Mental Health America Allegheny County

Programs: The adult advocacy program partners with individuals who have mental illness to identify their own strengths, preferences, and support needs. Advocates work to ensure that an individual's rights are respected, and that they have a voice and a choice in their mental health treatment. Advocates assist individuals in navigating the mental health system and in accessing mental health treatment and services. The public education program offers workshops that are designed to reduce stigma and increase access to mental health care by improving the community's understanding and knowledge of mental illness. The allegheny county jail information & referral program provides information to family members and friends about how to communicate with and support their loved ones at the allegheny county jail. This program is part of the allegheny county jail collaborative, which facilitates the successful reentry of offenders into the community.

the education advocacy program partners with families, schools and agencies to promote the educational success of students with mental health disabilities. Advocates work to ensure that students have access to appropriate supports, and that parents and students know their rights and have a voice in support planning. Advocates assist families, students and providers in navigating the special education and mental health systems for youth.

soar: ssi/ssdi outreach, access, and recovery assists individuals who wish to apply for supplemental security income (ssi) or social security disability insurance(ssdi) who are both homeless or at risk of homelessness and have a mental illness or substance use disorder that impacts their ability to work. Using the soar model speeds up the application process and improves the likelihood that benefits will be awarded.