Advocating for Mental Health, Empowering Recovery
For nearly 75 years, Mental Health Partnerships has worked tirelessly, in partnership with people experiencing mental health challenges, to break down barriers to mental health care, ensuring that individuals and families have access to the peer-driven support, resources, and advocacy they need to thrive. Guided by a steadfast commitment to hope, self-determination, and respect, we champion every person’s right to a fulfilling life—no matter where they are in their recovery journey.
A Legacy of Recovery, A Future of Possibility
Since 1951, Mental Health Partnerships (formerly the Mental Health Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania) has championed the belief that people with mental health conditions can and do recover. Guided by the conviction that recovery thrives in informed, compassionate communities, we’ve helped transform how mental health care is delivered—locally and nationally—ensuring that services are shaped by the voices of those participating in the services.
Through over seven decades of relentless advocacy and innovation, we continue to drive peer-centered change and foster resilience, hope, and healing.
Our Mission
Mental Health Partnerships collaboratively builds hope and promotes the well-being of people in recovery through innovative peer-centered advocacy, learning and services.
Our Vision
A community where people flourish, live the lives they imagine for themselves and engage in the promotion of mental well-being.
Our Impact
From advocating the closure of state hospitals to helping establish Community Behavioral Health (CBH), MHP has redirected over $100 million into community-based services and pioneered Pennsylvania’s first peer-led mental health centers—proving that people in recovery are powerful agents of 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.
Meet The Governance Leaders Shaping Our Future
Our Board of Directors brings a wealth of expertise, compassion, and leadership to Mental Health Partnerships. United by a shared belief in the power of recovery and peer-driven support, they guide our mission, ensure strategic growth, and advocate for a future where mental health is understood, respected, and accessible to all.
Irene M. Hurford, M.D.
Board Chair, Owner of Irene Hurford MD PLLC
Richard Muhlberg
President Emeritus, Philadelphia Securities Association
MHP Board Vice Chair
A lifelong advocate for community service and mental health, with over 40 years of nonprofit leadership and volunteer experience.
Lisa Kubisiak
Board Secretary, Executive Director of ResCare
Michael DeHaven, CPA
Board Treasurer, Shareholder of Rainer & Company
Mike DeHaven, CPA, is a seasoned financial advisor and Board Treasurer at MHP, bringing deep expertise in tax strategy, nonprofit compliance, and financial oversight to support our mission-driven work.
Mary Dagney
Board Member, Strategic Human Resources and Human Capital Management
Mary is a seasoned HR leader with over 20 years of experience driving strategic people operations across global industries. She brings deep expertise in talent acquisition, leadership development, and organizational efficiency, delivering impactful solutions that support business growth and foster inclusive, high-performing workplace cultures.
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Perry Kaplan
Board Member, Senior Managing Director of Savills Studley
Perry Kaplan is a Senior Managing Director at Savills and a dedicated MHP board member who brings real estate strategy, business insight, and a deep commitment to mental health advocacy to our mission.
Stefanie Seldin
Board Member, President & CEO of Rebuilding Together Philadelphia
President & CEO of Rebuilding Together Philadelphia with a background in law, housing, and public interest advocacy.
Mary Harper
Board Member, Mental Health Partnerships
Retired Program Analyst for Philadelphia DBHIDS with decades of service in behavioral health, volunteer leadership, and humanitarian work.
Eric Rosenfeld
Board Member, COO of Fair and Just Prosecution
Eric combines legal expertise with real-world business experience to support startups and growing companies. As both legal counsel and former COO, he brings a cross-functional approach to solving problems and planning for long-term success.
Mark Lenker
Board Member, Principal at TruSynergy
Roland Lamb
Board Member, Mental Health Partnerships
Veteran leader in addiction and behavioral health systems with over 45 years of experience shaping recovery-oriented care.
Jacob Bowling, MSW
Board Member, CEO of Bowling Business Strategies (BBS)
Jake is a behavioral health strategist with over a decade of experience in policy, program design, and service delivery. As CEO of BBS, he leads strategy and consulting projects that advance equitable, evidence-based care across systems.
Lora Yanagawa
Board Member, Chief Financial Officer of Beyond the Numbers
Strategic CFO with nonprofit expertise, specializing in audits, compliance, and financial leadership across diverse industries.
Josh Salzer
Board Member, Attorney at Robert H. Montgomery, III, Esquire, P.C.
Josh is a healthcare attorney who advises clients on acquisitions, DSO/MSO structuring, partnerships, and corporate matters. Based in Philadelphia, he blends legal expertise with a passion for supporting growing healthcare practices.
Meet The Visionaries Driving Our Mission Forward
Our executive leaders champion recovery through innovation, strategy, and accountability. Their work powers our programs, strengthens our partnerships, and ensures that every service we deliver stays grounded in purpose and possibility.
Dr. Jeannine L. Lisitski
Chief Executive Officer, Mental Health Partnerships
CEO of MHP with a long-standing career in nonprofit leadership, trauma-informed care, and mental health innovation.
Dr. Racquel Assaye
Chief Financial Officer, Mental Health Partnerships
CFO with deep expertise in nonprofit finance, strategy, and board governance, focused on advancing equitable mental health access.
Reggie Connell
Chief Operating Officer, Mental Health Partnerships
COO leading operational excellence and strategic growth for MHP with a background in behavioral health leadership and program operations.
Cheryl Smith Little
Vice President of Compliance & Quality Affairs, Mental Health Partnerships
VP of Compliance & Quality Affairs overseeing licensing, clinical standards, and recovery-focused service design at MHP.
Kimberly Mann
Vice President of Human Resources, Mental Health Partnerships
VP of Human Resources with over 25 years of experience in nonprofit HR leadership and inclusive workplace development.
Rosabell Poll
Executive Assistant to CEO, COO, CFO, Mental Health Partnerships
Executive Assistant providing administrative support to MHP’s executive team, with a background in operations and project coordination.
Real Stories of Hope and Recovery
We’re here to champion every journey to wellness, offering unwavering support and transformational advocacy. Together, we foster resilience and recovery—so everyone can thrive and live their fullest life in the community, free from barriers to mental health care.
"I'm so grateful for the community that's here and the people that I get to work with in a way that they inspire me every day."
"Every experience I've had with MHP thus far has been great, from the training to being able to get support, a community, sponsorships to go places I never thought I'd go."
"MHP has given me so much, I want to give back."
"Give you your own purpose, you know, just like doing something more. Just a good feeling for me. Now I can be productive."
"MHP has a long history of being a really trusted and reliable resource for peer specialists.
So these experiences already live within your walls."
"The incredible empowerment and the impact that peers have in the field of mental health."
"There's something really, really powerful that happens when you're connecting with someone who's sitting across from you and says, you know, I see you and I hear you. Because I've been there."
"...and just that little click. Wow, it's so powerful just to have somebody who understands exactly how you feel, because we can sympathize all day, but to have somebody else in the room with me, to say, I've done it too, I've experienced that too, allows for a bond that goes beyond words."
"That opened me up to talk to other people so I could coach them and have them get the aha moment again. I did it and I'm glad that I got into new ways of thinking."
"I'm able to be helpful just to know that, like, all that hard work I put through actually paid off."
"And I hope that everybody would get the opportunity to connect with that organization"
"At Mental Health Partnerships. Together..."
"Together..."
"Together..."
"Together...we build hope."
"Together...we build hope."
"We build hope."
"We build hope."
"Together...we build hope."
"Together...we build hope."
"Together...we build hope."
"Period!"
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
Together, We Build Hope
At Mental Health Partnerships (MHP), we’ve championed mental health recovery for nearly 75 years—because everyone deserves the chance to heal, grow, and live a fulfilling life in their community. Our peer-driven approach means you’ll find personalized care grounded in shared experience and compassionate support, ensuring you never have to face challenges alone.
Comprehensive Support for Every Step of Recovery
Mental Health Partnerships (MHP) offers a broad range of peer-driven services—from Recovery Learning Centers and Mobile Peer Support to Case Management, Homeless Outreach, Advocacy, and more. Each program is designed to meet you where you are, providing personalized care and community-based solutions to help you thrive on your path to mental wellbeing.
How We Accompany You on Your Recovery Journey
Every individual’s journey is different—but no one has to walk it alone. At Mental Health Partnerships, we meet you where you are with compassionate, peer-led, and trauma-informed support. Whether you're just beginning or continuing your recovery, we’re here for every step—guiding you toward healing, empowerment, and connection.
Start Your Journey
Reach out online, by phone, or in person. Whether it’s a referral, outreach, or self-enrollment, we’ll make sure you feel welcomed and heard from day one.
We Listen First
You’ll meet with a peer or another staff member who takes the time to understand your story, goals, and challenges. It’s not an intake—it’s a conversation rooted in respect.
Get Matched with Support
From case management and mobile peer support to training or recovery centers, we connect you with services designed by people who’ve been where you are.
Grow at Your Pace
Learn practical tools, set goals, and build strengths through workshops, peer groups, and supportive coaching. You're in control of your own growth.
Recovery is a Journey
Healing isn’t a one-and-done experience, nor is it a straight line; each journey is unique. We’re here for ongoing support, check-ins, advocacy, and care—so you can continue building the life you want, with community by your side.
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.
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.
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.