The Mental Health Association in New York State Offers a New Mental Health Community Partners Program

The Mental Health Association in New York State (MHANYS) received funding from the NYS Office of Mental Health to support family mental health and offer certification in this new program model at no cost. Once trained and certified, a  Mental Health Community Partner (MHCP) offers assistance to individuals over the age of twelve experiencing a setback in managing their behavioral health. What is unique about the MHCP program is the individual in recovery and their family members or chosen supporters all participate together in defining their mind-body health resulting in a healthier support system.  MHCP is a non-clinical program fostering recovery and mind-body health and healing. Currently MHCP has 50 project sites sending staff, students/ family members to be certified as MHCP. Check out the website at https://mhcommunitypartners.org/

The MHCP program model is versatile and offers three program options. Youth 16+ (with consent/ mentorship) and adults offer assistance for 90 days to youth or adults and their identified supporters- be it family members, friends, students etc. The program exercises are grounded in best practices that support recovery.  MHANYS would like an opportunity to provide you information about the Mental Health Community Partners (MHCP) program. I attached three flyers that highlight the training and a flyer to engage youth and family members to consider being certified and offer this innovative support tool to their communities.

Ultimately MHCP training supports workforce wellness as the MHCP program brings a wellness perspective that is organic in shifting culture, and modeling messaging characteristic of a wellness mindset. Through participation in the MHCP certification training agencies offer professional development. For agencies that employ CASAC Counselors, NYS Peer Support Specialists, Family Peer Advocates and Youth Peer Advocates and Peer Brigers their staff are eligible for 20 renewable clock credit hours.

MHANYS just hosted a Family Engagement Summit at the Desmond to congregate all Mental Health Community Partners to explore best practices, provide support, and strengthen the network of family mental health advocates across New York State. It was well attended and food and lodging were provided.

There will be another MHCP Summit at the end of the year.

Interested agencies sign up at https://mhcommunitypartners.org/partner-site-application/

Questions reach out to: MHANYS CEO Glenn Liebman at Gliebman@mhanys.org  Deborah Faust at Dfaust@mhanys.org

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