Mental Health America Of Lancaster County

We are dedicated to promoting mental health, working to prevent mental and emotional illnesses, and to improve quality of life for persons with these illnesses through education, advocacy and support services. We provide information and referral regarding mental illnesses, mental health services and/or issues. We provide community education on topics such as stress, anger resolution and management, good mental health habits, Your Child @ parenting newsletters, depression screenings and through a large library of books, videos and pamphlets. We have a full-time Client-Family Advocate, helping persons to obtain appropriate mental health services, including individualized education plans for children and youth with mental health and emotional disorders. We monitor local mental health services and do legislative advocacy around regulations and legislation which impacts persons with mental or emotional disorders. We sponsor Alpha Clubs in Lancaster, Ephrata and Columbia; which provide social and recreational activities for adults who have, or are receiving professional help for mental and emotional problems. Referral required.

Mental Health America of Lancaster County has been in existence since 1956 when the Lancaster Mental Hygiene Association split to become the Mental Health Association to provide education and advocacy and The Lancaster Guidance Center to provide clinical services. The Alpha Clubs began more than 40 years ago. Pierre-the-Pelican program has been in existence for more than 25 years and now includes parents whose parents received the newsletters. This program will soon be funded through United Way Success by Six program. We continue to provide education on many topics and continue to use many volunteers. Last year more than 200 persons donated 4700 hours to do the work of our association. We have a rich history of dedicated volunteers doing the education and advocacy.