Giving and Getting More Than You’d Expect...
From Pacific Institute Chief Executive Officer
Welcome!
You have found your way to our website, possibly because you are aware of the devastating effect that a chronic mental illness and serious cognitive decline can have - both on those affected by it, their loved ones and on our society as a whole. Perhaps you are looking for additional information, or feel inspired to help. You have found a place that provides desired information, hope, and a place where you can make a difference.
In 1992 Pacific Institute opened its doors to endorse a vision to overcome the challenges of caring for people with chronic mental illnesses by creating the first existential and humanistic internship and outpatient clinic in the nation. In 1995, our founder Dr. Nader Shabahangi had the dream of creating a facility to implement his idea of a Gerontological Wellness pilot program. The idea was to break away from the typical ‘treatment’ model of senior care to reassert the value of aging and of becoming an elder. After the proven success of that first practicum site, we opened a second senior care residence in 2005 and in 2007 we extended this model of caring, teaching, and learning to those experiencing unique states of consciousness. This new facility provided an optimal environment for learning and collaboration; a place where interns, volunteer staff and skilled health care professionals work together to develop earlier and better diagnoses and treatments for often misunderstood and mal treated mental problems. We are constantly working to develop programs to deliver help earlier in the course of illness, and to sustain wellness once it is achieved.
Just as important are our efforts to on improve public awareness and counteract any remaining stigma associated with mental illness and decline. Our outreach and public policy initiatives are designed to transform the public’s understanding and awareness of the many unique states of consciousness we call by the name of mental illness.
Our ability to generate new knowledge, translate it into effective clinical practice, and provide hope to those who suffer and to their families is largely dependent upon private gifts. We are seeking financial support from those who wish to join in our mission to improve the lives of those affected by schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and other ways of expressing uniqueness and those who are unable to fully function due to cognitive decline from dementia or Alzheimer disease.
There are many ways in which you can help. If your questions aren’t answered on this website, please contact us by phone at 415-861-3455.
We would be happy to help you by matching your interests with one of our many needs. Whether you are considering a first time gift or you have contributed in the past, we are truly grateful for your support. Together we will ease the suffering that comes from lack of awareness, misunderstanding and inadequate care for these experiences.
Sincerely,
Doris Bersing, PH.D.
