The Mental Health Association in Tompkins County

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.

07/08/2025

Chronic Pain Support Group – Starting August 5th

Living with chronic pain can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to face it alone. Join us on Tuesdays from 1:30-2:30pm on Zoom for a free, supportive space to share experiences, learn tools to manage pain, and connect with others.

This group is open to anyone 18+ living with chronic physical pain. Together, we’ll explore ways to reduce isolation and care for our whole selves.

📅 Begins: August 5
🖥️ Meets weekly on Zoom
🆓 Free to attend (registration required)

📧 To sign up or learn more, contact Diane at dolden@mhaedu.org

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.

06/20/2025

Tell Your Senators to Oppose Medicaid Cuts!

The Senate has released its bill to extend President Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, and unfortunately, the bill makes even deeper cuts to Medicaid than the House bill passed last month.

The chamber is on track to pass steeper cuts by the 4th of July holiday deadline, so we need your help to tell Congress that the public does not support cutting Medicaid funding to states. Medicaid is a bedrock of the public mental health system and is shown to help keep people in recovery and employed. Should this bill pass, at least 15 million people are estimated to lose their health plan.

Please call your Senators and send them a message TODAY to tell them to oppose cutting Medicaid.

An example of talking points:
"Hello. I am a constituent living in [city]. I am calling to oppose the cuts to Medicaid in the Senate bill, which are even more than what passed in the House last month. Medicaid is a key funder of mental health and substance use services, and I care a lot about those services because [share your reason why here]. I’m really worried that these cuts will take away health coverage from people who need it or will force states to cut reimbursement or services. We need more mental health and substance use access in my community, not less. Thank you."

06/16/2025

In observance of Juneteenth, The Mental Health Association will be closed on Thursday, June 19th.

06/06/2025

In the news in New York State. Glenn Liebman, CEO of Mental Health Association in New York State (MAHNYS), said, “The passage and enactment of the First Responder Peer Support Program Act this session is critical as the mental health and wellness of our first responders is paramount. MHANYS is grateful for the leadership of the sponsors of this legislation joining us today including Senator Harckham, Senator Ashby, and Assemblymember Burdick, and the first responder agencies here who have worked tirelessly to advocate and rally support, recognizing the toll first responders face every day in responding to emergencies and serving their communities so selflessly. It is essential that New York embrace the needs of first responders through peer-to-peer support and the creation of a culture of wellness.”

Albany, NY – New York State Senator Pete Harckham and Assemblyman Chris Burdick, along with mental health advocates, first responders and other state legislators, called today for the passing of the First Responder Peer Support Bill at a press conference held in the State Capitol.

06/05/2025

Our office will be closed all day on Tuesday, June 10th for a Staff Development day. We will reopen Wednesday morning at 9am.