The Mental Health Association of Southwest Florida
The Mental Health Association of Southwest Florida (MHASWFL) is a non-profit, 501 (c) 3, non-governmental voluntary citizen organization whose primary goals are to promote healthy emotional and mental wellness.
Our Mission To Advocate for Mental Wellness through Education, Prevention, and Support.
Advocacy, an important activity of the Mental Health Association of Southwest Florida, has had its share of milestones. After successfully advocating for a psychologist in 1957, the Association in 1963, obtained and paid for the part-time services of a psychiatrist. Then attention was turned towards increasing the funding for the State Hospital to pay competent personnel, greater use of NCH for psychiatric patients, and more after care programs for patients. Dr. Louis Moore, President of the MHA1961-1962 lead the effort to secure a mental health center for Collier County. During this same period The Kiwanis Club, in support of MHA, approved a project of acquiring land and a building for the clinic. Polly Keller’s term as President, the dream was finally realized when the clinic doors opened in October. The present day Board and Staff of the MHASWFL appreciate the dedication of the founders and volunteers whose efforts have greatly improved the lives of all in our community. The mission has not changed. The goals may have been reprioritized and the language modernized but the intent remains the same.
More About Us
Our Programs
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Referral Network:
The Mental Health Association of Southwest Florida has been a community referral source in the region for many years. We offer personal referrals by phone to our many Licensed Mental Health Professionals and well as other vital Community Services. We also have the ability to for our Professionals to refer to a colleague in the area or other information needed for a client.
We offer the ability of our Directory in print, online and mobile for easy access of information. Also our office staff can be contacted for referral information and community insight. -
Divorce Education
Putting Children First is a four hour, court mandated, educational support group for parents who are about to embark on divorce. The program recognizes that loving, caring parents may lose sight of how deeply their children may be affected by their decision to obtain a divorce.
The thought is that if parents are more informed about the pitfalls of families in divorce, they may be more responsive to their children’s needs during this time.
Some of the topics that are covered during the session include, co-parenting, dealing with children’s anger, dealing with an unhappy spouse, etc. The idea is to facilitate a discussion within the group that will put all parents on a more positive level with their children and the spouses they are divorcing. The goal is to empower the parents and to stress how important it is to share with their children that the divorce is not their fault. The hope is that these parents will walk away from the class with better knowledge and, therefore; create a better atmosphere for themselves and their children during a difficult time. -
PEER SUPPORT GROUPS
Peer support is an important aspect of recovery for persons with mental illness. A Peer led support group brings people together who have similar experiences. Meetings are confidential, informal, non-judgmental, and are geared to stimulate discussion and sharing of concerns. Joining a support group is a valuable addition to, but not in place of, professional treatment. Support groups can help you feel less alone by making connections with others and get you motivated to stick to your treatment plan.
We have the following ongoing support groups:
Depression Support Group:
Meets every Thursday, 10:30 A.M. to noon, MHA office
Veterans Support Group:
Meets Wednesday from 07:00 PM to 8:30 PM MHA office
Here for Life Support Group:
Meets 1st Tuesday every Month from 07:00PM to 8:30PM MHA office
If you still have questions, please contact The Mental Health Association at 239-261-5405 or at info@mhaswfl.org.
Please see our calendar of current events for more information. -
Gollie Gator's Outreach Initiative
It is estimated that about one in five children have a diagnosable mental health disorder, and one in ten children have a disorder of such seriousness that it interferes with their functioning at home, at school, and in our community. We can stop this cycle and help our youth become successful, productive individuals.
That is why we are networking with other agencies and community effort programs to bring valuable projects into focus. Working together as a solid community resource is fundamental in achieving our goals. -
Peer Counseling
Who can benefit from Peer Counseling?
Caregivers of Seniors 60 and older who are experiencing stress from changing life circumstances can benefit from this program. Examples of such stresses are: illness of a loved one, financial problems, a new living situation, and depression. People of all ages can benefit from discussing their thoughts and feeling with a trained peer counselor, who more than likely has had similar life experiences. Peer Counselors can help people deal with their emotions more effectively, develop more effective coping skills, and help clients return to a healthier state of mind.
Is there a fee for Peer Counseling services?
There is NO FEE for any Peer Counseling from the Mental Health Association of Southwest Florida. It is provided as a free service to the community. Contributions are welcomed and encouraged!
Where and when are the counseling sessions and groups held?
Individual and group sessions are held within the geographic framework of both client and counselor, usually at a mutually beneficial site like at your home, Synagogue/Church or other community facility which is convenient to both client and counselor.
How can I find out more about Peer Counseling?
Call our offices at (239) 261-5405. We will describe the details of the program and be able to provide information on the other services of the Mental Health Association of Southwest Florida.
We are here to meet your needs! -
Community Speaker Series
The Mental Health Association has been educating Southwest Florida since 1957. Through the years we have brought a varied forum of renowned speakers to the area. We cover subjects which are current and culturally sensitive.
Our keynote speakers have extensive experience in the subject matter they deliver. We strive for speakers who are well informed, motivating and result driven. -
Workplace Wellness Program
Representatives of businesses and organizations will educate the staff of MHASWFL regarding their missions, goals and perceived needs. We, in turn, inform them about how mental health issues may influence their ability to reach their goals and how a program we present can address their perceived needs. Together we will identify educational programs which can best serve the employees while advancing the goal of Promoting the highest level of mental health in our community. Key objectives of the Workplace Wellness Program include:- reducing stigmatization of mental health issues in the workplace and its accompanying shame
- increasing participation in prevention and treatment intervention
- reducing the impact of workplace stress, e.g. illness and injury
- improving workplace satisfaction
- increasing productivity
- reducing employees absenteeism and termination
- reducing substance abuse in employees and family members
- reducing workplace conflict
- building stronger cooperation and cohesiveness among co-workers
- improving loyalty to organization and management
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Professional Networking
The Mental Health Association of Southwest Florida gives the Professionals the opportunity to network among their peers and other local professionals at various meetings and events.
All Professional members are invited to our Annual Meeting as part of their membership at no cost. These meeting not only offer a keynote speaker but an excellent networking occasion. There are various other forums and meetings held throughout the year, including Divorce Alliance, CEU Classes, and Fundraising Events allowing our Professional members to meet various people in our community.
Myths & Facts
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Myth: People with mental illnesses can work low-level jobs but aren’t suited for really important or resp...
Fact: People with mental illnesses, like everyone else, have the potential to work at any level depe
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Myth: Young people and children don’t suffer from mental health problems.
Fact: It is estimated that more than 6 million young people in America may suffer from a mental heal
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Myth: Mentally ill persons are dangerous.
Fact: The vast majority of people with mental illnesses are not violent. In the cases when violence
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Myth: People who need psychiatric care should be locked away in institutions.
Fact: Today, most people can lead productive lives within their communities thanks to a variety of s
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Myth: A person who has had a mental illness can never be normal.
Fact: People with mental illnesses can recover and resume normal activities. For example, Mike Walla
