The Mental Health Association in Tompkins County

08/28/2025

08/11/2025

Thank you MHANYS for featuring us in the Affiliate Network Spotlight!

The Mental Health Association in Tompkins County, led by Josephine Gibson, recently moved to a new permanent home and is expanding its peer-led services. Founded in 1954, MHA in Tompkins has been a cornerstone of community mental health. Read about the incredible work and developments in the Affiliate Network Spotlight. https://bit.ly/45l9VXs

07/30/2025

Join us Today!

07/29/2025

The Mental Health Association in Tompkins County is hiring a Family Peer Advocate to support families raising children with emotional, behavioral, or developmental challenges.

We’re looking for someone with lived experience as a parent or primary caregiver who has navigated child-serving systems. This part-time position (14–21 hours/week) pays $25/hour and involves both direct family support and community outreach. Training and certification opportunities are provided.

To learn more and view the full job description, visit: https://www.mhaedu.org/join-our-team

To apply: Send a cover letter and resume to Josephine Gibson, CEO, at jgibson@mhaedu.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

07/22/2025

Feeling overwhelmed? You don’t have to go through it alone.
Our Certified Peer Specialists at the Mental Health Association in Tompkins County are here to listen, without judgment.

Whether you’re navigating stress, mental health challenges, or just need someone to talk to, we offer free 1:1 Peer Support sessions to help you find your way forward.

📞 Call 607-277-7337 (PEER)
📧 Email info@mhaedu.org
🌐 Learn more: www.mhaedu.org

07/16/2025

💔🐾 Pet Loss Support Group – You’re Not Alone 🐾💔

Losing a beloved animal companion can be an incredibly painful experience, and it’s something many people don’t fully understand. Our free Pet Loss Support Group offers a compassionate, judgment-free space to share your grief, connect with others who truly get it, and find comfort in community.

Whether your loss is recent or long ago, all are welcome.

🗓 6-week series
🕐 Tuesdays, 2pm to 3pm from July 22nd through Aug. 26th
📍 Location: 511 W. Seneca St.

Drop in for one session or join us for all six — whatever feels right for you. No sign-up required. Contact us at info@mhaedu.org or call 607-277-PEER for more information.

07/07/2025

The Mental Health Association will be closed on Monday, July 7th and will reopen at 9am on Tuesday, July 8th.

06/27/2025

Join the Mental Health Association for a free, online, six-week Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) group for adults 18+.
🗓 Fridays, 12–1 PM | July 11 – August 15
📍Location: Zoom (link provided after registration)

EFT (also known as Tapping) is a simple, body-based practice that combines acupressure with mindful awareness and gentle verbal expression. It may help reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more.

✨ Open to all adults—whether you're new to EFT, exploring tools for your own wellness, or a helping professional curious how this might support your clients.

✅ Register here: https://forms.gle/QsRmdZEzfyBvvUuU8
📩 Questions? Email info@mhaedu.org or call 607-277-PEER

06/25/2025

☀️ Need a place to beat the heat? 🌼

Come chill with us at our Summer Drop-In at the Mental Health Association in Tompkins County! Whether you’re looking for a cool space to relax, connect with others, or just take a breather, our doors are open.

🕛 Wednesdays | 12:00–3:00 PM
🕒 Thursdays | 3:00–7:00 PM
📍 511 W. Seneca St, Ithaca, NY

Free, welcoming, and open to anyone 18+. No registration needed—just drop in!

06/24/2025

Did you know heat can impact your mental health?

When temperatures rise, so can feelings of stress, anxiety, irritability, and even depression. Extreme heat can disrupt sleep, worsen existing mental health conditions, and place added strain on the body—especially for those without reliable access to cooling or those taking certain medications.

💡 The Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA) breaks down the connection between heat and mental health in this helpful article, along with tips for staying well during hot weather.

👉 Read more: https://adaa.org/learn-from-us/from-the-experts/blog-posts/consumer-professional/heat-and-mental-health

✅ Stay cool
✅ Hydrate
✅ Give yourself grace on hot days
✅ Check in on others

You’re not “just being moody” — your nervous system is working overtime in the heat. Be kind to yourself. 💛

As we are experiencing heat domes across the planet, there is emerging evidence from recent publications that heat, among effects on many other human activities, can also have profound effects on mental health. - Martin Paulus, PhD

06/23/2025

As the weather warms, the risk of heat-related illness increases—especially for those taking psychiatric medications. Antipsychotics and major tranquilizers can impair the body’s ability to regulate temperature, raising the risk of overheating. Mood stabilizers like lithium also pose risks; excessive sweating can lead to lithium toxicity, which may cause heat exhaustion or stroke. People with underlying health conditions (such as heart or lung disease, diabetes, or alcoholism) are especially vulnerable.

To stay safe: drink plenty of water, avoid prolonged sun exposure, wear lightweight clothing, use fans or air conditioning when possible, and take breaks in shaded or cool areas. Check in with a healthcare provider if you feel unwell or take medications that affect heat regulation.