Board of Directors

Organization Information

Mission: Community Institute for Psychotherapy (CIP) is a nonprofit, tax exempt center founded in 1977 to provide high quality, low-cost mental health services to individuals and families who don't have the resources to pay full fees for professional help. CIP offers a full range of services designed to meet a variety of needs. Our work is accomplished in cooperation and coordination with a wide variety of community-based, public and private agencies and individuals throughout Marin County.

Vision: We at CIP believe that through psychotherapy, training, education, and prevention, we have a vital role to play in personal and global change. We believe that the healing of the individual and the healing of the planet are inseparable. By helping families and individuals, we support the health and quality of life of all our community.

Summary of Programs: CIP focuses on offering maximum access to quality care for high-risk populations, with particular emphasis on young low-income families and school-age youth. Services are provided by 16 intern-therapists. Our onsite programs include Help for Disadvantaged Families and Individuals at Risk, Adult Therapy Groups, Couples Therapy Program, Psychological Testing, Survivors of Childhood Abuse, Support for Single Parent Families, and Eating Disorders Treatment and Prevention Program. All services are provided on a sliding-scale based on household income. We work in Marin public schools, Helen Vine Detox Center, Senior Access, and California Reentry Program at San Quentin.

Year Founded: 1977 Current Budget Size: $800,000

Total Paid Staff: 2 full-time, 6 part-time

Total Volunteers (excluding board members): More than 100 licensed mental health professionals donate time and expertise to train and supervise our intern-therapists.  

Total Clients: 500 unduplicated families, children, and adults.

Specific Board Needs

Current Board Size: 5

Max Board Size: 12 (prefer 8-10)

Candidate Qualifications: Our ideal board candidate is an outgoing, hands-on people person, ready to apply his or her personal skills and expertise (whether financial, marketing, communication, networking, etc.) to meet new challenges, and who takes pride in working with a tight-knit organization known for its excellence. Creativity and problem solving skills are highly valued.

Community Relationships: We welcome Board members from all segments of the community and diversity of backgrounds and professional interests: business, legal, education, and so on. Our ideal candidate is eager to advocate for mental health and CIP among friends, colleagues, and others in the community, helping to expand our circles of support.

Values & Interests: Our ideal candidate shares an affinity for our mission and a commitment to the health and well being of Marin families, adults, and children.

General Responsibilities:

Maintain a working knowledge of CIP's programs, performance, and benefits to the community. Attend a minimum of 5 out of 6 every other month Board meetings.

Each board member brings a unique skill set. Authorize CIP annual budget and monitor finances Join in setting goals, solving problems, celebrating success. Fulfill the mission of the agency working with and through the Executive Director.

Build Awareness of CIP and the Importance of Mental Health.

Advocate for CIP when talking to colleagues, neighbors and friends. Write letters and Opinion Pieces, speak at public forums and community groups. Recruit new Board members and volunteers for CIP events and committees. CIP undertakes an ongoing, multifaceted fund development program, including grant funding from foundations and corporations, fund raising events, and individual donor campaigns. We are eager to expand our efforts in all of these areas, as well as major donors and planned giving.  

Personal Giving Expectations: To make an annual personal contribution at the highest level possible.

Application Process Candidate meets with Executive Director to become familiar with the work of CIP and board procedures and responsibilities.

Candidate attends a board meeting. Executive Director follows up with candidate to confirm interest in joining the board. Board nominates and votes on candidate's application. Orientation & Training Provided as needed

Interested? Please email us at  [email protected]