Mental Health Services

Mental Health services are administered through county Mental Health/Mental Retardation (MH/MR) program offices. The county MH/MR offices serve as a referral source. Most actual mental health services are delivered by local provider agencies under contract with the county MH/MR office. The county MH/MR office determines a person's eligibility for service funding, assesses the need for treatment or other services, and makes referrals to appropriate programs to fit treatment and/or other service needs.

For a list of county MH/MR office locations and contact information visit: MH/MR Program Administrators Association of Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Network of Care is a web resource which provides information and tools, such as:

Information & service directories for every county in Pennsylvania
Research library
Free online trainings available in multiple languages, including American Sign Language
Local, state and national links to goverment resources and organizations that specialize in mental health
Bill tracking to follow current state and federal legislation
Social networking
Secure storage of personal folders including health information, reference materials, WRAP plans and Mental Health Advance Directives

You can also find services in your county by using the Human Services Provider Online Directory

Pennsylvania's Approach to Children's Behavioral Health

Child and Adolescent Service System Program (CASSP)
The current public children's behavioral health system in Pennsylvania is based on the principles and framework developed more than 20 years ago through the Child and Adolescent Service System Program. This Introduction to CASSP describes the origins of CASSP in Pennsylvania, highlights current initiatives and services, and lists some basic children's behavioral health services.

Student Assistance Program (SAP)
Student Assistance Program is designed to assist school personnel in identifying issues including alcohol, tobacco, other drugs, and mental health issues which pose a barrier to a student’s success. The Student Assistance Program is administered by the PA Department of Education’s Division of Student and Safe School Services in partnership with the PA Department of Health’s Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Programs, and the PA Department of Public Welfare’s Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.

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