April 25, 2024
Mental Health Partnerships (MHP) of Pennsylvania Welcomes Dr. Jeannine L. Lisitski as New CEO
Mental Health Partnerships names Dr. Jeannine L. Lisitski as CEO, bringing extensive leadership experience to expand peer-to-peer mental health support across Pennsylvania.

Mental Health Partnerships (MHP) of Pennsylvania Welcomes Dr. Jeannine L. Lisitski as New CEO
Philadelphia, PA - Mental Health Partnerships (MHP), a leader in peer-to-peer support in mental health care with locations in Pennsylvania’s Philadelphia, Montgomery, Delaware, Bucks, Chester, and Sussex Counties, is pleased to announce that Jeannine L. Lisitski, Ph.D. has accepted the role of CEO. Most recently, Dr. Lisitski led the Council for Relationships as CEO. Before that she served as Executive Director & President of Women Against Abuse and Vice President of Operations for Project H.O.M.E.

“I am honored to have been chosen to serve as the CEO of the esteemed Mental Health Partnerships (MHP),” Dr. Lisitski says. “given the current landscape, the imperative of MHP’s mission to promote mental health recovery and well-being is vital. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work alongside the entire MHP Community to foster innovation and advocacy to manifest our vision of nurturing hope and mental well-being. Together, we will chart fresh pathways toward empowerment along the recovery journey.”
"Dr. Lisitski's passion for mental health equity, access, and justice deeply aligns with MHP’s mission to provide person-first, respectful, and dedicated mental health care, education, and advocacy to those with mental health challenges, and to broaden the community of certified peer providers so that no one need walk this journey alone," says Irene Hurford, M.D., Chairman of the MHP Board of Directors.
"We are delighted to welcome Jeannine as our new CEO, chosen after a comprehensive search led by our dedicated committee and DCM Associates," adds Perry Kaplan, Board Member and Search Committee Leader. "Jeannine's deep commitment to our mission, especially in advancing our mental health initiatives, is inspiring. We are excited for her to lead us into a promising future, enhancing our impact on those we serve.”
Dr. Hurford further notes that, "MHP is deeply indebted to our CFO, Dr. Racquel Assaye, who took on the role of acting President & CEO for the last 6 months and helped to provide stability and leadership to the organization."
Dr. Jeannine L. Lisitski will officially assume the role of Chief Executive Officer on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.
Related Reading from Our Advocacy Corner
Stay informed and inspired by exploring more stories from our Advocacy Corner. From uplifting community visits to powerful policy insights and personal recovery journeys, these articles spotlight the people and progress shaping mental health advocacy today.
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.