The mission of the Mental Health Association in Passaic County is to serve children, adults, and families affected with mental illness through support services, education, and advocacy. We are dedicated to increase public awareness, and understanding of mental health issues and enhancing mental health services in Passaic County

Description:
There are many different services at the Mental Health Association. A brief description of each program is listed below.

Intensive Family Support Program - Understanding and coping with mental illness when experienced by a family member or friend can be a lonely and challenging journey. Information and support are needed, although sometimes difficult to find. Families with a mentally ill adult can receive individualized consultation and support, educational workshops, support groups in English and Spanish, and respite services. Referrals will be taken from any source.

Consumer Parent Support Network - The purpose of the program is to support parents with a diagnosis of a mental illness in their parenting efforts and to promote the healthy functioning of their families. The program provides case management, one to one support from parent, parent education, respite, advocacy, and support groups. Our Parent Advocates are both parents and consumers who can help you negotiate the challenges of parenting by acting as a mentor, sounding board and source of encouragement.

Peer Outreach Support Team/Community Advocate Program -Individuals who have experienced living with a mental illness serve as mentors for other adults with a mental illness. The program provides individual, direct advocacy on behalf of adults with mental illness through support and education, and by linking them to community-based mental health and social services. We provide assistance in developing social skills, educational, vocational, and recreational interests.

Family Advocate Program - Family Advocates are now working at the St. Mary's Psychiatric Screening Center, located in the city of Passaic. All Family Advocates are trained to listen, provide support and act as mentors. Family Advocates have experience as a caregiver of an adult with a mental illness. The role of the Family Advocate is to provide support for families whose loved one is in the psychiatric emergency room.

Advocacy - The Association is a force for social change, spearheading reform and striving for freedom from stigma and prejudice on behalf of the mentally ill. The legislative network is made up of volunteers who inform local elected officials about the impact of legislation on the mental health system.

History:
The Mental Health Association in Passaic County was incorporated in 1985. Mental Health Association in Passaic County is the youngest if the 5 county based Mental Health Associations in New Jersey, which is a division of the National Mental Health Association. With more than 340 affiliates nationwide, National Mental Health Association works to improve the mental health for 54 million Americans with mental disorders, through advocacy, education, research, and services.

Contact people:

Rebekah Leon, Associate Executive Director, (phone), (email) Joanne Green, Executive Director, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (973) 478-0941

Address:

404 Clifton Avenue Clifton , NJ 07011 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.mhapc.com

Directions:

THE MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION IN PASSAIC COUNTY 404 CLIFTON AVENUE CLIFTON, NEW JERSEY 07011 (973) 478-4444, FAX: (973) 478-0941 From Garden State Parkway Northbound Exit #154 – Route 46 East- Clifton, stay on Route 46 a short distance, take Piaget Avenue Exit. At 1st traffic. . . (more)