The Mental Health Association in Tompkins County

10/24/2026

09/24/2026

The Mental Health Association in Tompkins County is pleased to sponsor a 5-week writing workshop on writing about trauma, which will be held in person in downtown Ithaca, NY, on Tuesday evenings from October 20-November 17. Materials provided. Parking available.

Learn more and sign up here: https://forms.gle/GcmqpvFtEF8QyUCYA

“Reclaiming Your Story: Turning Personal Trauma Into Public Narratives” is a brand-new workshop geared toward anyone 18+ who has had some therapy to process their trauma and is thinking about or has shared details of their trauma publicly. This could be writing a memoir, essays, screenplay, or blog, starting a podcast, creating social media videos, or engaging in any sort of creative outlet that requires writing and thoughtful planning.

The workshop instructor, Liz Field, is an author, essayist, and advocate. Her forthcoming memoir, “We Will Get By” (Duke University Press), chronicles her path from childhood trauma to the freedom of the Grateful Dead scene, and to resilient solo motherhood after her boyfriend went to prison for twenty years for a nonviolent drug crime.

Participants will explore the following questions (and more): What does writing about your trauma do for you, personally? Does it help you understand your past, heal emotionally, feel connected to others, all the above, or something else entirely? What are your motivations? Do you want to get published? Share stories on social media? Maybe not share at all? What are the emotional, ethical, and legal considerations of sharing details about your trauma in books, essays, or online platforms? And how can you mitigate further emotional harm?

Each session will focus on a theme and include writing prompts, quiet time for writing (journals and pens will be provided), class discussion and share-outs, time for Q&A, and journaling homework (simple and short exercises). Participants will consider different aspects of going public with their story, and walk away with a framework for how to move forward in their own writing/content creation projects.

The workshop is free but is limited to 8 participants.

09/21/2026

Five Ithaca-based mental health organizations have released the 2026-27 edition of their resource guide, “Mental Health Support & Su***de Prevention for Schools in Tompkins County.” If you have…

09/15/2026

Recovery is a journey, and no one should have to walk it alone.

National Recovery Month takes place every September to increase public awareness of mental health and substance use disorder recovery. It’s a time to celebrate hope and affirm that people can and do recover from substance use challenges.

At the Mental Health Association in Tompkins County, we recognize the courage it takes to seek help, the strength it takes to keep moving forward, and every step made toward recovery.

Together, we can break the stigma, encourage support, and remind our community that recovery is possible.

Please visit our website to learn about our Peer Recovery Services or call us at 607-277-PEER to speak with a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA).

09/08/2026

As students, families, educators, and school staff settle into a new school year, it’s a good time to remember that mental health is an important part of a successful school experience.

The Mental Health Association in New York State has put together helpful tools and resources for supporting mental health in schools, including information for students, families, educators, and communities.

🔗 https://www.mentalhealthednys.org/tools-and-resources

Wishing everyone a healthy and positive start to the new school year!

Tools and Resource Guides Back to School Guides Explore our Back-to-School Guides with practical resources and strategies to support student mental health and wellness for a successful school year. Kindergarten Entering kindergarten is a major step for children as well as their parents. The School M...

09/03/2026

At the Mental Health Association in Tompkins County, we believe that connection can save lives.
Throughout September, we join communities across New York and the country in raising awareness about su***de prevention, including 988 Day on September 8 and World Su***de Prevention Day on September 10.
988 Day on Sept. 8 is an annual day of action centered around awareness and of the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline. This year’s theme is ‘988 Reasons: Your reason is reason enough.’ This theme reminds everyone that you don’t have to be in crisis to reach out to 988. Whatever you’re facing, big or small, your reason for seeking support is reason enough.
Talking about su***de can be difficult. Too often, fear, stigma, or simply not knowing what to say keeps us silent. But we don't have to have all the answers to make a difference. We can check in. We can listen without judgment. We can ask the difficult question. We can remind someone that they matter and help them connect with support.
Suicidal thoughts can affect people of every age, background, and identity. Su***de prevention belongs to all of us and each of us can play a role by creating a community where people feel safe talking about what they're experiencing and asking for help.
At MHATC, our free, peer-led services offer a place to talk, connect, and be supported by people who understand the importance of being heard without judgment.
You don't have to struggle alone. There is hope, and there is help.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health or su***de crisis, call or text 988 to connect with the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline.
https://www.facebook.com/988lifeline

The 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline provides emotional support for people in distress in the U.S. 24/7 via text, call, and chat services. No judgment, just help 💜 Learn more at 988lifeline.org.

This page is not monitored 24/7.

08/31/2026

On Thursday, October 15 from 12–3 PM, the Mental Health Association in Tompkins County is excited to open our doors and welcome the community for our second annual Open House, held in celebration of Global Peer Support Day!

Global Peer Support Day is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the incredible impact of peer support. Peer support has been at the heart of MHA’s work for more than 70 years, and we can’t think of a better occasion to bring our community together.

Stop by to tour our space, meet our team of Peer Specialists, and learn more about the free programs and services MHA offers throughout our community. We’re also pleased to announce that Ithaca Mayor Robert Cantelmo will join us in celebrating Global Peer Support Day and recognizing the important role that peer support plays in building a stronger, more connected community.

Whether you’ve been part of the MHA community for years or have never stepped through our doors, we would love to see you. Come learn about what we do, meet the people behind the work, and help us celebrate the power of lived experience and human connection.

October 15 | 12–3 PM
Free and open to the community. We hope you’ll join us!

04/09/2026

Stop in and learn about PROS. Personalized Recovery Oriented Services (PROS) is a comprehensive recovery-oriented program for adults offered by Tompkins County Whole Health Department. Each class cycle lasts 12 weeks. The main goal of the program is to help people work on all aspects of their life — social, work, education, housing, finding purpose — when mental health or substance use creates barriers.