(Above) A student works with a child at the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, one of the programs expected to occupy the planned Community Care and Education Center. (Below) A client participates in work skills training at the Evaluation and Developmental Center. (Photos provided)
May 14, 2025
SIU plans to bring behavioral health, related services for public into one hub
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s College of Health and Human Sciences (CHHS) provides a wide variety of behavioral, mental health, rehabilitative, restorative and other services to the public through four special programs. Plans are now underway to bring them all together into one collaborative, centralized place, tentatively called the Community Care and Education Center (CCEC).
The new center would comprise the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, the Evaluation and Developmental Center, the Clinical Center and Project 12-Ways, currently housed in a variety of locations across campus and beyond.
“These programs are doing great work for the community, and they bring a lot of positive attention to SIU,” said Kelly Powers, who serves as the interim director. “The vision is to bring these key community-facing behavioral and mental health programs together into one centralized hub for a wide array of collaborative purposes so we can serve the community and our students even better.”
The center is in the advanced planning stages with final approval from the SIU Board of Trustees and the Illinois State Board of Education pending, but CHHS officials say the goal is to provide optimal care for all who are served while educating the professionals of tomorrow and conducting valuable research.
“The CCEC is going to make a significant impact for SIU and the Southern Illinois region,” said CHHS Dean Robert D. Morgan. “We are going to provide the region with accessible, research-based services to address ongoing behavioral and mental health issues that impact the quality of life of Illinois residents.
“In addition, the opportunity for facilitating research to not only enhance current services but develop new treatments for individuals in underserved areas will bring national visibility to the university. Moreover, the CCEC will enhance the recruitment of prominent students, faculty and staff to SIU while simultaneously contributing to workforce development across Illinois.
“I am confident this center will truly change lives for the better throughout the region and well beyond.”
Bringing it together
The proposed locale is University Hall, formerly used for student housing, Powers said.
“One of the drivers for this is that we want people to know where they can go,” Powers said. “We know there is so much need.
“One in 36 children is on the autism spectrum, and the prevalence has gone up in recent years. Mental health issues are not uncommon, and efforts to destigmatize and acknowledge those challenges have been gaining momentum. But there is a need for services that we can provide.
“We want to draw attention to these wonderful existing programs we have and demonstrate how they are already serving the community and having a big impact and then bring them together in one location where they are readily accessible to the public and where faculty, staff and students can better collaborate and work together on research – where they can do more of what they are doing and do it better.”
More about the programs
SIU and CHHS continue to advance the university’s mission of public service and professional training to improve care delivery of critical, integrated behavioral health and allied services to community members by housing in a single, accessible location within the CCEC’s four programs:
- The Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders – An interprofessional and research facility, the CASD provides high-quality screening and services to individuals ages 2-22 years with suspected or diagnosed autism spectrum disorder and their families. It is a grant-funded clinic through The Autism Program of Illinois and Illinois Department of Human Services. Services are free and include screenings, diagnostics, individual therapy, consultations and trainings. The center also serves as a site for student training and faculty and student research and provides workshops, trainings and other activities as a community service.
- The Evaluation and Developmental Center – A unique program in the region and the state, this comprehensive rehabilitation facility has for many years provided vocational, psychological, transitional living, work skill development, job placement and driver education services to individuals with disabilities. It is jointly funded by SIU and the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Rehabilitation Services. Services are also available to the public by fee payment through referrals from schools, colleges and universities; hospitals; Veterans Affairs and attorneys.
- The Clinical Center – This multidisciplinary outpatient facility has served as a cornerstone of clinical training and community care since its founding in 1958. The center functions as a dynamic training hub for graduate students enrolled in national accredited programs in clinical psychology, speech-language pathology and counselor education. Under the close supervision of licensed faculty, students gain invaluable direct experience delivering evidence-based care while applying theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts. This hands-on approach ensures that graduates are well prepared to enter the workforce as competent, ethical and collaborative clinicians. The center is also deeply committed to public service, providing accessible, high-quality outpatient care to individuals across their lifespan and offering mental health services to individuals and couples as well as family therapy along with targeted interventions for depression, anxiety, trauma-related conditions, disordered eating and more. The center also conducts comprehensive psychological and psychoeducational assessments.
- Project 12-Ways – Since 1979, this program has enabled families to stay together while reducing the likelihood of harm to children. Professionals directly train family members in various child care, self-help and interpersonal skills. Many of the participating families are involved with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. Project 12-Ways receives federal funding to provide behavioral parent training within the context of the family’s daily routine, helping parents learn to successfully manage stress and have positive family interactions in sessions held at their homes. Plans call for Project 12-Ways to have its offices and research space within the new facility; clients will still be seen in their homes.
Making it happen
After approval from the board of trustees and ISBE, the next step is fundraising, with efforts led by the SIU Foundation.
The goal is to raise $5 million to renovate the facility, converting the space into therapy rooms, independent living areas, research labs and offices. It will be a safe, efficient, welcoming environment for community members as well as staff, students and volunteers, Powers said.
Currently, services provided by three units are funded through state and local grants while the Clinical Center is fee for service based. Any additional private gifts would also allow the CCEC to expand its services, become more sustainable and serve more people, Powers said.
For more information about the project, contact Steph Taylor, senior director of development for CHHS, at stephaniet@foundation.siu.edu or Powers at kelly@pwrsolconsulting.com.