Mental Health Association of Northwestern PA

Support Groups and Art Therapy Workshops

Active Support Groups

Our mission is to achieve the vision through: "choice, responsibility and dignity without stigma."

Peer support groups for those experiencing mental and emotional issues. View our 'Schedule of Activities' for the exact time and day.

Ceramics
You can learn the craft of ceramics for the beginner or improve the skill level you already possess. Come and join this creative arts therapy program.
Communicating for the Sexes
Participants will learn the basics of communication such as proper body landuage, facial expressions, active listening, and properly asserting themselves in order to establish and maintain relationships with members of the opposite sex.
Creative Arts
We are offering a weekly art activity that uses art therapy techniques and methods. Consumers will be given an activity each week and will have an opportunity to share and talk about what they made.
Community Support Program
The Community Support Program (CSP) of Pennsylvania is a coalition of mental health consumers, family members and professionals working to help adults with serious mental illnesses and co-occurring disorders live successfully in the community. The Mental Health Association of Northwestern PA attempts to attend and participate in regional meetings.
Domestic Violence Awareness
A peer support group for women experiencing domestic violence. Participats will be empowered to leave abusive relationships and rebuild their self-esteem.
Dual Recovery Anonymous
DRA is a twelve step peer support group for individuals experiencing mental health issues along with substance abuse issues.
Experience Recovery
Meet with other consumers experiencing the recovery process and share your stories about recovery. This is a lifting, supportive and motivational self-help peer group.
Journalizing to Recovery
Participation is encouraged to help you get in touch with your feelings about your illness, and discuss everyday life issues.
Mental Health Literacy
Participants will achieve a greater understanding of how to improve their quality of life while living with mental health issues. They will learn helpful skills at three levels: physical, mental, and social.
Music Group
Discuss music appreciation with members who share a similar interest. Learn about different styles of music.
Greater Erie Area of Narcotics Anonymous Meeting Schedule
The Greater Erie Area of Narcotics Anonymous (GEANA) has meetings scheduled for each day of the week. The phone line is available 24:7
Painting &Portrait Drawing
We are offering a weekly art class. Portrait artist Daniel Toney teaches the principals of painting and drawing. Consumers will be given an opportunity to create paintings and drawings under the tutelage of a professional portrait painter.
General Anxiety Disorder
This Mayo Clinic article discusses the signs, symptoms, treatment and coping skills regarding Anxienty Disorder. First among the coping skills is to join an Anxiety Support Group. Here at the MHA our anxiety support group meets regularly.
Panic & Anxiety
This peer support group exchanges experiences and ideas about coping with the panic/anxiety illness. Share your ideas with others. Learn new techniques for dealing with this disorder.
Praise & Worship
You can add to your spirituality experience or if you were never able to make it to spirituality on Thursdays then you have another opportunity to join others in praying to the Lord.
Recovery Workbook
Work towards your recovery using the chapter outlines from Recovery Workbook. Any adult committed to working on their recovery should join this peer support group.
Rights & Advocacy
Information and Education group still in development. Check back soon.
Spirituality
Come and join in using our Christian faith to address the problems and difficulties we all experience in today's world.
Schizophrenia Anonymous
Anyone diagnosed with schizophrenia or related disorders, is encouraged to visit our meeting. We are an affiliate of the National Schizophrenia Foundation and support their goals. We meet in an informal setting with the expectation of recovery.
Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP)
The WRAP approach empowers you to take control of your own health and wellness, while reducing symptoms and improving the quality of life. The system has been shared with thousands of people through numerous support groups, workshops and seminars.
Women's Issues
Meet with other women in the organization, to discuss issues specifically related to gender. Learn about public health issues. Discuss particular diseases and prevention alternatives.

Support and Educational Groups for Family Members

Family Support Group
Support for Family Members of those experiencing mental health issues. Meeting Wednesday at 6:30PM to 8:00PM at NAMI, 1611 Peach St, Suite 105 Erie, Pa.
Call (814)456-1773 for more information about this group.
Visions of Hope
A Support Group for People Living With Hepatitis. For People infected and people affected.
Parents As Advocates Meeting
The Parents As Advocates meeting is held every second Tuesday from September through May.

Outpatient Clinics

The process for changing between outpatient clinics at Stairways Behavioral Health and Safe Harbor Behavioral Health is outlined as follows:

  1. Write a letter to the clinic you are currently using stating why you wish to switch to another clinic.
  2. Your current clinic will arrange a meeting to try and resolve your issue.
  3. If issues cannot be resolved with your current clinic, you will be asked to sign releases so that Case Management will review your case.
  4. Case Management will attempt to resolve your issues with you and the current clinic.
  5. If Case Management cannot resolve your issues you will be asked to sign releases for your records to be sent to the new clinic.
  6. There will not be an interruption in services or medications. You will continue with services at the current clinic until you receive an appointment at the new clinic.