PRESS RELEASE: Jewish Family Services Partners with Washtenaw County Community Mental Health to Expand Psychiatric Services at Thrive Counseling

Ann Arbor, MI — February 2026 — Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County (JFS) is proud to announce a new partnership with Washtenaw County Community Mental Health (WCCMH) to provide on-site psychiatric assessments and medication management for clients engaged in therapy at JFS’ Thrive Counseling program. 
This initiative is part of a three-year initiative, with January 1, 2026, marking the start of Year Two, and represents a significant milestone for JFS. For the first time in its more than 30-year history, JFS is offering direct access to psychiatric services—an expansion designed to reduce barriers and improve continuity of care for clients receiving mental health counseling. 
Through this collaboration, JFS clients participating in therapy at Thrive Counseling can access psychiatric assessments and medication management in a familiar, trusted setting. By integrating services, the partnership helps eliminate common obstacles such as long wait times, transportation challenges, and fragmented care. Additionally, millage funds support a variety of Thrive behavioral health support services including interpretation and translation services, transportation, and Community Health Worker assistance. 
“This is a major step forward for JFS and for the clients we serve,” said WCCMH/JFS Psychiatrist, Andrew White, MD. “It’s been an absolute pleasure working with the JFS team. I feel lucky to collaborate with this excellent group of providers to expand psychiatric care within our community.” 
WCCMH brings deep expertise in psychiatric care and community-based mental health services, making the partnership a natural fit as JFS builds this capacity. 
“Expanding access to mental health care is a core part of our mission at Washtenaw County Community Mental Health,” said WCCMH Medical Director Tim Florence, MD. “We are thrilled to partner with JFS to provide psychiatric services to community members served by Thrive.” 
JFS leadership emphasized that partnering with a trusted local expert was essential as the organization launched this new service line. JFS’ Senior Director of Behavioral Health, Caroline Butler, LMSW said “This collaboration allows us to expand care responsibly while staying rooted in our mission to provide accessible, high-quality mental health services to our community.” 
The partnership reflects a shared commitment between JFS and WCCMH to strengthen the local mental health care system and ensure individuals and families receive the comprehensive support they need to thrive. 
For more information about Thrive Counseling and JFS mental health services, visit www.jfsannarbor.org/thrive. ​

Media Contact: 
Melissa Goodson 
Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County 
[email protected] 
(734) 769-0209