List:
- Residential Services (Adult & Youth Community Residences, Apartment Treatment Program & Supported Housing Services)
- Single Point of Access (SPOA) for Children’s Services In Fulton & Montgomery Counties
- Veteran’s Peer-to-Peer Program (Fulton County Only)
- Youth Grief Services (Montgomery County Only)
About Us
The Mental Health Association in Fulton & Montgomery Counties began as a grassroots effort in each county in the late 1970’s and 1980’s. However, in 1992 these two county efforts merged and became one organization.
Since 1992, the Association has developed programs and services; advocated on the local, state, and federal level; and educated the local community on the needs and rights of individuals living with a mental illness.
Then in 2008, the Association and Montgomery Transitional Services (MTS) Boards of Directors began discussions to merge these two agencies. MTS provided a number of residential services from community residences to supported housing, and had been a viable, progressive agency since its inception in 1980. The joining of the two organizations would only serve to enhance the array of programs available to the community, This was achieved as of July 1, 2011, when the two agencies merged to become one under the Mental Health Association in Fulton & Montgomery Counties’ name.
The Association continues to develop, plan, and implement programs and services that will enhance and promote wellness in the individual, in the home, in the workplace, and in the community.
Advocacy/ Ombudsman/ Socialization:
Advocacy – On the local, state, and federal level the importance and necessity of advocacy for consumers of mental health services is an essential role for the MHA. The promotion of mental wellness, quality of care in treatment, and adequate funding for services are all core elements that are necessary so individuals may have success and support needed to achieve wellness and recovery.
Ombudsman – An Ombudsman is a former or current recipient of mental health services who serves as an advocate/mediator for other persons living with mental illness. The Ombudsman can also help with advocating or negotiating issues, that involve questions about local, state, or federal services, social security issues, social services issues, family court issues, criminal court issues and landlord complaints. Also, the Ombudsman can assist in providing referrals to other agencies when appropriate. Please call 518-762-5332 ext. 103.
Socialization – The MHA sponsors Drop-In Centers that are drug and alcohol free environments in both counties for adult consumers of mental health services. The centers provide recreational, social, educational, and vocational opportunities in a self-help and peer-supported environment. Full meals are also provided each day the centers are open.
Leisure Lounge is located at 33 Bleecker St. 2nd Floor, Gloversville
Hours are Monday and Wednesday 12-3pm
Montgomery County Drop-In Center is located at 34 Division Street, Amsterdam,
Hours are Tuesday & Thursday 12-3pm
For more information call 518-762-5332 ext. 103.
After School Programs:
Amsterdam Elementary LEAPS After School Program
The Amsterdam LEAPS Program will begin in September 2025 for youth in the Marie Curie and McNulty Elementary Schools. This program will operate every day school is in session for a full day as well as on some school vacation weeks. A full-day summer program will also be offered. There is no cost to attend, and the program will offer a full meal after school along with homework time, physical activities, clubs, community presentations, and family nights. For more information please contact the After School Operations Manager at 518-762-5332 ext. 101.
Gloversville Elementary LEAPS After School Program
The Gloversville Elementary LEAPS After School Programs are located at the Park Terrace, Kingsborough and Boulevard Elementary Schools. They are open to any child in grades K-5 in these schools. These programs are provided at no cost to the family. The programs present a safe , nurturing environment where children have the opportunities to participate in activities that enhance and extend academic experiences while providing for positive social and emotional growth and development while also offering a meal after school each day. The programs are offered during the academic school year with some school vacations and a limited summer program. The After School program is a free program funded through the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) under a five year grant that offers a wide variety of experiences to help in the development of the youth. For more information, please call the Program Coordinator Laura Brunetto – 518-774-7180 or 518-762-5332. Email Laura.Brunetto@gesdk12.org
Johnstown Elementary & Middle Schools LEAPS After School Program
The After School Program is available to any student enrolled at Pleasant Avenue grades K-1, Warren Street grades 2-4 or Knox grades 5-6. The After School Program will operate every day school is in full session as well as some school vacation weeks and during the summer. Activities are aimed to improve the students’ social, emotional, and academic skills. Students are provided a free meal and time to complete their homework with staff assistance before participating in other activities. Personnel from various community agencies present workshops to inspire students to make positive choices and set goals. The After School program is a free program funded through the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) under a five year grant that offers a wide variety of experiences to help in the development of the youth. Some of the activities include: arts & crafts, technology, sports, exercise, community service projects, clubs, youth planning council, Fun Fridays and family nights. These activities are designed to be fun and interesting while providing opportunities for the students to socialize with their peers, improve grades, make good decisions, set goals, and feel better about themselves. For more information please contact the Program Coordinator Maggie Arguelles – 518-775-9754. Email Marguelles@johnstownschools.org.
Behavioral Health After School Program
Program Goal:
To provide children with constructive after-school activities that promote confidence and skills necessary to enhance their potential for individual success.
The Mental Health Association’s youth program focuses on positive educational experiences, positive reinforcement, and support. The children engage in educational and recreational activities within a supervised environment. These activities are designed to enhance socialization skills, team spirit, cooperation, and self esteem.
Program Eligibility:
To be eligible for the youth program, children must be residents of Fulton or Montgomery County, be between the ages of 5 and 15, have emotional or behavioral problems, or be at-risk for alcohol/substance abuse, educational failure, or other family community challenges.
Program Referrals:
Referrals are accepted from therapists, school personnel, counselors, parents/guardians and any other service provider who works directly with children who meet the eligibility requirements.
Program Days:
Transportation is provided from school to program and then home.
The Montgomery County Program is held Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday with pick-up time at the schools beginning at dismissal time with the youth being returned home after program between 5-5:30pm.
The Fulton County Program is held on Mondays and Wednesdays with pick-up time of the youth beginning at school dismissal time and being returned home after program between 5-5:30pm.
Summer Program is open to youth in both Fulton and Montgomery Counties and operates three full days a week for 5-6 weeks in the summertime.
Program Location:
Fulton County: 307 – 309 Meadow Street, Johnstown, NY.
Montgomery County: Mental Health Association, 11 Mohawk Place, Amsterdam, NY
If you would like more information about the Mental Health Association’s Behavioral Health After-School
Programs, please feel free to contact the Program Coordinator at (518) 762-5332, ext. 110.
The Regional Child Advocacy Center (CAC) of Fulton, Montgomery & Hamilton Counties:
The CAC is a child-focused, facility based program in which representatives from many disciplines – law enforcement, child protection, mental health, medical, District Attorney’s Office, and victim advocacy – who work together, conducting joint forensic interviews and making decisions regarding the investigation, treatment, management, and prosecution of child abuse and maltreatment cases. The Child Advocacy Center provides a comfortable, private child-friendly setting which is physically and psychologically safe for children and families. For more information, call 518-736-2443.
Community Education, Information & Referral Services:
The Community Educator of the Mental Health Association provides informational sessions to the general public, community organizations, schools, and businesses. Newspaper articles, radio and television interviews are arranged to bring accurate information about mental illness, its effects, and its treatment to the community at large.
Information & Referral:
How many times have you needed to find a service, agency or telephone number and didn’t know where to turn?
INFO-LINE was developed to provide residents of Fulton & Montgomery Counties the ability to locate programs, services and information within the community.
Information & Referral Service
INFO- LINE: 518-762-5332, ext. 100, or toll-free 1-800-734-5864
INFO-LINE is a FREE Service!
Monday – Friday
8am – 4p.m.
(After hours, please leave a message on our answering machine, and someone will return your call.) In case of an emergency, please dial 911. For a mental health crisis, please call 518-842-9111.
Knowing what services are available is vital to receiving the appropriate assistance. Through our toll free line (1-800-734-5864) all residents of Fulton & Montgomery counties can call and receive information on a variety of topics or referrals to area agencies. Also, a comprehensive library is maintained by the MHA, so that if there is a particular area of interest brochures can be sent to further assist an individual.
By utilizing our extensive resource library, we can provide information, refer you to experts, or send you free brochures. We offer information on a wide variety of subjects, and particularly mental health topics. Please call 518-762-5332, ext. 100 for further information.
Also, a Fulton-Montgomery-Hamilton Counties Human Services Directory is available on our website with a wealth of information.
Compeer Programs (Montgomery County Only):
This program brings volunteers together with children and adults coping with the loneliness and isolation brought on by mental illness. Volunteers spend four hours a month with their companion sharing in activities they both enjoy. Through this time together the volunteers can become positive role models, facilitate social and communication skills, and encourage independence for their Compeer friend.
A “compeer” is a companion, a mentor, a friend. The Compeer Programs are about friendship!
Children and adults receiving mental health treatment often need the support that a caring friend can provide. Adult volunteers are trained and then matched as friends and mentors with children and adults referred by mental health professionals.
Who Can Volunteer?
If you are 18 years of age and older, with the desire to support a youth through the challenges of childhood and teenage years or an adult in need of emotional support and companionship – YOU ARE ELIGIBLE! We ask that volunteers commit to one year of service, and approximately four hours a month.
For additional information about Compeer, please call 518-762-5332 , ext. 116 or www.compeer.org.
Employment Training Program:
Handy Ups N’ Downs Thrift Stores located at 338 North Comrie Avenue in Johnstown and 101 Guy Park Avenue in Amsterdam are consumer run and provide employment and training to help individuals with a mental health disorder enter or re-enter the work force in a peer-supported atmosphere so they may become self-sufficient and feel confident about themselves. Please contact the Affirmative Business Program Director at 518-842-2790 for more information.
Family Support Programs:
This program offers activities – both social & educational – to families who have a member(s) living with a mental health disorder. These families are offered various opportunities in which to spend quality time together. This time also provides the opportunity to form relationships with other families in our community who are living with similar situations. Many times this type of support can help decrease the isolation and stigma families may feel. For more information about this program you can call 518-762-5332, ext. 103.
Representative Payee Services:
A Representative Payee is a designated person or institution that manages a person’s Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
Many people who live with mental illness are not able to manage their finances independently, and the rep-payee program offers money management assistance to these consumers.
Please call 518-842-3717 ext. 204 for further information.
Residential Services (Adult & Youth Community Residences, Apartment Treatment Program & Supported Housing Services):
Community Residence – Congregate Treatment Programs are certified by the New York State Office of Mental Health. The residences are staffed 24-hours per day. A Service Plan is collaboratively developed by the resident, staff and any other parties authorized by the resident. The Service Plan will identify a mutually agreed upon course of action, unique to that individual’s needs and choices. It will be designed to address the development and enhancement of community skills. To further enhance self-esteem, an emphasis is also placed on resident involvement in constructive activities outside the residential setting. The Mental Health Association operates two (2), ten(10) bed residences for adults who have a serious and persistent mental illness, as well as two(2) respite and two(2) crisis beds for individuals in need in Montgomery County.
Apartment Treatment Programs – These apartments are certified by the New York State Office of Mental Health and provide residents with the highest level of independence in a certified program. In accordance with a collaboratively developed Service Plan, the program is intended to be the least restrictive certified step before the resident begins to live independently within the community. The Mental Health Association operates a thirty-four(34) bed Apartment Program in Montgomery County for adults who have a serious and persistent mental illness. The apartments are located Amsterdam, New York and accommodate one or two people. Additionally, an eleven bed apartment treatment program is offered in Fulton County with apartments in Gloversville and Johnstown, New York. An emphasis is placed on increasing personal initiative and self-reliance. Staff make routine visits every week and 24-hour on-call system may be utilized by the resident in case of an emergency and after hours.
Children and Youth Community Residence – The Children and Youth Residence is certified by the New York State Office of Mental Health. The residence is staffed 24-hours per day in conjunction with an individually developed Service Plan with rehabilitation, educational and treatment services are identified. The intent is to facilitate a successful integration into the natural family, community, school or independent living situations, as appropriate. The Mental Health Association operates an eight (8) bed Children and Youth Community Residence for children and adolescents twelve (12) through eighteen (18) years of age, with a serious emotional disturbance. Additionally, a crisis bed is available for youth.
OASAS Community Residence for Women – An OASAS Community Residence is certified by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports. This community residence is designed for women with a chemical dependence and provides supervised services while they are making the transition to abstinent living. This program is for women who are completing, or have completed, a course of treatment but are not yet ready for independent living, due to outstanding clinical issues or other unmet needs. MHA operates a twelve (12) bed OASAS Community Residence that has the ability to accommodate up to six (6) infant through pre-school aged children who may reside at the community residence while their mother is receiving services. Women who are pregnant may also be eligible for this residential service.
Supported Housing Service – The Supported Housing Service is a non-licensed Mental Health service offered to individuals who have a serious and persistent mental illness. Services are designed to facilitate individual choice in establishing and maintaining permanent housing within the community. The program affords adults, with limited income, an opportunity to be availed a safe and affordable apartment, furniture, linkages to community supports and advocacy. The program is available to individuals eighteen (18) years of age or older who have demonstrated the skills necessary to reside independently in the community. An additional five(5) SP-SRO beds are available at Holland Circle Apartments.
For further information on our residential programs, please call the Clinical Director at 518-842-3717 ext. 206.
Adult SPOA Application:
Referral Packet Download Here
Single Point of Access (SPOA) for Children's Services in Fulton and Montgomery Counties:
The purpose of this program is to identify those children who are at the highest risk of placement in an out-of-the-home setting and to develop appropriate strategies to support these children in Fulton and Montgomery Counties. For more information, please call 518-762-5332 ext. 115.
Veteran’s Peer-to-Peer Program (Fulton County Only):
Funding through the New York State Office of Mental Health with the Joseph P. Dwyer Project, has allowed the Mental Health Association to open a Veteran Peer-to-Peer Program in Fulton County. This program provides veterans advocacy and support and offers opportunities to gather in a variety of ways from group meetings to social activities for both veterans and their families, It provides an opportunity for veterans to talk and support one another. Any veteran is welcome. For more information call 518-775-9428 or email vppd@mhafm.org.
Youth Grief Services (Montgomery County Only):
A referral-based program is available to any youth in Montgomery County who has lost a loved one to overdose, suicide or other traumatic event, to receive grief counseling, so the youth can develop healthy coping skills that are congruent with their age. For more information call 518-857-1262.