HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) – Open Doors, in partnership with the Suitcase Clinic and the Community Counseling Center, has announced the launch of the Shelter Mental Health Partnership (SMHP), a collaborative initiative that will pilot on-site mental health services for shelter guests.

According to a release, the SMHP is designed to reduce barriers to mental health care for individuals experiencing homelessness by embedding trauma-informed counseling services directly within the shelter environment. Through the partnership, guests will have access to on-site mental health services provided by the Counseling Center, with coordinated care among all partners.

Open Doors Executive Director Nate Riddle said, “This partnership reflects our commitment to meeting guests where they are and responding to the full scope of their needs.”

The Suitcase Clinic, a program of James Madison University’s Institute for Innovation in Health and Human Services, will coordinate medical care for guests with co-occurring physical and mental health needs and will fund the initial pilot phase of the program, which is scheduled to see its first clients in March.

Speaking to the partnership, clinic co-director Erika Sawin says, “Mental health is a critical part of overall well-being, yet far too often, access to care is out of reach. This collaboration is truly exciting because it enhances and expands the healthcare services available to guests at Open Doors.”

Drawing on its long-established clinical expertise, the Community Counseling Center will provide on-site counseling services two evenings per week for enrolled shelter guests. As capacity allows, the Center may also utilize the on-site office space to expand access to mental health services for members of the broader community in need.

Brian Martin, the counseling center’s Executive Director, remarks “We believe mental healthcare should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances. With mental healthcare costs rising, we want to find creative ways to reduce barriers to this essential treatment.”

The partners will evaluate the Shelter Mental Health Partnership over the coming months, using guest engagement and service outcomes to inform adjustments and guide future planning.