Frequently Asked Questions

What does Mental Health America do?

MHA promotes the rights and well being of people with a mental illness. We are dedicated to improving the mental health of all individuals through advocacy, education, information and service. Essentially,we are an organization that provides information about mental health and mental illness to individuals, professional organizations and the community. For more specific information, visit the What We Do page and Programs and Services pages.

Are you part of the Milwaukee County Mental Health Complex?

No. The County Mental Health Complex provides direct services to patients with a mental illness who are uninsured. We are a private, non-profit (501c3)organization affiliated with Mental Health America (formerly the National Mental Health Association) that provides information, support, advocacy, education and support related to mental health.

Can you recommend a counselor, therapist or psychiatrist?

We can't recommend or endorse a specific therapist, counselor or psychiatrist. However, we do offer an online Therapist Directory for Southeastern Wisconsin. In addition, we offer a  searchable Resource Directory for Milwaukee County which provides information about mental health services, advocacy organizations, helplines and more. If you are outside of Milwaukee County, our Statewide Resources by County page provides a number of resources for each county.

Does Mental Health America of Wisconsin provide counseling?

No. We do not provide counseling or direct services but may be able to refer you to a clinic (see above).

Who does MHA serve?

MHA serves individuals, schools, workplaces, senior centers, support groups and community organizations in Milwaukee County and throughout Wisconsin by promoting the rights and well being of people with mental disorders. MHA is strongly committed to ensuring that quality service reaches minority, low-income, women, children and elderly communities.The people we serve range from those who are mentally healthy, such as those attending workplace presentations and training, to those who are struggling to recover from a serious mental disorder, such as parents in the Family Programs. We serve a broad range of socioeconomic backgrounds and cultures, family types and age groups.

Does Mental Health America provide any programs or support groups for people with mental illness?

Yes. The Invisible Children's Program and our Specialized Family Resource Center target parents with chronic mental illness and teaches them life skills that help them raise healthy children. The goal is to keep parents and their children together through support and advocacy.

 

Our Survivors Helping Survivors support group is for people who have suffered the loss of a loved one to suicide. The group is led by mental health professionals who volunteer their services. We also list other mental health-related support groups sponsored by other agencies and organizations.

How does the Mental Health Association advocate for people with mental illness?

One way we support people with mental illness is through legislative advocacy , which keeps people informed about proposals in Congress and the Wisconsin Legislature related to mental health. For example, MHA has worked on the Mental Health Parity BIll, which was recently passed, for many years.

 

MHA serves on several mental health committees, including the Governor's Council on Mental Health, Wisconsin United for Mental health, and the MHA Council of Wisconsin. We also are involved in several statewide initiatives such as the Prevention/Early Intervention in Mental Health Initiative  which seeks to intervene earlier with persons at risk of mental illness or suicide.

Is anyone available to address mental health issues at our next meeting, program, special event, or class presentation?

Contact our Community Outreach Coordinator at (414) 336-7972 or by email for information about community presentations or health/resource fairs.

 

Who funds the Mental Health America?

 

MHA is funded through a variety of sources including government grants; corporate contributions; individual donations; memorials; bequests; and foundation grants. Annual Report.

 

Government grants include the Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division; the Wisconsin Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services; and the National Institute of Mental Health. Foundation grants inlcude Bristol-Myers Squibb Company; the Campaign for America's Mental Health; Charles E. Kubly Foundation, Eli Lilly Foundation; Elizabeth A. Brinn Foundation; E.R. Wagner Manufacturing Co. Foundation Inc.; Richard and Ellen Glaisner Foundation; Greater Milwaukee Foundation; Mental Health America's National Office; Milwaukee Mental Health Foundation; Nicholas Family Foundation; Northwestern Mutual Foundation; Jack and Lucy Rosenberg Trust Foundation; Windhover Foundation; and Zonta Foundation, Inc.