The James Eddie Mental Health Foundation (JEF) is a non-profit organization set out to provide free therapy for income qualified individuals and income diversified individuals. Income qualified individuals consist of people whose income only affords the basic necessities of life and leaves little to no room for additional amenities of living. Further, income diversified individuals are people who income appears sufficient, but they have unique expenses (single parents, medical expenses, garnishments and the like) to where their income is diversified, which also do not allow much room for additional amenities of living, such as mental health services.

The demand for mental health treatment has continued to increase as many psychologists report no longer having the capacity to see new clients, according to a new survey by the American Psychological Association. Faced with continued demand for mental health treatment, more than four and 10 (45%) psychologists said they felt burned out.

Therefore, JEF addresses this dilemma by recruiting board certified Christian counselors who have dual training in evidence-based treatment as well as spiritual treatment. JEF also recruits license professional therapist. JEF recruits mental health practitioners who have lower client caseloads and who is willing to work at a reduced rate, which allows funds to be distributed further across the community of people in need of Mental Health Services.

Our values:

• We value a client focused orientation. Everything we do is designed for the well-being of our clients.

• We are community centered. We Believe serving people in the community enhances the community.

• We value people over profit.

• We value professionalism. Professionalism over classism.

• We value competent, ethical and trustworthy providers. We do not bend the rules of ethics.

• We value an integrative approach. We believe in working together to make a change.

• We value innovation. We believe that sometimes it takes a new method to bring about better results.

• We value Christ. We believe that this is the work of Christ and it transcends the will of man.

Founders:

Christopher James McClendon is a licensed professional therapist and founder and President of the James Eddie Mental Health Foundation. After Christopher's horrific car crash in June 2004, which ended his pursuit of a professional football career, Christopher discovered a new purpose in speaking to the youth about making better decisions in life. After several years of freelance speaking and volunteer work, Christopher was inspired to continue the work of his father, James Eddie McClendon who was a psychiatrist in the late '80s and early '90s. James Eddie McClendon serves as the co-founder and Vice President of the foundation. Together, Christopher and James endeavors to serve God by serving others.