Building Hope for Children’s Mental Health Across Indiana: Bob and Lisa Jones Support a New Psychology Practicum at Riley Children’s Health

Youth mental health is one of the most urgent challenges facing families in Indiana today. Long wait times, a shortage of pediatric psychologists, and limited access to specialized care leave many children and families searching for help when they need it most. Thanks to the generosity and leadership of Bob and Lisa Jones, a new partnership between Riley Children’s Health, the IU School of Medicine, and the University of Evansville is taking a meaningful step toward changing that reality.

The Joneses are contributing to Riley Children’s Foundation to support the creation of a dedicated psychology practicum at Riley for University of Evansville students. This practicum will provide hands-on clinical training in pediatric psychology while strengthening the pipeline of future mental health professionals serving children and adolescents across Indiana, especially in Southwestern Indiana.

A Personal Commitment to Mental Health

For Bob and Lisa Jones, their commitment to youth mental health is deeply personal.

“All of us know families that have been touched by mental health challenges,” says Bob Jones, a retired bank chairman and CEO, former chair of the University of Evansville Board of Trustees, and prominent local philanthropist. “Our families experienced it. We have dear friends who unfortunately lost a daughter to death by suicide.”

Their passion has grown from witnessing the impact mental health challenges can have when needs go unmet, particularly for young people.

“It’s always been in the forefront of our mind,” says Lisa Jones. “Seeing our family members and friends with family members who are struggling, especially when you're in a crisis situation, where you turn and find that there aren’t many resources available.”

“It’s just a passion that we’ve developed over the years,” says Bob. “It’s something we care deeply about. So anything we can do to make a difference in the lives of people navigating through the challenges of behavioral health is important to us.”

A “Perfect Trifecta” of Impact

When Riley Children’s Foundation presented the opportunity to support a psychology practicum, it aligned perfectly with the Joneses’ long-standing commitments.

“It’s the perfect trifecta for us.”

Bob Jones explained why this collaboration resonates so strongly.

“We’ve had a passion for Riley since we moved to Indiana. Our daughter uses Riley services, and I’ve seen firsthand, after 20 years on the board, the great work that Riley does.”

“We’re passionate about Southwest Indiana and trying to make a difference in the community that’s been so good to us. We also share a passion for the University of Evansville and particularly the Emily M. Young Assessment Center on the UE campus.”

By bringing Riley Children’s Health and the University of Evansville together, the practicum creates new opportunities for students while extending Riley’s impact beyond Indianapolis.

“That’s one thing - so much happens in Indianapolis - it’s nice to be able to have this partnership to do some great things for Southwest Indiana and really make an impact and hopefully be a model for the rest of the state.”

Addressing Wait Times and Workforce Shortages

Indiana faces a severe shortage of pediatric psychologists, leading to long wait times for assessment and care. The Joneses hope this practicum helps address both immediate and long-term needs.

“I think from a pure fundamental standpoint, reduced wait times for those that need to get in for testing is one of the greatest needs,” says Bob. “Because in the past, we could have six to eight months wait time to get the testing to be able to design a care schedule and quality of care.”

They see the practicum as a starting point for expanding training opportunities statewide.

“This begins a launch pad to get more residencies and more interns to serve the need. It’s a statewide problem, but if we do our part in southwest Indiana, hopefully the rest of the state can use it as a springboard.”

The experience Riley offers is especially valuable for students from regions without a children’s hospital.

“We don’t have a children’s hospital here in southwest Indiana. So, for the UE students to get the experience at Riley is worth its weight in gold. They would not have any other opportunity to be able to do that. And what they learn there they can bring back here to the region.”

Giving Families Hope

At its core, the Joneses believe this effort is about hope.

“If you have a family member that’s battling behavioral health issues, if there’s anything we can do to give them hope that there’s some light at the end of the tunnel, then we’ll be successful.”

They also emphasize the confidence families gain knowing care providers are well trained.

“That gives them the confidence that the level of care they’re receiving here, they know they’ve been well trained.”

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Bob and Lisa Jones envision a stronger mental health system supported by well-trained professionals and reduced barriers to care.

“Well trained support staff, well trained professionals in the region, an abundance of professionals serving folks with behavioral health, a decline in the number of community members that need treatment, and significantly lower wait times.”

A Call to Collaboration

For the Joneses, this work is not about recognition, but about collaboration and collective responsibility.

“It’s not about us. It’s really about the collaboration between great institutions that are all focused on trying to make a difference.”

They encourage others to engage, listen, and support one another.

“Just support each other - emotionally, financially, friends, family members - when you ask people, how they are and really mean it.”

Through their generosity and leadership, Bob and Lisa Jones are helping Riley Children’s Health, the University of Evansville, and Riley Children’s Foundation take a meaningful step toward strengthening Indiana’s youth mental health workforce and, most importantly, toward giving children and families hope when they need it most.