WELCOME
MHA is a private, not-for-profit organization seeking to promote the mental health and emotional wellbeing of Orange County residents. Under the leadership of a volunteer Board of Directors, MHA's staff members, consultants and volunteers provide free mental health services to thousands of Orange County residents each year. In addition, several volunteers answer several hotlines, provide companionship, public education, direct services and assist with fundraisers.
Funding for the services is provided through state, county and federal allocation grants, MHA is also a United Way member agency. Private contributions, membership drives, memorial endowments and community fundraisers are important sources of revenue.
In partnership with service recipients, families, volunteers and the community, MHA strives to fulfill its mission through culturally competent advocacy, direct services, public education, and responsiveness in times of community emergency. MHA’s safety net services are designed to actively address the social determinants of health.
In 2021, MHA served over 72,000 participants in our programs. Those individuals each were offered wraparound services through MHA’s WELCOME Orange approach which is applied to all individuals who connect with us. What that looks like in action is MHA staff providing care/case management, housing, sexual assault prevention and advocacy services, veteran services, meals, transportation, advocacy, support groups, connection to resources, friendship, crisis intervention and so much more every day.
MHA’s highly skilled staff members are dedicated, enthusiastic and have extensive experience in direct service delivery, advocacy, deconstructing stigma, public policy, outreach, community education and training. Staff utilize evidence-based practices throughout our comprehensive array of trauma-informed and recovery-oriented services.
MHA services all of Orange County with offices in Middletown, Goshen, New Windsor and Port Jervis.
Additionally, after 40 years of operating the county’s Helpline/Warmline, the behavioral health system transitioned to the Orange County Crisis Call Center (OCCCC) April 1, 2019. The Call Center is a partnership facilitated by the Orange County Department of Mental Health, which includes MHA, Independent Living Inc., and Access: Supports for Living, Inc. The OCCCC provides telephonic support, crisis intervention, assessment, practical assistance and a warm connection to appropriate services for individuals, youth and families impacted by mental illness, substance use, and/or developmental disabilities.
The Call Center is also responsible for dispatching the Crisis Mobile Response Team which provides in-person support, assessment, crisis de-escalation and connection to appropriate services. The Call Center and Mobile Response Teams refer individuals to peer supports that assist individuals to engage with services, help navigate the system, and provide on-going support. The Call Center provides information and referrals access to local Rape Crisis services if needed.
MHA became part of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at the end of 2020 and were part of the National launch of 988 July 16, 2022. All services can be accessed through dialing 311 OR 1-800-832-1200. The Lifeline can be accessed through dialing 988. Equally exciting is the Text4Teens Program is 24 hours a day by texting 845-391-1000. The help you need is available the moment you need it.
Affiliations & Funding
Mental Health Assoc. in Orange County is affiliated with the State and National organizations and accepts and adheres to the purposes, standards, policies and procedures established by these organizations.
Mental Health America - MHA
Mental Health Association in NY - MHANY
Funding for programs and services is provided by various government agencies, private / corporate grants, private contributions, membership drives and community fundraisers.
