MHA Names New CEO

The Mental Health Association in Indian River County (MHA) is proud to announce the appointment of Philip Cromer, Ph.D., as its new Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Cromer, who has been serving as the organization’s Chief Clinical Officer, will begin his new chapter at the MHA on January 11, 2021. Dr. Cromer said, “I am honored to take this next step as part of the Mental Health Association’s long history of providing quality mental health services in our community.”

The selection of Dr. Cromer is a logical choice as it continues his role in the recent rapid expansion of MHA services in Indian River County to address the psychological impact of the pandemic. Dr. Cromer is a licensed psychologist with an impressive, multi-faceted career. He was integrally involved in the management and operations of CAPS-FAU (Counseling & Psychological Services at Florida Atlantic University) and contributed to improvements and expansion of their psychological services from 2005-2011. He has also run a successful private practice locally from 2016-2020.

MHA Board Chair Ross Cotherman said Dr. Cromer has been a significant asset to the association’s clinical staff and is ready to lead the expansion of the organization. Mr. Cotherman stated, “Dr. Cromer’s experience and his dedication to providing high quality care is a great fit for the MHA. He is focused on both his patients and the community, having served as an adjunct professor in Abnormal Psychology at IRSC and a clinical on-site counselor at the Parent-Child Centers in West Palm Beach and Ft. Pierce.”

Dr. Cromer’s unique experience counseling students will enable him to broaden and improve the internal and outreach programs that MHA offers for young people in our community who suffer from depression, anxiety, PTSD, identity issues, learning disabilities, substance abuse, and personality disorders. His work with veterans at the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center in West Virginia gives him the knowledge and expertise to implement new psychological screenings, assessments, and programs for local veterans.

The pandemic’s psychological impact both nationally and locally has been significant. The Centers for Disease Control points to a marked increase of Americans suffering with mental or behavioral health issues. Recent studies have indicated the number of adults experiencing depression has as much as tripled. The local MHA has seen a 12 percent increase in walk-in patients with issues that are a direct result of the pandemic.

The MHA is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing immediate, affordable access to mental health care for local residents. The MHA Walk-In & Counseling Center, located at 820 37th Place, in Vero Beach, offers individuals experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition, free mental health screening, crisis intervention services, and information and/or referral about how to address their mental health issues.