Mental Health America Southwest Alabama

Mental Health America (MHA), formerly the Mental Health Association, has served the greater Mobile area since 1953. Established when the National Mental Health Association’s Bell was cast, the small band of dedicated civic and professional volunteers accomplished amazing things.

• The Mobile Mental Health Center -1957
• The Mobile Association for Retarded Citizens
• The Phoenix House – Consumer Club House

Today we serve the community with information, referral, education, advocacy and programs that include:

• Peer Support

Operation Santa Claus – Our biggest fund raising project is for our Christmas program. Our goal is to provide a gift to every resident of Mobile and Baldwin county area group homes. Having a gift on Christmas morning really makes a difference for those who are not able to spend Christmas with their families.

Schizophrenics Anonymous – We sponsor this support group for consumers with Schizophrenia or Schizophrenia-related disorder. It meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. Call 251-438-5928 for more information.

• Education

Dialogue For Recovery – An education program that enables consumers to take a proactive role in the development of their treatment plan. For Mental Health America’s worksheet on this program check out the following link: http://www.nmha.org/pbedu/dialogueforrecovery/index.cfm.

• Speakers’ Bureau

Our Consumer Mental Health Representative educates area nursing students and provides sensitivity training to mental health employees.

• Association

We have been associated with the National Mental Health Association (NMHA) since 1953. In the autumn of 2006, NMHA changed its name to Mental Health America. MHA is the country’s oldest and largest nonprofit organization addressing all aspects of mental health and mental illness. With more than 320 affiliates nationwide, MHA works to improve the mental health of all Americans, especially the 54 million individuals with mental disorders, through advocacy, education, research and service.

Mental Health America was established in 1909 by former psychiatric patient Clifford W. Beers. At that time he founded the National Committee on Mental Hygiene. During his stays in public and private institutions, Beers witnessed and was subjected to horrible abuse. From these experiences, Beers set into motion a reform movement that took shape as the National Mental Health Association and is now called Mental Health America.

MHA’s work has resulted in positive change. We have educated millions about mental illness and reduced the barriers to treatment and services. As a result of these efforts, many Americans with mental disorders have sought care and now enjoy fulfilling, productive lives in their communities.

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