Association for the Advancement of Mental Health

Overview

The Association for the Advancement of Mental Health (AAMH) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing mental health services in New Jersey, particularly in Mercer County. It evolved from the Association for the Advancement of the Mentally Handicapped, which was founded in 1974 by parents seeking better care for their developmentally disabled children.

History

AAMH's origins date back to its founding as part of the Association for the Advancement of the Mentally Handicapped. Initially focused on services for the developmentally disabled, the Mercer County chapter expanded in 1978 to include support for deinstitutionalized mentally ill adults following New Jersey's efforts to reduce institutional care. By 1981, this chapter had separated to form AAMH, focusing on both developmentally disabled and seriously mentally ill populations.

Services

AAMH offers comprehensive mental health services, including:

• Treatment Conditions: Mental health treatment, alcoholism, substance use treatment, and co-occurring disorders.
• Care Levels: Partial Hospitalization Programs and outpatient services.
• Treatment Modalities: Couples/family therapy, group counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy.
• Special Programs: Services for clients with co-occurring mental and substance use disorders and for persons with serious mental illness.

Achievements

AAMH became licensed by the State of New Jersey as a Behavioral Health Home in 2014. This status signifies a multidisciplinary approach to coordinating care for individuals with severe mental illness, addressing their complex medical needs. AAMH continues to expand its services, supporting over 1,800 clients annually.

Ancillary Services

In addition to its core mental health services, AAMH provides case management, chronic disease management, diet and exercise counseling, education services, and court-ordered outpatient treatment. It also offers liaison services for hospitalized clients transitioning into community care.

Community Impact

AAMH has received significant community support, enabling it to develop comprehensive programs that include intensive case management and supportive housing initiatives. These programs aim to assist mentally ill individuals in securing permanent housing and maintaining independent living situations within their communities.