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The Mental Health Association of Central Florida is the leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and promoting the overall mental health of all.
09/02/2025
Mark your calendars: 9/8 is the SECOND ANNUAL !
Be part of the movement happening nationwide to promote the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline and mental health support. Find more information about 988 Day and how you can get involved: samhsa.gov/988Day
In collaboration of 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline and Heart of Florida United Way, you can take the Pledge and become a Lifeguard. Our goal is to build a strong network of Lifeguards—people committed to recognizing the warning signs, standing beside those in need, and helping prevent su***de among teens and young adults. Take the Pledge here: https://www.youarealifeguard.org/become-lifeguard
If you are seeking non-crisis mental health services, resources and help are just a phone call away! Contact our Connections Referral team (407) 898-0110 Ext. 2 and we'll help you find specialized mental health resources for you!
***dePreventionMonth
09/01/2025
Happy Labor Day! 😄 Our offices and clinic location are closed today but will reopen tomorrow at 9 a.m.
Labor Day is an important reminder of the impact of the U.S. workforce and of our vision for safer, healthier workers. In celebration of this crucial holiday that promotes the mental wellness of workers, here are some tips to deal with workplace stress!
We welcome you and your coworkers to contact us tomorrow if you're seeking FREE mental health resources in our community. Please call our Connections Referral Program at (407) 898-0110 Ext. 2 or fill out our referral form at https://mhacf.org/referral-form, and our team will assist you in finding the mental health resources you need.
09/01/2025
September is Su***de Prevention month and we're asking YOU to HELP US rise above the waters of crisis by pledging to become a Lifeguard! 💜🛟🩵
In 2021, the Mental Health Association of Central Florida created the initiative YouAreALifeGuard.org to help educate people about youth su***de prevention, raise awareness, cultivate a sense of community, and connect them with important resources.
The website features our program where people can "Take the Pledge to Be a Lifeguard". A Lifeguard is someone committed to recognizing the warning signs, standing beside those in need, and helping prevent su***de among teens and young adults. In partnership with Heart of Florida United Way, our goal is to get 200 new people to take the pledge during September 2025!
Our offices and clinic location will be CLOSED on Monday, September 1st in observance of Labor Day.
We will reopen on Tuesday, September 2nd at 9 AM!
The MHACF celebrates Labor Day by providing some tips to improve your mental health at work:
⭐Look at the clouds for 5 minutes and breathe
⭐List your accomplishments
⭐Ask for help if you need it
⭐Drink plenty of water throughout your workday
If you need help or know someone in crisis please call 988.
08/31/2025
We hope that our Back to School & Mental Wellness tips throughout the month of August were helpful for both you and your child's mental wellbeing while returning back to classes! 😄
Our FINAL Back to School & Mental Wellness tip of the day is to encourage your child to make friends! Not only does having fun with peers make childrens' time at school more enjoyable and memorable, but creating strong bonds at an early age can encourage the development of social skills and even improve educational performance.
We wish everyone a WONDERFUL school year for 2025-2026! 🤗🎒📗
During International Overdose Awareness Day, we are joined with Recovery Connections of Central Florida to remember those gone too soon from overdoses and commit to our goal of preventing these deaths, from the workplace to anyplace. 💜
We are showing our support by providing FREE NARCAN at local Central Florida events we attend, provided by Florida Department of Children and Families. We also provide NARCAN at our Outlook Clinic (901 W Church St, Orlando, FL 32805) and administration office (605 E Robinson St #450, Orlando, FL 32801), which is provided to us by Recovery Connections.
The MHACF stands in support by providing FREE mental health resources for the uninsured at our Oulook Clinic and our Connections Referral Program. Call (407) 898-0110 Ext. 2 or fill out our referral form at https://mhacf.org/referral-form, and our team will assist you in beginning your journey to recovery.
08/30/2025
We are pleased to launch our FIRST EVER VIDEO of the MHACF's "Our Stories Matter" video series! 📺💚🧠
"Our Stories Matter" will cover various topics each month that are focused on how you can use our FREE services to enhance your mental wellbeing.
During this month's "Our Stories Matter" video, we had a chat with our Grief Support Group facilitator, Suzanne Higbie-Long, LMHC in regards to Grief Awareness Day. Suzanne talks about her experience with grief and how people from all over—whether nearby or from across the globe—can join our support groups during a tough time in their life. No one should experience grief alone.
If you're interested in being part of our Grief Support Group, or any of our other programs, check out mhacf.org/events for all the details.
Don’t forget to tune in next month for another episode of Our Stories Matter! 😄
08/29/2025
Communication is key in any healthy relationship, including families. Try these helpful tips to improve you and your family's communication! 🤗
The MHACF strengthens the links that tie families together through our FREE Family Advocacy Program. The goal of the program is to engage the entire family in building strong connections with their community to secure a promising future.
If you and your family are seeking FREE mental health services through our Family Advocacy Program, please call our Connections Referral Team at 407-898-0110 Ext. 2 or fill out a referral form online here: https://mhacf.org/connections-referral-program/
08/28/2025
Walk for your mental health as part of OUR team! 🚶🚶♀️
Join our MHACF Team on Saturday, September 13th from 8 AM to 11 AM at Blue Jacket Park as we jog our way (or maybe walk our way) to mental wellness VICTORY during the UNCF Orlando 5K Walk/Run for Education. The goal is to walk our way closer to “Mental Health for All”!
The Mental Health Association of Central Florida has launched FREE resources to help you and your baby grow both physically and mentally! 👶🍼
Being a caregiver for a newborn can sometimes be a stressful event in your life, so we're here to help with our baby height ruler "Growth Milestones For You & Your Child!" Each measurement will indicate a milestone for you and your baby so that you two can grow together. Each milestone can help you and your newborn prepare for success and beyond.
Our next Certified Recovery Peer Specialist (CRPS) Training Cohort is happening September 15th–19th, 2025 — and this is your chance to secure a $150 scholarship toward your future in the recovery field. 💼✨
By joining this in-person training, you’ll gain:
✅ Guidance from my 10+ years of experience in mental health & substance use recovery.
✅ A built-in community of peers who share your passion and goals.
✅ A unique 1-hour wellness break (something new each time!).
✅ Access to my professional network, opening doors to career growth & job opportunities.
✅ Step-by-step support walking you through the CRPS application process so you feel confident and prepared.
📍 Location: Recovery Connections of Central Florida
📅 Dates: September 15–19, 2025
Spots are almost gone — don’t wait! Secure your place today before this cohort fills up.
👩🏫Facilitated by Randi Rachal-Lorenz, CRPS A-F, CAC Intern
👉 Click the link to register https://mhacf.org/crps-training/
Address
605 East Robinson Street, Suite 450 Orlando, FL 32801
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Our Story- Mental Health Association of Central Florida
Mental Health Association of Central Florida was founded in 1946. We have been serving the Central Florida community since then by advocating for Central Florida’s citizens’ mental health. We provide support groups, mental health programs, and mental health resources to our community members. Our programs and groups include:
Reflections: Provides Arrows, a Su***de-Affected support group, a Suicidal Ideation support group, and People Inc, a peer-facilitated mental health support group that has met weekly for over 40 years. Reflections orchestrates our annual Art of Happiness show, in which art from local artists is submitted under a mental health theme, prompting reflection in the viewer and artist. Numerous Introduction to WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) workshops are held by our Reflections program every year.
Mental Health Connections: Mental Health Connections provides Central Florida residents with mental health resources, and helps navigate a client’s needs in times of crisis. Our Connection Specialists will be able to find the resources you need, according to your unique and specific needs.
Guardian Advocate: Being a Guardian Advocate volunteer means helping someone at one of their times of greatest need. Guardian Advocates are granted temporary guardianship of those who are Baker Acted, and help advocate for their best care while inpatient.
Outlook Clinic: Outlook Clinic, in partnership with Florida Hospital, provides treatment for those with a diagnosis of depression or anxiety, and a co-occurring medical diagnosis. Outlook Clinic services are available to those who are at least 18 years of age, living in Orange County, and are currently uninsured.
Orlando United Counseling and Outreach: Four days after the tragedy at Pulse, Mental Health Association of Central Florida knew that our newly Pulse-affected community needed assistance. Glenn Close, actress, and founder of mental health non-profit Bring Change to Mind, gave Mental Health Association of Central Florida a grant to start Orlando United Counseling and Outreach. Those who are affected by primary and secondary trauma from Pulse can utilize free, long-term mental health counseling through Orlando United Counseling. OUC provides several workshops and events for our community to raise awareness of mental health, LGBTQ+ concerns, diversity, and trauma-informed care, including: My Story Matters, Becoming An Ally, Orlando United Volunteer Day, Reflections of Trauma, Changing History: The Stigma of Mental Health in Black Communities, Self-Compassion Workshop.
