news release

The Mental Health Association (MHA) proudly announced the grand opening of its newest initiative, the Parent and Child Center (PACC), dedicated to providing essential mental health services to families in Indian River County (IRC).

The MHA PACC is a pioneering endeavor aimed at addressing the unmet emotional and behavioral health needs of children, adolescents, teens, and families in the community. With a focus on prevention, early intervention, and effective treatment, the center will offer a range of services including assessment/triage, referrals to appropriate services such as case management, mental health therapy, child and adolescent psychiatry, and psycho-educational services.

“Through the Parent and Child Center, we aim to promote mental wellness and build strong support systems for families in Indian River County,” said Dr. Phil Cromer Chief Executive Director of the Mental Health Association. “By utilizing empirically supported prevention and intervention models, we are committed to reducing risks associated with unaddressed mental health concerns and strengthening protective factors for our youth.”

The need for accessible and affordable mental health services for children and families in Indian River County is evident. According to Mental Health America’s 2023 State of Mental Health in America report, Florida ranks 38th in access to mental health care for youth. Furthermore, Indian River County’s latest community health needs assessment revealed that only 38% of respondents have access to affordable youth mental health services, with just 25% rating their child’s mental health services as satisfactory.

“In response to this critical need, MHA has collaborated with partners such as Tykes & Teens and Suncoast Mental Health to establish the Parent and Child Center,” added Dr. Cromer. “Through this collaborative effort, we aim to provide a comprehensive center that addresses the diverse needs of our community.”  The PACC will also serve as a training facility for healthcare workers, providing practicum and internship placements for college students pursuing careers in human services or mental health counseling professions.

The grand opening of the MHA Parent and Child Center signifies a significant step forward in addressing the mental health needs of children and families in Indian River County. The event provided an opportunity for the community to learn more about the services offered and how they can benefit from this invaluable resource.

About Mental Health Association: Mental Health Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting mental wellness and providing support services to individuals and families in Indian River County. Through advocacy, education, and outreach programs, MHA strives to create a community where mental health is prioritized and stigma is eliminated. For more information, please visit www.mhairc.org.