Pittsburgh Pastoral Institute (PPI) History

A Legacy of Commitment, Courage, and Creativity

In 1964 the Rev. Dr. Donald Hargrave Gross, the Rev. Dr. Everett I. Campbell, and Dr. Richard L. Russell together founded Pittsburgh Pastoral Institute (PPI) to provide education for faith leaders who desired to increase their understanding of the relationship between religion and mental health. It soon became apparent that pastors were also seeking support for their parishioners in need of mental health services. Thus began PPI’s commitment to establish counseling services demonstrable of caring for the whole person, publicly acknowledging the vital link between one’s beliefs and healing. This, and the determination to be inclusive guided the founders’ authoring of PPI’s unique mission which still stands today:

Rev. Dr. Everett I. Campbell, Rev. John Baiz and Rev. Dr. Donald Hargrave Gross

PPI is proud to be the longest-lived ecumenical and holistic behavioral health provider and professional learning center in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Over the decades, PPI partnered with increasing numbers of faith communities, neighborhood centers, and health care providers across Allegheny and the surrounding counties to provide accessible and inclusive branch offices. In 1989, changes in state law brought Licensed Social Workers, Licensed Professional Counselors, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists to the fore as the legal providers of counseling. Thus, a gradual transition from what had been a staff of primarily pastoral care providers to licensed practitioners began. While PPI changed the construct of its counseling team, the institute continued to seek staff dedicated to PPI’s mission. This strong ethic in practice remains today across all hiring, operations, and service delivery.

Throughout the years, PPI has forged and grown programs deeply rooted in its mission, programs such as:

Individual, Family, and Group Counseling
Spiritual Direction
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
Professional Training and Education
Professional Clinical Supervision for Social Workers

We invite you learn more about us and these services on this website.

Pittsburgh Pastoral Institute (PPI) History

A Legacy of Commitment, Courage, and Creativity

Pittsburgh Pastoral Institute exists to enhance the health of individuals, families, and communities through an interfaith ministry of counseling and education that integrates the resources of faith and the behavioral sciences.

Historical Video

Pittsburgh Pastoral Institute circa 1965 featuring one of three founders: Rev. Dr. Donald Hargrave Gross

Pittsburgh Pastoral Institute (PPI) History

A Legacy of Commitment, Courage, and Creativity

Pittsburgh Pastoral Institute exists to enhance the health of individuals, families, and communities through an interfaith ministry of counseling and education that integrates the resources of faith and the behavioral sciences.

Historical Video

Pittsburgh Pastoral Institute circa 1965 featuring one of three founders: Rev. Dr. Donald Hargrave Gross

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