MICHIGAN CITY — Citizens Concerned for the Homeless, Inc. (CCH) has launched a complimentary mental health evaluation program to address the significant prevalence of undiagnosed and untreated mental health conditions in the community.
The 2025 Mental Health Index, developed by Conduent Healthy Communities Institute, highlights Michigan City and La Porte as areas of critical need within La Porte County.
According to CCH Executive Director Jim Musial, the program begins with a brief questionnaire at the Keys to Hope Community Resource Center.
Pillars of Wellness accepts all insurance types, including Medicaid, while uninsured individuals are referred to HealthLinc for a presumptive eligibility interview to facilitate Medicaid coverage.
Once eligibility is confirmed, a telehealth evaluation is scheduled within one day, and all evaluations are completed within three to four days.
Participants are connected with a therapist within seven days.
This initiative significantly reduces the typical wait time for mental health evaluations.
CCH and Pillars of Wellness also offer mental health classes at the Grace Learning Center, available both in-person and virtually.
These classes cover topics such as trauma, anxiety, healthy relationships, and self-esteem.
According to Katie Broekhoff, the Growth & Development Specialist at Pillars of Wellness, the Shelter Services Program at Pillars of Wellness prioritizes individuals experiencing homelessness, providing psychoeducational groups, 24/7 access to materials and comprehensive therapy services.
Individuals evaluated through the Keys to Hope program may be fast-tracked to additional services.
“HealthLinc offers a sliding fee scale for behavioral health services based on household income and size, in addition to its no-cost presumptive eligibility process,” added Melissa Nikolich, Outreach and Enrollment Coordinator for HealthLinc in Michigan City.
