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Ongoing collaboration addresses growing need for behavioral health professionals regionally

YAKIMA, Wash., Sept. 21, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Comprehensive Healthcare is proud to announce more than $300,000 in funding to establish an additional faculty position within Central Washington University's (CWU) Mental Health Counseling (MHC) graduate program. This expansion will support the program’s continued growth, and it aligns with both organizations’ commitment to providing innovative and integrated healthcare to individuals and families across Central Washington. Today’s funding complements the 2024 grant Comprehensive Healthcare provided to revitalize the mental health counseling program at CWU.

“As demand for behavioral health services continues to grow, workforce shortages remain one of the greatest challenges facing healthcare providers statewide, particularly in rural and underserved communities,” said Jodi Daly, Ph.D., CEO of Comprehensive Healthcare. “By partnering with CWU to strengthen its counseling program, we are investing in a stronger pipeline of future behavioral health professionals who will be prepared to meet the evolving needs of our communities.”

CWU shared that the partnership has already made a meaningful difference for the students in the first cohort of the MHC program.

“Partnerships like this make real progress possible and reflect the spirit of our CWU Futures Campaign,” said Paul Elstone, vice president for University Advancement at CWU. “Comprehensive Healthcare's investment is helping shape the highly prepared, skilled graduates our region depends on.”

CWU's MHC graduate program was originally established in the 1970s but went on hiatus in 2023 due to funding challenges. Housed in the university's Department of Psychology, the program provides clinical training that prepares students to pursue state licensure as mental health counselors.

Since the MHC program's relaunch in January 2025 with an initial gift of $770,000, the Comprehensive Healthcare Fund has supported preliminary operational costs, curriculum redesign, and the hiring of new faculty and support for clinic staff. Seven students in the initial cohort are on track to graduate in Summer 2027, and an additional 11 students have been admitted to the second cohort.

The additional position also supports CWU's goal of receiving accreditation through the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, the nationally recognized standard for counselor education. Accreditation would reflect the program's rigorous academic standards and equip graduates for more competitive licensing, employment opportunities and career advancement, which would ultimately strengthen the pool of qualified providers available to serve Central Washington communities.

“We are immensely grateful for the support that Comprehensive Healthcare has provided our department over the past two years,” said Heidi Perez, professor and chair of the CWU Department of Psychology. “Continuing to grow this program reflects our joint commitment to ensuring the neighbors who depend on these services receive the care they need.”

For more information about Comprehensive Healthcare, visit comphc.org.

About Comprehensive Healthcare: 
As one of the largest behavioral health organizations in the state of Washington, Comprehensive Healthcare serves clients in the Greater Columbia Region. Comprehensive Healthcare is a Joint Commission accredited organization, providing compassionate, individualized behavioral healthcare since 1972. As a non-profit organization, Comprehensive Healthcare is dedicated to delivering high quality, evidence-based services to individuals, families and organizations. To learn more, visit Comprehensive Healthcare’s website at comphc.org. 

About Central Washington University:

Central Washington University is a public, four-year institution located in historic Ellensburg, Washington. CWU’s commitment to hands-on learning, discovery, and individual attention takes students beyond the limits of the classroom and books. Students are given opportunities to do what they’re studying in real-world, professional settings, which makes the learning experience both exciting and relevant to their future careers.

Each year, CWU graduates thousands of well-educated citizens who are ready for high-demand careers in the workforce. CWU also has seven university centers around the state, plus a variety of online learning programs.

Media Contacts: 
Cassidy Brown 
Comprehensive Healthcare 
(509) 317-2876 
cassidy.brown@comphc.org 

Kate Hughes 
Firmani + Associates
(206) 488-1182
kate@firmani.com