mental health in the communities we both serve.”
A recent study by The Cigna Group’s Evernorth Research Institute reveals a concerning trend in the mental health of young people, with mental health conditions increasing by 28% since 2018. Additionally, the number of youth diagnosed with multiple mental health conditions has risen by 48% over the same period. With over one in four parents reporting mental health challenges among their children, access to care has become a significant barrier. This grant aims to address that gap by making mental health services more accessible.
The Cigna Group Foundation has a longstanding commitment to supporting nonprofit organizations, and this new grant is part of a broader initiative that will allocate more than $27 million in grants over the next three years to organizations working to improve youth and veteran mental health and address health equity issues.
Since its opening in April 2019, New London Counseling Center has provided essential mental health services to individuals of all ages, including children as young as five. Through one-on-one counseling, group therapy, and workshops, the Center has been a critical resource in the community, helping individuals and families overcome challenges, build resilience, and improve their overall well-being. By working closely with local organizations, the Center continues to ensure that mental health care remains accessible to all.
