New London Counseling Center has been awarded a $100,000 grant from The Cigna Group Foundation -- the philanthropic arm of The Cigna Group -- to support subsidized therapy for local youth and other community services, as well as community education for local non-profit youth-serving organizations and schools to be better equipped to address youth mental health care. 

“Our efforts are addressing the youth mental health crisis by breaking down traditional barriers for mental health care by getting into our communities where our students are already gathering,” said Dr. Katie Bowman, executive director of New London Counseling Center. “By offering free community education through local youth organizations, we will educate young people about how to manage stress, cope with difficulties, and build resilience, thereby impacting an entire generation and creating healthy habits that can last a lifetime. In addition, we will provide individual and group therapy for youth in need of more support. 

“We are grateful to have The Cigna Group Foundation’s support in making mental health care affordable, accessible, and available to so many Chester County youth.” 

“To effectively intervene in the youth mental health crisis, we need strong partnerships with nonprofit organizations committed to improving the health and vitality of young people,” said Melissa Skottegaard, board chair of The Cigna Group Foundation. “Communities are only just beginning to grapple with the impact of the youth mental health crisis post-pandemic. We are privileged to partner with New London Counseling Center to enable their important work to improve the mental health of youth in the communities we both serve.”

According to a recent analysis by The Cigna Group’s Evernorth Research Institute, the number of young people with mental health conditions has increased 28 percent since 2018, and the number of young people with at least two mental health diagnoses has risen 48 percent over the same period. More than one in four parents report having a child with mental health challenges, diagnosed or undiagnosed, and many report challenges to obtaining behavioral health care for their child, including access barriers.

The Cigna Group Foundation has a long history of impactful partnerships with nonprofits, and recently announced a philanthropic and community engagement initiative that has committed more than $27 million in grants over the next three years to nonprofit organizations focused on improving youth mental health, improving veteran mental health, and reducing barriers to health equity.

Since opening in April 2019, New London Counseling Center has served clients of all ages — from children as young as five to older adults — through one-on-one counseling, group therapy, and workshops. Its mission is to offer accessible and affordable mental health services to anyone in the local community, helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges, build resilience, and restore well-being. Through collaborations with local organizations, the agency extends its impact to ensure that mental health care is accessible to all. 

For additional information on The Cigna Group Foundation’s youth mental health grant program, visit www.thecignagroup.com/community. For information about New London Counseling Center programs, visit www.newlondoncounselingcenter.com