Ribbon-cutting held for Parkridge Mental Health Therapy Center at UTC

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Monday, Oct. 27, to officially open the Parkridge Mental Health Therapy Center at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, marking the launch of a new on-campus resource for comprehensive mental health care.

The Parkridge Mental Health Therapy Center at UTC provides an office-based space where licensed therapists offer individual and group therapy for UTC students, faculty and staff. Located off the UC Foundation Apartments courtyard (Suite 5217), the center is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The center extends services already available through the UTC Counseling Center by providing a higher level of care for those who may need more frequent or longer-term therapy. Evening and Sunday hours expand access beyond the traditional workday.

“Today, we celebrate not only the opening of the Parkridge Mental Health Therapy Center at UTC, but also the power of partnership and shared purpose,” said Dr. Chris Smith, director of the UTC School of Nursing and the University’s chief health affairs officer. “This center represents about five years—maybe a bit longer—of collaboration between the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and Parkridge Health System, two organizations deeply committed to improving the well-being of our community.

“Together, we recognized a growing need for expanded, accessible mental health care right here on our campus—and today, we’re delivering on that vision.”

Smith, Counseling Center Director Corinne Webster and Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Veronica Warren led UTC’s efforts, working with Parkridge officials to create space for the center.

UTC Chancellor Lori Bruce said the center’s opening represents a milestone in the University’s commitment to well-being.

“This collaboration reflects the very best of what can happen when two strong institutions work together to help the community thrive,” Bruce said. “You should never doubt whether you are making a difference in the life of this campus. By taking services to where students are, we not only increase the volume of care we can provide. We make it easier for students, faculty and staff to access that care when they need it.”

From left: Dr. Veronica Warren, Erical Beasley, Becca Williams, Dr. Corinne Webster, Dr. Chris Smith, Chancellor Lori Bruce, Dr. Chris Cosby, Dr. Krikor Jansezian, Kristy Palomino, Jake Golich, Farlie Chastain, Daniel Kiser. Photo by Angela Foster.

Dignitaries from Parkridge attending the ribbon cutting included Parkridge Health System CEO Dr. Chris Cosby and Parkridge Valley Hospital CEO Dr. Krikor Jansezian.

Cosby said the center reflects Parkridge’s ongoing effort to make care more accessible—something he appreciates both as a health care leader and as a parent with kids soon heading to college.

“Mental health is foundational to overall health, and this partnership lets us meet people where they are—both physically and emotionally,” Cosby said. “This center is not just a new space; it is an opportunity for healing, connection and community growth. We are proud to make therapy approachable, accessible and part of everyday campus life.”

Therapists at the Parkridge Mental Health Therapy Center support treatment for a wide range of mental and emotional health needs—including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), trauma and life transitions.

“This is another opportunity for us to take the stigma out of mental health and increase access,” Jansezian said. “This is the first partnership of its kind in a university setting, and it took hundreds of people across both organizations to bring it to life.

“What made it work was the enthusiasm on both sides. We truly played well together in the sandbox, and the result is something that will directly change lives.”

For students, the center serves as an additional resource when needs go beyond the short-term counseling or crisis intervention available through the UTC Counseling Center. For faculty and staff, it offers a convenient, confidential option for on-campus professional counseling. Employees can contact the center directly to schedule appointments.

“This partnership strengthens UTC’s holistic approach to health and well-being, recognizing that mental and emotional wellness are essential to academic and professional success,” Smith said.