Programs & Services

Resource & Referral Services for Comprehensive Support

Connect to vital services like housing, food, healthcare, and employment through a personalized, hands-on referral process.

An individual using a digital device to navigate resources, representing the personalized and streamlined guidance provided by Mental Health Partnerships’ Resource & Referral Services.

About Our Resource & Referral Services

Connecting You to Comprehensive Community Support

Resource & Referral Services at Mental Health Partnerships (MHP) function as a streamlined conduit for individuals and families seeking a wide array of supportive programs in Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania. Whether you’re navigating housing options, looking for financial assistance, or searching for specialized mental health treatment, our referral specialists take the guesswork out of the process. By listening closely to your specific needs, we can point you toward the most effective resources, ensuring every person discovers the help they deserve.

Why a Dedicated Referral Service?

The mental health and social service landscape can be overwhelming, especially if you’re already balancing personal challenges like anxiety, depression, or recovery from a crisis. Without clear guidance, you might find yourself juggling multiple applications, searching dozens of websites, or calling numerous agencies—only to hit dead ends or waitlists. Our dedicated referral staff step in to simplify those logistics, drawing on extensive knowledge of local nonprofits, government programs, and support networks. We believe that no one should face excessive red tape or confusion when in need of essential services.

Key Areas of Assistance

  • Housing & Shelter: Information on emergency shelters, transitional housing, and long-term supportive living arrangements.
  • Financial Aid & Benefits: Guidance on applying for SSI, SNAP, rental assistance, and other public benefits that can stabilize your daily life.
  • Employment & Education: Connections to job training programs, adult education centers, and vocational rehabilitation services.
  • Mental Health & Healthcare: Referrals for counseling, psychiatric care, substance use treatment, and specialized clinics.

A Personalized Approach to Referral

When you contact our Resource & Referral Services, we begin with a thorough intake conversation—exploring not only your immediate needs but also your longer-term goals. Perhaps you’re struggling to pay rent this month due to job loss, yet also hopeful about learning new skills to re-enter the workforce. Our specialists will highlight viable programs that tackle both urgent and future-oriented objectives. If you have a unique situation, like a family member transitioning out of a hospital stay, we adjust our suggestions accordingly, ensuring you receive the most relevant options possible.

Afterward, we provide you with a curated list of contacts, application forms, and any critical eligibility details. We aim to minimize the frustration of dead-end leads, so we verify the availability and requirements of each recommended resource. This diligence helps you conserve energy for your mental health journey instead of wasting it on repetitive phone calls and endless wait times.

Follow-Up & Collaboration

Our assistance doesn’t end once we give you the information. Follow-up is a key component of Resource & Referral Services. After you’ve had a chance to reach out to suggested organizations, we check in to see if you faced any hurdles. Did you struggle with complex paperwork? Encounter language barriers? Run into waitlists? If so, we adjust our referrals or guide you through alternative avenues. In some cases, we coordinate directly with partner agencies to facilitate smoother handoffs, ensuring that you never have to navigate the system alone.

Empowering Self-Advocacy

While we work tirelessly to connect individuals to outside services, we also seek to cultivate self-advocacy skills. You might need ongoing, evolving support to meet life’s unpredictable turns. Through brief workshops or one-on-one coaching, we educate participants on how to research resources independently, ask effective questions, and advocate for their rights. This builds confidence and reduces dependency on external navigation, so you can continue progressing even if new challenges arise in the future.

Seamless Integration with MHP Programs

If your circumstances call for deeper, more continuous support—like Case Management or Mobile Peer Support—our referral specialists can easily loop you into MHP’s internal services. This integrated approach ensures that no gaps exist between receiving a referral and actually acting on it. For instance, if your stable housing hinges on consistent medication management, we might suggest connecting with one of our Certified Peer Specialists who can accompany you to doctor appointments and keep track of refills. The idea is to create a comprehensive network of care that addresses each dimension of your well-being.

Success Stories in Action

Time and again, we hear from individuals who found stable housing, secured critical benefits, or initiated mental health treatment thanks to a single referral. One participant, for example, was able to move from a temporary shelter into a transitional housing program specifically designed for people undergoing outpatient therapy. Not only did this relieve immediate financial pressures, but it also provided them the space and support to focus on long-term recovery. Moments like these fuel our commitment to thorough, personalized resource coordination.

Moreover, many participants discover new opportunities they hadn’t considered. A job-training referral might lead to a career in peer support, while enrollment in a local community college could ignite passions they never thought possible. By serving as an informed gateway, MHP’s Resource & Referral Services often light the path to new beginnings—helping individuals take the next step with greater clarity and optimism.

Your Gateway to Empowerment

If you’re tired of facing closed doors or are unsure where to start in seeking help, Resource & Referral Services offer a lifeline. We stand ready to simplify the search, relieve the administrative burden, and empower you with personalized support that respects your dignity and goals. No matter where you are on your journey, MHP is here to walk beside you—connecting you to the resources, relationships, and resilience needed to move forward with hope.

Mental Health Programs & Services

Peer-Centered Support for Every Step of the Journey

Mental Health Partnerships offers a full continuum of trauma-informed, peer-led programs designed to meet people where they are. Whether you're seeking direct support, caregiver resources, professional training, or systems-level advocacy, our services are built to empower individuals and strengthen communities across every stage of recovery.

Our Impact by the Numbers

Transforming Lives, Strengthening Communities

From peer-led recovery programs to statewide advocacy and education, our work touches thousands of lives every year. These numbers reflect our deep commitment to accessible, compassionate, and person-centered mental health support across Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania.

8,480

individuals and families served

34

active programs across the region

1,106

Peer Specialists trained each year

5,801

people supported through direct services

3000+

individuals reached monthly through homeless outreach

1,573

engaged in community advocacy

Core Values That Inspire Change

Guiding Principles for Empowerment and Growth

At the heart of our mission lies a steadfast commitment to core values that shape every aspect of our work. These values—rooted in hope, empowerment, and respect—guide us in fostering environments where individuals can thrive, exercise self-determination, and pursue lifelong learning. By embracing a holistic, non-judgmental, and culturally aware approach, we empower individuals to achieve their full potential and contribute to their communities.

Your Path to Wellness Begins Here

Together, We Build Hope

At Mental Health Partnerships, we are dedicated to fostering hope and resilience. Our mission is to create a supportive environment where individuals can regain control of their mental health and live fulfilling lives. We offer personalized care that aligns with your unique needs and helps you connect with a community that cares.

Stay Informed, Stay Empowered

Latest News, Inspiring Stories, and Upcoming Events

Discover the latest news, inspiring stories, and upcoming events at Mental Health Partnerships. Our blog offers expert insights and practical advice on mental health, while our events connect you with a community of support. Stay informed and join us in advocating for mental health and recovery.

Councilmember Jamie Gauthier meets with community members at A New Life advocacy center
President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter pictured together honoring their advocacy legacy
Rosalynn Carter seated in spotlight for her fearless work in dismantling mental health stigma
Mental Health Partnerships boardroom meeting on advancing mental health in Pennsylvania
Pink cancer ribbon with support resources for those caring for loved ones with cancer
Two peer supporters sharing smiles and warmth in a Philadelphia community mental health program
Peer specialists gathered in a training session to support the future of peer support programs
Group of advocates during Peer Support Day discussing findings from a regional mental health survey
Parents and caregivers participating in fall Parenting Plus mental health education program
Advocates promoting awareness about peer support inclusion in Medicare legislation
Launch of the Supporting Young Minds guide offering mental health tools for families and youth
Campaign materials promoting mental health priorities for Pennsylvania’s 2024 general election
Woman bonding with a horse during an equine therapy session supporting mental health recovery
College student preparing for a new semester with a mental health checklist on a desk
Celebrating Black excellence in mental health advocacy with community leaders and changemakers
Young woman holding graduation cap after completing internship at Mental Health Partnerships
Portrait of Bebe Moore Campbell celebrating National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
Philadelphia residents staying safe during a heatwave on designated Code Red days
Philadelphia residents coping with extreme heat, advocating safety during Code Red alerts
Dr. Jeannine Lisitski smiles while sharing her vision as CEO of Mental Health Partnerships
Child using tablet, symbolizing the need for safe digital habits and social media balance
Illustration showing emotional expression as part of the 'Speechless' naming your emotions campaign
Flat lay of a mental health toolkit with essential items for managing well-being
Public discussion on mental health and housing in the 2024–25 Pennsylvania state budget
Person lifting weights representing the connection between physical fitness and mental well-being
Woman practicing deep breathing outdoors for Stress Awareness Month relaxation tips
Women leaders recognized for their contributions during Women’s History Month and mental health efforts
Homeless individual bundled for winter, illustrating a call to compassion and support
People in a supportive group session on World Mental Health Day highlighting peer support
Voter casting ballot in support of mental health advocacy during Pennsylvania’s 2023 election
Children standing together outdoors symbolizing unity in response to youth mental health crisis
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Voices of Our Community

Real Stories of Hope & Gratitude

Hear directly from individuals whose lives have been touched by our programs and services. Whether it’s case management, family support, or peer-led guidance, these stories showcase the power of compassionate care and unwavering belief in every person’s potential for recovery and growth.

Ready to Begin?

Let’s Take the Next Step Together

At MHP, we understand that the journey to mental wellness can feel overwhelming. With peer-led support, proven resources, and a warm, caring community, we’re here to guide you through every step—so you never have to walk this path alone.