AB2034 program provides intensive case management services to 100 homeless persons with mental illness.

Through a partnership with Orange County Behavioral Health Services, two sites in Garden Grove and Costa Mesa are open to assist individuals with psychiatric disorders to improve the quality of their lives through self-help, support and education. Job skills, peer counseling, and personal growth are stressed.  Our email address is clubhouse@mhaoc.org.

MHA helps coordinate the Coalition for Mental Health in Orange County. This group advocates for improved funding and services for persons with mental illnesses. MHA also participates in other advocacy designed to improve the quality of life for mental health consumers.

A cooperative effort between cities, the County of Orange and the federal office of Housing and Community Development allows MHA to contact homeless persons on the streets. Referrals and assistance in accessing services are provided. Homeless service providers are also offered support and education on serving those with mental illnesses.

Works with individuals in locating housing negotiating with landlords and prepares clients for independent living; while developing housing options within the community.  The furniture connection collects furniture and household items to be distributed to new residents.

Psychiatrists and Nurse Practitioners provide medication management services to individuals through partnership and referrals from Orange County Behavioral Health Services. Rehabilitation Specialists offer support, counseling and case management to assist consumers in building upon strengths, identifying needs and achieving desires. We also offer a representative payee program.

This multi-faceted program offers a variety of mental health services for people with mental illness who are homeless. Through funding from the Orange County Health Care Agency Behavioral Health Services, United Way, foundations and the community, MHA offers a safe day time haven 365 days a year. Individual and group counseling, assessments, goal planning, and crisis intervention are offered, in coordination with MHA's psychiatrist and personal service coordinators. Immediate needs of food, clothing and shelter are addressed through direct services and linkage with shelters, medical care, income development and other services. Assistance with finding affordable, permanent housing is offered, along with our Back to Work employment services.  Student intern nurses provide health education and facilitate access to medical care.

MHA provides volunteer advocates for all 3,200 probable cause hearings in the county. These legally mandated hearings occur when an individual is placed on an involuntary 14 day hold in a psychiatric facility.

Project Return provides a variety of groups throughout the county. These groups are social in nature, and encourage self-help from the members. Weekly meetings, as well as special events, allow members to be with a group of people who understand and can support each other. A volunteer liaison provides leadership to this group.

MHA staff provides callers requesting information on MHA and other community mental health programs and services. 

Periodic trainings are provided by MHA to Room and Board operators. Although these are unlicensed homes, training is helpful to support operators. MHA compiles and distributes a list of room and board homes.

MHA staff responds to referrals from service providers to assist persons who are psychiatrically disabled in applying for SSI.  Staff speaks English, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

The SSI Outreach Program provides support and assistance necessary to present a complete application package to Social Security. This includes obtaining medical records, birth certificates and other information. The Outreach Team will meet the client in the field if he or she cannot get to the office.

MHA's Back to Work program is designed to facilitate the re-entry into the labor market of Orange County's homeless and unemployed. This program is individualized to provide the level of support needed and wanted by each consumer. An employment specialist and job coaches facilitate job placement and retention.

 

 

 

For more information about our programs, send email to
programs@mhaoc.org

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