Our Programs and Services3

The Mental Health Association of Nassau County is dedicated to serving individuals facing mental health challenges, including veterans, at-risk youth and families. Our mission embodies evidence-based practices, education, and resources for the community in both clinical and residential settings, while maintaining a standard of excellence that is recognized throughout Long Island.

We are committed to improving mental health and wellness in the community through the delivery of direct services, as well as through advocacy, education, and training of behavioral health care professionals. We strive to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness and advocate for changes in services, policies, and procedures. We deliver services through an array of programming unmatched elsewhere in the community.

Veterans Services:

  • Vet2Vet – Veterans Peer Support and networking groups for Nassau County Veterans as part of the Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Project
  • Veterans Health Alliance of Long Island (VHALI) – building a friendly veteran community by promoting the health and well-being of Long Island veterans and their families through advocacy, outreach, training, peer support and awareness.

Rehabilitation and Support Services:

  • Gathering Place PROS – Day program focusing on Personalized Recovery Oriented Services, where adults with mental illnesses actively participate in skill development toward employment, housing, education, wellness self-management and improving their health while working toward community integration.
  • SOAR (Specialized Opportunities for Achieving Recovery) – SOAR is a “Clubhouse-like” program for recovery and social skills.
  • Peer Services – This non-clinical division of MHANC is staffed by trained peers with shared personal experiences in the mental health systems and recovery. We believe in empowerment, personal responsibility, and above all – the power of HOPE. All peer services provided are free. Services include:
    • Phone Link – Peer-to-peer warm line offers consumers a chance to talk to other consumers about recovery, relationships, work, school, problem-solving, etc. 516-489-0100
    • Turquoise House and Turquoise House II – Peer respite wellness centers that allow guests to use crisis as an opportunity, providing connection, hope, and a successful alternative to hospitalization. (Pre-registration is required)
    • Peer-led support groups
  • Financial Management – Helping those living with Mental Illness regain their financial independence.
  • Health Home Care Coordination – Provides a professional to help navigate the mental health system and link individuals to services and support creating a comprehensive plan of care meeting physical, mental health and social service needs.
  • Medicaid Service Coordination – A service that helps both adults and children with developmental disabilities gain access to necessary supports and services supporting community inclusion. Services include, but are not limited to, medical, social, educational and psycho-social needs.
  • Crisis Respites for Families – This program provides an out of home residential stay for children with mental illness allowing families to benefit from some time apart.
  • Hospital Discharge Coordination – Coordinates all children’s psychiatric discharges from Nassau County Hospitals to ensure comprehensive community linkages and supports.
  • Compeer Program – Matches consumers with volunteer mentors to work towards recovery.
  • Adult Family Support – Weekly support groups for adult family members and friends of consumers living with mental illnesses.

Housing Services:

  • Cushman House, Garvey House, Walden House – Homes for adults with mental illnesses, providing needed around-the-clock support to focus on recovery.
  • The Dales – Apartment programs that provide the next step in mental health residential housing.
  • Supported Housing – Provides a number of housing opportunities for people living with mental illness to live on their own.

Education & Training Services:

  • Continuing Education for Behavioral Health professionals – Community-based psycho-educational training for behavioral health professionals and the community at large.
  • Community Outreach and Education – Provide information and educational materials to increase the public awareness about mental health issues and community-based resources.