April 1, 2024
A Landmark Moment with the Graduation of Pioneering Spanish-Language Behavioral Health Class
Mental Health Partnerships celebrates the graduation of over ten Spanish-trained Certified Peer Specialists poised to improve mental health access for Latinx/Hispanic communities.
A Landmark Moment with the Graduation of Pioneering Spanish-Language Behavioral Health Class
Over 10 Graduates Ready to Bridge the Gap Between Latinx/Hispanic Communities and Mental Health Services as Certified Peer Specialists
Philadelphia, PA - In light of the mounting mental health challenges confronting Latinx/Hispanic communities, Mental Health Partnerships (MHP) is thrilled to unveil the graduation of over ten Certified Peer Specialists trained entirely in Spanish. Research has consistently highlighted the increased susceptibility to mental distress among both older adults and youth within the Latinx/Hispanic population, often attributed to the complex interplay of immigration challenges and acculturation issues.
In the face of these daunting statistics, the emergence of a Certified Peer Specialists workforce trained in Spanish heralds a beacon of hope. Armed with linguistic and cultural proficiency, these specialists are uniquely positioned to bridge the existing gap in mental health services, offering tailored support and advocacy to Latinx/Hispanic individuals grappling with mental health challenges.
"Our newly trained Certified Peer Specialists possess a profound ability to connect authentically with our Latinx/Hispanic community, grasp its nuanced needs, and deliver culturally sensitive care. Their expertise promises to be instrumental in addressing the pressing mental health needs of this demographic." Dr. Racquel Assaye, Interim CEO and President of Mental Health Partnerships.
"The energy within our class this past week has been nothing short of exhilarating as our graduates delved into a curriculum meticulously designed to address the distinct needs and challenges of the Spanish-speaking/Hispanic community. Through intensive training in peer support, recovery-oriented practices, and cultural competency, our graduates are now equipped with the tools needed to authentically engage with and support their peers on their mental health journeys." Jokabel Del Villar, Learning and Development Specialist, explained.
Mental Health Partnerships remains steadfast in its mission to destigmatize mental health and ensure that all individuals, regardless of language or background, have access to quality mental health care.
Rompiendo barreras: Mental Health Partnerships marca un momento histórico con la graduación de la pionera clase de salud mental en español
Más de 10 graduados listos para cerrar la brecha entre las comunidades latinas/hispanas y los servicios de salud mental como Especialistas Certificados entre Pares
Filadelfia, PA - Ante los crecientes desafíos de salud mental que enfrentan las comunidades latinas/hispanas, Mental Health Partnerships (MHP) se complace en presentar la graduación de más de diez Especialistas Certificados entre Pares capacitados completamente en español. La investigación ha destacado consistentemente la mayor susceptibilidad a la angustia mental entre los adultos mayores y los jóvenes dentro de la población latina/hispana, a menudo atribuida a la compleja interacción de desafíos migratorios y problemas de aculturación.
Ante estas desalentadoras estadísticas, la emergencia de un cuerpo de trabajo de Especialistas Certificados entre Pares capacitados en español anuncia una luz de esperanza. Armados con competencia lingüística y cultural, estos especialistas están ubicadas l de manera única para cerrar la brecha existente en los servicios de salud mental, ofreciendo apoyo y defensa adaptados a las personas latinas/hispanas que enfrentan desafíos de salud mental.
"Nuestros recién entrenados Especialistas Certificados entre Pares poseen una capacidad profunda para conectar auténticamente con nuestra comunidad latina/hispana, comprender sus necesidades matizadas y brindar atención culturalmente sensible. Su experiencia promete ser instrumental en abordar las apremiantes necesidades de salud mental de este grupo demográfico." Dra. Racquel Assaye, CEO de Mental Health Partnerships.
"La energía dentro de nuestra clase en la última semana ha sido nada menos que emocionante, ya que nuestros graduados se sumergieron en un plan de estudios meticulosamente diseñado para abordar las necesidades y desafíos distintos de la comunidad de habla hispana. A través de una capacitación intensiva en apoyo entre pares, prácticas orientadas hacia la recuperación y competencia cultural, nuestros graduados ahora están equipados con las herramientas necesarias para interactuar y apoyar auténticamente a sus compañeros en sus viajes de salud mental." Jokabel Del Villar, Especialista en Aprendizaje y Desarrollo, explicó.
Mental Health Partnerships permanece firme en su misión de desestigmatizar la salud mental y asegurar que todas las personas, independientemente de su idioma o antecedentes, tengan acceso a una atención de salud mental de calidad.
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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
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!"
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.
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.
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.
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.