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  Mental Health Association in Essex County  
 
 
 
    National Mental Health Association was formed as a social justice movement in 1909 when founder, Clifford Beers, wrote A Mind that Found Itself. In it he chronicled his horrific experience as a patient in a mental hospital. NMHA was established as a grassroots citizen's advocacy movement.

Mental Health Association in Essex County was founded in 1966 as the Mental Hygiene Association. 		 
 
 
 
    Mission Statement: The Mental Health Association in Essex County advocates for and assists in the improvement of functioning of people with emotional or psychiatric impairments so that they can be successful and satisfied in environments of choice with a minimum of ongoing professional intervention.

Vision Statement: The Mental Health Association in Essex County envisions a just, humane, and healthy society in which all people are accorded respect, dignity and the opportunity achieve their full potential, free from stigma and prejudice.
 
 
 
 
    Self Help: People help themselves and each other by providing support to one another. Self-help is an empowering and enriching personal experience. Programs in Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP) and Anger Management are included in the self-help array of services.

Education Assistance: Many people in our community have not achieved the level of education they wish for themselves. This program seeks to reduce barriers for people who want to actively pursue their GED, Associate's, Bachelor's, Graduate Degrees, or other academic endeavors.

Community Centers: MHA has sites in two communities (Westport,  and Ticonderoga) where people can go in order to establish friendships and support. Services occurring at the community centers include: accessing community resources, using a computer, doing research ion the internet, etc.

Supported Housing: This program enables people to locate and secure housing in their own communities. Assistance with the costs of renting is provided to those who qualify.

Employment: An important aspect of recovery for many people involves re-entry into the work force. MHA assists in this process of gaining and maintaining meaningful employment.

Community Case Management: Our case managers provide support, education, advocacy, and information to assist people to better manage their lives independently within their communities. The case managers make visits to people in their own homes.

Intensive Case Management: Each individual in this program receives several home visits each month. This is intended to ease the sometimes-difficult task of community living and to assist with the achievement of success and fulfillment.

Crisis Alternatives Program: A team of peer companions and peer counselors provide support to those experiencing mental and emotional crises. This program provides services such as telephone support, home visits, and a respite apartment to those in need. This program is available at all times via a toll-free number.

S t a f f

MHA is a non-clinical program employing 30 staff members to serve the 350-450 people that are seen each year. Some staff members have attained their Masters degrees, other their Bachelors, and yet others hold a high school diploma. Most are individuals who have experienced the mental health system from the perspective of a consumer.

 
 
 
 
    What can we do for you? If you think you might be interested in the services of MHA in Essex County, call to determine which programs(s) might be most suitable to you.

What can you do for us? If you are someone who cares about mental health and would like to help by volunteering your time, there are many activities in which you might participate including volunteer driving (reimbursement for mileage), working with collaborating agencies, or sitting on our Board of Directors. Call te Executive director for details.

As a non-profit corporation we are always in need of private support to better assist those who request our services. 		 
 
 
 
    Individuals are not charged for services rendered. Most funding comes from the New York State Office of Mental Health through the Essex County Community Services Board.  
 
 
 
   

Mental Health Association in Essex County
6096 NYS Route 9N
Westport, NY 12993
Phone: (518) 962-2077
Toll-Free: (800) 440-8074
Fax: 518-962-8233
E-mail: MHA@MHAINESSEX.ORG