Florida ranks in the bottom 10 states for mental health care, and data shows it’s because of high costs and a shortage of treatment centers.However, a new facility in Seminole County hopes to change that.The Mental Health Association of Central Florida opened a new Outlook Clinic inside the Neighborhood Coop, which is a ministry of First United Methodist Church of Sanford.The Outlook Clinic will provide free mental health care for low-income families and individuals, as young as six, who don’t have insurance or may be underinsured.”Families are really stretched with what they can afford. And unfortunately, health insurance and mental health coverage, which we know is a parity issue here in the state of Florida, and across the country, is something that goes by the wayside,” said President and CEO Marni Stahlman.This is the MHACF’s second Outlook Clinic. There’s also a facility in Orlando. Those interested in visiting either location should call 407-898-0110 or email info@mhacf.org to schedule an appointment. Wednesday’s ribbon-cutting also marked an exciting and new collaboration with Dave’s House, which is an organization working to provide stable housing for adults living with serious mental illness.”Safe, supported, assisted housing is often the determination of whether you see that individual homeless or incarcerated, or in some cases, deceased, because there aren’t resources for them,” Stahlman said. The partnership between the two organizations helps look to the future of mental health care in Central Florida.”This is a place where no longer can someone say, I can’t afford to get help. It is okay to get help, and we’re here to make sure that it’s affordable because it’s free,” Stahlman says.In a few years, Dave’s House will open permanent, supportive housing for those adults, and it’s less than two miles away from the Outlook Clinic. “Dave’s House provides that critical, supportive housing solution, and the Mental Health Association of Central Florida will be able to refer residents to us,” said Ellen O’Connor, the Executive Director.Dave’s House plans to break ground on its first multi-unit community later this year, and the organization anticipates opening in 2028. “We’re excited about the partnership with the Mental Health Association because it’s a great collaboration. They’re helping people on the front end with the ongoing mental health services, and we’re providing the critical, supportive housing that will allow adults with a serious mental illness to live their lifetime in recovery and really be stable and have hope,” O’Connor said.Once open, Dave’s House at Celery Community will provide homes for up to 20 adults living with serious mental illness and co-occurring disabilities. The new community will feature eight duplex homes, and at the heart of the neighborhood, a 3,500-square-foot community center for workshops, social connection, and group activities. Click here to support Dave’s House.
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. —
Florida ranks in the bottom 10 states for mental health care, and data shows it’s because of high costs and a shortage of treatment centers.
However, a new facility in Seminole County hopes to change that.
The Mental Health Association of Central Florida opened a new Outlook Clinic inside the Neighborhood Coop, which is a ministry of First United Methodist Church of Sanford.
The Outlook Clinic will provide free mental health care for low-income families and individuals, as young as six, who don’t have insurance or may be underinsured.
“Families are really stretched with what they can afford. And unfortunately, health insurance and mental health coverage, which we know is a parity issue here in the state of Florida, and across the country, is something that goes by the wayside,” said President and CEO Marni Stahlman.
This is the MHACF’s second Outlook Clinic. There’s also a facility in Orlando.
Those interested in visiting either location should call 407-898-0110 or email info@mhacf.org to schedule an appointment.
Wednesday’s ribbon-cutting also marked an exciting and new collaboration with Dave’s House, which is an organization working to provide stable housing for adults living with serious mental illness.
“Safe, supported, assisted housing is often the determination of whether you see that individual homeless or incarcerated, or in some cases, deceased, because there aren’t resources for them,” Stahlman said.
The partnership between the two organizations helps look to the future of mental health care in Central Florida.
“This is a place where no longer can someone say, I can’t afford to get help. It is okay to get help, and we’re here to make sure that it’s affordable because it’s free,” Stahlman says.
In a few years, Dave’s House will open permanent, supportive housing for those adults, and it’s less than two miles away from the Outlook Clinic.
“Dave’s House provides that critical, supportive housing solution, and the Mental Health Association of Central Florida will be able to refer residents to us,” said Ellen O’Connor, the Executive Director.
Dave’s House plans to break ground on its first multi-unit community later this year, and the organization anticipates opening in 2028.
“We’re excited about the partnership with the Mental Health Association because it’s a great collaboration. They’re helping people on the front end with the ongoing mental health services, and we’re providing the critical, supportive housing that will allow adults with a serious mental illness to live their lifetime in recovery and really be stable and have hope,” O’Connor said.
Once open, Dave’s House at Celery Community will provide homes for up to 20 adults living with serious mental illness and co-occurring disabilities. The new community will feature eight duplex homes, and at the heart of the neighborhood, a 3,500-square-foot community center for workshops, social connection, and group activities.
Click here to support Dave’s House.