BREAKING Arizona Catholic Diocese Joins University to Open New Mental Heath Care Center to Offer Counseling and Educational Programs


 To address the region's surging need for health care, the Diocese of Phoenix and the University of Mary (UMary) have officially opened the Photina Center for Catholic Counseling at the new Phoenix Education Center. Operating alongside Nazareth Seminary, this groundbreaking mental health initiative provides dedicated training to expand the reach of faith-aligned, professional mental health care across the diocese.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, which is part of the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, one in five adults nationwide, or about 61.5 million people, experienced some form of mental illness in the past year. Meanwhile, the profession is struggling to provide enough counselors and therapists.

The launch directly addresses a national mental health crisis—where one in five adults experiences mental illness—and a severe shortage of qualified counselors.

Key Mental Health Initiatives & Impact

  • The Photina Center for Catholic Counseling: Located in downtown Phoenix, the center offers evening classes, professional development, and resources for counselors and therapists through UMary’s Liffrig Family School of Education and Behavioral Sciences.

  • Faith-Integrated Clinical Care: Courses provide clinicians with the tools to deliver clinically sound care fully integrated with Catholic teachings on human dignity, ensuring patients receive holistic healing that honors their beliefs.

  • Catholic School Placement Program: The initiative actively trains and places counselors in local Catholic schools. Currently piloting in 9 schools, the program will soon expand to 12 schools.

  • Flexible Learning Pathways: Training is available through both online and in-person coursework, including hands-on clinical internships with local Catholic practitioners.

  • Accredited Degree Programs: The center supports UMary’s Master of Science programs in clinical mental health counseling and school counseling, which are working toward full CACREP authorization.

Community & Leadership Voices

"Tonight is not simply about opening a new building... The people formed here will carry what they learned beyond these walls... into the lives of those who need their care, whether through priestly ministry or mental health services."

— Bishop John Dolan, Diocese of Phoenix

"Mental health challenges are affecting so much of our city, including our children, our families and our seniors. It is so powerful when faith-based institutions can work with government to get more done and deliver for our residents."

— Kate Gallego, Mayor of Phoenix

"Today, we are not simply opening doors, we are building bridges between faith, education and professional mental health care. We’re creating opportunities for healing, strengthening communities and investing in a future where every person knows they are seen, supported and valued."

— Dr. Christina Jurekovic, Chair of UMary Graduate Counseling Program

Supporting Priestly Formation

By day, the 3,132-square-foot facility serves seminarians through UMary's Graduate School of Theology, offering a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts in Theology. This local venue allows future priests to complete their graduate education without traveling out of state, enabling them to study while actively serving in local Phoenix parishes.

Source: https://www.catholicsun.org/2026/09/10/phoenix-education-center-opens-for-seminarians-and-mental-health/

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