Mental Health Association of Frederick County

04/28/2026

Meet Our Staff!
We invite you to meet Tess, one of our Psychotherapists in Counseling Services. We asked Tess to share why she loves working at MHA.

"My favorite thing about MHA is the colleagues and co-workers I have worked with and continue to work with. The knowledge and support I have benefited from each one has been amazing.

One successful story was witnessing the growth that a client demonstrated after transitioning from a 5-year incarceration period to living in society. This client learned that vulnerability was a strength and showing it at MHA, in my office, was safe. With resilience, they took small steps towards a successful career and built healthy relationships around them. Watching them terminate services reminded me of the meaningful work we do each day in Counseling Services."

04/25/2026

We wanted to share with you a simple but often overlooked way you may be able to amplify your philanthropy. Many companies will match the donations their employees make to nonprofits like the Mental Health Association of Frederick County. That means your gift could go twice as far, without costing you a penny more.

Ask your company’s HR representative if they offer matching gifts. Now is the perfect time.

04/23/2026

Taking the first step isn’t always easy.

For Alex, a single mom navigating the challenges of raising a teen, that first step meant reaching out for support. Choosing to connect with MHA’s Counseling Services became that first step. Through support for both herself and her daughter, Alex found a space to be heard, understood, and guided forward.

Sometimes, the first step is simply asking for help. And that step can make all the difference.

04/22/2026

New classes of Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) volunteers were sworn in last week in Frederick and Carroll Counties. CASAs are appointed by Circuit Court judges to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in foster care.

For Frederick County, we have pictured left to right, back row: Andy Witt; Lisa Parsell; Sarah Schweiker; Ron Colbert; The Honorable Judge Richard J. Sandy; Bonita Farrior; Carolann McConaughy. Front row: CASA Program Manager Jen Fuss; Sasha Dowdy; LaBelle Cameron; Brittany Churchill; Kathy Hallas; Amy Jezek; and Sonia Ottou.

For Carroll County, we have pictured back row: Brian Moran and Ron Colbert. Front row: CASA Case Supervisor Beth Garofalo; CASA Program Manager Jen Fuss; The Honorable Kathryn Brewer Poole, Family Magistrate; Brittany Churchill

For more information, email jfuss@fcmha.org.

04/21/2026

Meet Our Staff!
We invite you to meet Michaela, one of our Therapists in Counseling Services. We asked Michaela to share why she loves working at MHA.

"The opportunity to be a part of someone's healing journey and how each individual here, whether they are a client or staff, is cared for and respected.

A young individual connected to therapy due to their doctor's recommendation as her high blood pressure was determined to be related to their anxiety. The individual's anxiety was impacting their sleep and schooling as they were having panic attacks 2-3x a month. The individual is now thriving in her academics, sleeping soundly, no longer experiencing panic attacks, and can let their thoughts come and go."

04/19/2026

Today kicks off National Volunteer Week. We want to express our deepest gratitude to all our incredible volunteers, including our Board of Directors, Committee Members, CASA, and Supervised Visitation Volunteers. Your unwavering dedication, guidance, and passion for our mission make everything we do possible. Thank you for your time, expertise, and steadfast commitment to making a difference. We couldn’t do it without you!

04/18/2026

We're just a week out for all the fun of Children's Festival!
Join us at the 36th Annual Children's Festival in Baker Park on Saturday, April 25th for great entertainment in the Bandshell. Entertainment for children, by children! There will also be over 50 FREE hands-on activity booths for young children. This event will be held rain or shine (in the Talley Rec Center in case of rain)!

04/16/2026

Meet Our Staff!
We invite you to meet Nelvin, one of our Bilingual Therapists in Counseling Services. We asked Nelvin to share why he loves working at MHA.

"My favorite thing about MHA is the ability to constantly learn from my colleagues and the supportive team culture here.

A client who stood out to me, I guess, would be helping a teen with behavioral outbursts learn to process past stressful experiences and express emotions in a healthier way."

04/15/2026

This continues to be a great event! Thank you for supporting MHA again.

Please consider supporting the Powder Puff game this Friday which is also a fundraiser for the Frederick Mental Health Association.

04/15/2026

04/14/2026

It's National Counseling Awareness Month.
Our Counseling Services offer confidential therapy and psychiatric services for all ages, including individuals, couples, and families.

We support concerns like:
• Depression, anxiety, ADHD, or anger
• Child behavior issues
• Couples/marital challenges
• Life transitions or trauma

How to Get Started:
Call 301-663-6135 for a quick intake and to schedule your first appointment.

Cost Options:
✔️ Covered by Medical Assistance, Medicare, or fee-for-service
✔️ Sliding fee scale for uninsured individuals
❌ Private insurance not accepted
*Waiting list may apply

04/13/2026

Thank you for helping make our event beautiful!