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Mental Health Association of St. Tammany
Serving St. Tammany Parish since 1985
Services
Central to our work at the Mental Health Association of Saint Tammany are the programs
and services we provide. With very little funding, we are able to offer the Family Therapy
Clinic and Sunshine House. Both of which are vital to our community.
Family Therapy Clinic
Following Hurricane Katrina, many local mental health providers and agencies closed or
reduced their operations.  In January 2009 MHAST organized a full service family therapy
clinic to fill an obvious gap in services.  The Clinic services are available immediately, are
conducted by licensed clinicians and are affordable for those with limited financial
resources.  Our Clinicians will provide an initial needs assessment at no charge, then
make referrals or schedule follow up appointments.  Fees are based upon the client’s
resources and circumstances. All inquiries and appointments are handled confidentially.

Sunshine House
Sunshine House was created in 1985 at the urging of families with a mentally ill member.
This effort was then, and has continued to be partially funded and supported by the state
Office of Mental Health and the Florida Parishes Human Services Authority.  Sunshine
House provides a four day per week day program for adults with persistent mental and
emotional conditions.  Our clients usually require supervision and support and /or
encouragement to be responsible about their illness, and to participate in socialization, in
life skills education, in goal setting and in creative expression activities. Transportation is
available upon an individual review of need. Snacks and lunch are provided.

Community Education
In association with other non-profit groups, and with private, civic and local government
agencies MHAST presents quarterly education events. We collaborate with others in
conducting health fairs, speak to service and civic organizations, and sponsor professional
forums on mental health and wellness topics.

Advocacy
MHAST works diligently creating and sustaining its role in an interactive network of
agencies and organizations in which we advocate for our clients’ needs. Our goal
is to encourage state legislators to pass much needed legislation necessary to fund
mental health services.  By educating those in public office about the kinds of
services needed, we are speaking out about an issue that is all too often forgotten or
ignored.
We are
committed to
promoting
mental health
and wellness in
our community!