The Mental Health Association in Indian River County (MHA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing immediate access with no barriers to mental health care. 

 

We are an affiliate of Mental Health America, and together, we work for prevention; for early identification and intervention for those at risk, and for recovery as a goal. Mental health concerns shouldn’t be handled any differently than physical health concerns.  When someone exhibits symptoms related to cancer, heart disease, or diabetes, we don’t wait years to carefully diagnose and treat the symptoms. We start well before Stage 4 ­­­cancer or chronic heart disease -- we begin with prevention. We take steps to address the symptoms and prevent a worsening of the condition.  So why don’t we do the same for individuals who are dealing with symptoms that can develop into a serious mental illness? When someone complains of feeling sad, being low in energy, and losing their self-confidence, why is it often handled as a phase someone is going through to be ignored until it gets worse?  We should not wait until someone experiences depressive moods day in and day out, has difficulty getting out of bed, and has thoughts of self-harm. We recognize that many times people may not realize that their symptoms are being caused by a mental health condition, or they may feel ashamed to seek help because of the stigma associated with mental illness.  Consequently, there is a delay in seeking help, and getting on the path to recovery. 

 

Our Mission:  

To provide immediate access with no barriers to mental health care.  "It's OKAY to Get Help!"

 

Our Vision: 

Individuals will be afforded an opportunity for an improved quality of life through access to a continuum of care, reduced stigma of mental health issues, and increased integration and acceptance within a community that has an informed understanding of mental health issues.

 

Promise: 

A commitment to operate as a model agency for mental health care, sustaining a superb staff and facilities, and administering the agency with high standards of innovation and professionalism.

 

The MHA has been active in Indian River County since 1978. In 2007, we opened the Walk-In & Counseling Center, here at 820 37th Place, in Vero Beach. The Walk-In & Counseling Center is unique in that it offers immediate access to emotional and behavioral health care for children and adults on a walk-in basis for the initial visit, and by appointment for continuing treatment and services. We wanted to make it easier for anyone seeking help to obtain it, no barriers.  Some people may qualify for free services or a reduced fee at the MHA.  And, we accept many insurances.  We are open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 

Through this Walk-In & Counseling Center we provide a comprehensive approach to care with individualized treatment.  We have 9 therapists on our clinical team, one nurse praticioner, a Clinical Manager, five support staff personnel, and several students & volunteers. Our Executive team consists of our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Clinical Officer, Chief Opperations Officer, a Medical Director/Psychiatrist, a Clinical Manager, and a Director of Philanthropy & Marketing.

 

Last year, we provided over 10,000 professional services to almost 1,200 unduplicated clients, including 918 mental health screenings, 5856 psychotherapy visits, and 1305 psychiatry visits. We served over 3,000 students through Erika's Lighthouse and completed 261 Veteran therapy sessions. 

 

We also run three Drop-In Centers for people with severe and persistent mental illness in three counties – Indian River, Martin, and Okeechobee counties.  These centers are open 365 days per year and we have had 15,921 visits to the Drop-In Centers during the past year. Each center has a director.  We also have 7 staff assistants working at these centers. 

 

Thank you for visiting our website.  Take a look around and if you have questions, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 772-569-9788.

 

If you would like to donate to the MHA, we would be most grateful for your support.  You can make a donation simply by clicking on the DONATE button, located at the top of this page.