Learn more about
MHA OF COLUMBIA GREENE
Founded in 1958, we're Columbia & Greene Counties' support for mental health, recovery, education and assistance. We're your bridge to wellbeing, connecting children, families, and individuals with care to live life to its greatest potential.
MHA OF COLUMBIA GREENE
Welcome to
Welcome to the Mental Health Association of Columbia Greene Counties! At MHA of Columbia Greene, our purpose is to build a bridge between mental health and total wellbeing - so that mental health is considered just as important as physical health.
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We go beyond mental illness and mental health to support those in recovery from substance abuse, survivors of assault and violence, children of neglect and abuse, education and after school programs, respite and family support education and services. All our programs help support mental health and wellbeing -- whether it's supporting socialization and activities in an after-school program, strengthening families and bonding, or engaging in art therapy creative activities, positive mental health begins here.
Get to know us.
Our mission, vision, and values are the core of why we're here and passionate about mental health and overall wellbeing. From our history to our future -- MHA of Columbia Greene is your bridge to wellbeing, connecting individuals, children, and families with care to live life to its greatest potential.
OUR MISSION
Advancing mental health
for overall wellbeing.
Throughout history, people have held stigma around mental health. There is a misconception that mental health struggles only happen to people with "flawed character", where in reality, mental health affects everyone and 1 in 5 people experience a mental health disorder in a given year.
Our mission is to advance mental health as a critical part of the overall health and wellbeing of our communities.
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Mental health is health, and we envision a world where mental health is considered and treated just as importantly as physical health.
OUR VISION & VALUES
Improving mental health
for everyone with care.
Imagine a world where everyone has access to the care they need. When it comes to mental health, we strive to make that happen.
Our vision is to strive for better health and wellbeing for our communities with improved access to, and awareness of, mental health supportive care.
Our Values
We're guided every day by our core values. We work to provide CARE for everyone.
C
COMMUNITY
We connect and support our communities with care and foster a society of shared experiences to care for one another.
A
ASSISTANCE
We provide help and support to all individuals so that all people can achieve their potential for health and wellbeing.
R
RESPECT
We practice and promote kindness and compassion in all interactions to foster empathy with diversity and inclusion.
E
EDUCATION
We provide information and assistance for individuals and families to educate our communities in health and wellbeing.
What our clients
say about us.
The value our programs provide
The work we've been able to do because of donations allows our programs to provide vital support to the community. We help children, families, and individuals transform their lives. These stories show that you couldn't make a better investment.
Note: The stories are real testimonials, however, photos are stock images to protect privacy.
Clubhouse is beneficial to me because when I was younger I didn't have friends like that and I was introverted. Clubhouse made me a different person from where I was from 6 years years ago because I get to interact with different people now. Because when I was younger I just hung out at home, and since I was at home a lot it made me suicidal. Now because of Clubhouse I feel much better and now I have a lot of hobbies and friends.
Learn more about our history!
Founded in 1958, we have a long history of supporting Columbia & Greene Counties with mental health and wellbeing!
1958
THE BEGINNING
In 1958, a group of volunteers decided to come together and support the Hudson River Psychiatric Center. Together, they formed The Columbia County Society for Mental Health. Until 1980, the society was operated under these volunteers as board members.
1981
DIRECT CARE SERVICES
In 1981, we began offering mental health recovery services to help those living with a mental health condition live a better life. This program is now PROS for Personalized Recovery Oriented Services, a NYS Office of Mental Health program available by different organizations throughout the state.
1991 - 1995
RENAMING FOR THE FUTURE
In 1991 we changed our name to the Mental Health Association of Columbia County to align with affiliate organization MHAs across the state and nation.
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In 1995, we added Greene County to the name and service area to provide support for both sides of the river.
1997
RESIDENTIAL SERVICES MERGER
In 1997, we merged with Assistance in Meaningful Living (AIM), a non-profit mental health provider for residential services. With AIM, we developed an entire division dedicated to providing supportive residences for those living with a mental health condition.
2010 - 2014
EXPANDING CARE FOR ABUSE
In 2010, the REACH Center was incorporated, which provides support for survivors of sexual assault, violence, crime and abuse.
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In 2014, the Child Advocacy Center was also incorporated to support these cases that involve children. Together, REACH & CAC provide invaluable support to survivors.
2015
CRISIS SERVICES
In 2015, the Mobile Crisis Assessment Team (MCAT) was created, providing vital phone screening support and on-site mental health services for Columbia and Greene Counties. The team helps thousands with crisis intervention and hospital discharge follow-ups, reducing unnecessary hospitalizations and police interventions.
2017
FIRST OASAS FUNDED PROGRAM
In 2017, our first program funded by the NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) was developed. The Clubhouses expanded services for youth and substance use recovery.
2017 - PRESENT
EXPANDED PROGRAMMING
Since 2017, we have continued to develop and expand programming that supports our mission and connects individuals, children, and families with care to live life to its greatest potential. Health home Care Coordination services began providing health care supports. Peer support programs are made available through Apogee Center. Child and family development programs for Strengthening Families and School Based Family Supports were developed, along with AmeriCorps federal volunteer program, mentoring, respite, and family peer supports all aiding in child education and family development. Field support care and warming center operations have recently expanded supports for those experiencing homelessness.​
History of the Mental Health
Bell of Hope!
"Cast from shackles which bound them, this bell shall ring out hope for the mentally ill and victory over mental illness."
- Inscription on the Bell of Hope
The days of old.
During the early days of mental health treatment, asylums often restrained persons with mental illnesses by iron chains and shackles around their ankles and wrists. With better understanding and treatments, this cruel practice eventually stopped.
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In the early 1950s, Mental Health America issued a call to asylums across the country for their discarded chains and shackles. On April 13, 1953 at the McShane Bell Foundry in Baltimore, MD, Mental Health America melted down these inhumane bindings and recast them into a sign of hope – the Mental Health Bell.
A symbolic meaning.
​Now the symbol of Mental Health America, the 300-pound Bell serves as a powerful reminder that the invisible chains of misunderstanding and discrimination continue to bind people with mental illnesses. Today, the Mental Health Bell rings out hope for improving mental health and achieving victory over mental illnesses.
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Over the years, national mental health leaders and other prominent individuals have rung the Bell to mark the continued progress in the fight for victory over mental illnesses.
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Mental Health America envisions a just, humane and healthy society in which all people are accorded respect, dignity and the opportunity to achieve their full potential free from stigma and prejudice.
Meet our leadership team
DAVID R. ROSSETTI, LCSW-R
Chief Executive Officer
MHA of Columbia Greene is built upon support for the community, to build a bridge between mental health and total wellbeing. To provide care, support, and recovery for individuals to live life to its greatest potential.
Now, more than ever, mental health has become a crucial aspect of wellness for people of all ages, yet we still face societal stigma and prejudice limiting people's ability to receive the care they need.
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As we continue the remarkable work our programs do to support the wellbeing of the community, the people we serve will be at the center of everything that we do. I am deeply honored to work alongside my brilliant colleagues to connect individuals, children, and families with care.
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Give and make a difference!
As a non-profit organization, we rely on donations to provide support for children, families, and individuals with mental health and total wellbeing. Your donation directly supports our programs to provide support to the community.
MHA of Columbia Greene is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt non-profit organization and your donation is tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law.