Mental Health Services

MHA takes extreme pride in partnering with the Department of Mental Health to provide enriching, treatment focused services to Western MA for individuals experiencing mental illness. (MHA also has the ability and willingness to accept out of area referrals)  Since the early inception of community residences MHA has developed responsive and effective models and supports.  This includes specialty programs to address substance abuse, challenges of youth, homelessness and trauma issues.

Community Residences - Staffed programs afford individuals the safety and security to focus on stabilizing their mental health issues while at the same time establishing and practicing skills and coping mechanisms for greater independence.  Typical areas to enhance daily living include health and wellness, money management, interpersonal skills, and living space upkeep.

Supported Housing – This is a community outreach model that works with individuals who live independently.  Assisting individuals to secure affordable, safe, and desirable housing is a priority.  Mental health outreach workers engage with participants in their homes and community settings.  Support hours are typically during the day and early evening, focusing on activities of daily living.  An afterhours, urgent response team is available to individuals in the supported housing models.

Homeless Shelter – These are specialty shelters for individuals who can not survive in the general shelters due to their mental illness.  These shelters are called “Safe Havens” and receive federal funding from the McKinney-Vento Act.  There is a Safe Havens in Springfield and one in Westfield.  The staffed sites are open 24 hours a day.  The Springfield site is transitional housing and the Westfield has both transitional and permanent units.

Outreach - Springfield has a street outreach team, which has professionals with substance abuse and mental health areas of expertise.  The team interacts with homeless individuals, historically the most difficult to engage.  The goals are to encourage individuals to accept assistance, whether it is blankets, medical care or housing.