About | MHI

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide support to those impacted by severe mental illness through financial assistance, education, and advocacy. We are committed to identifying and dismantling the barriers to treatment—recognizing that these obstacles are not solely financial but multifaceted. By addressing these challenges, we strive toward our vision of a world where mental health treatment is universally accessible, ensuring that no individual is left behind due to lack of resources or knowledge.

Our Story

Get to Know Us

Mental Health Initiative was founded after our president, Lauren Conklin, witnessed a close friend’s mental health crisis as well as their subsequent health and financial struggles. In partnership with a therapist in a long-term mental health treatment center, Jessie Louverture, (and now Executive Director), MHI launched in 2022 to fill a gap where services are desperately needed: support and resources for those navigating severe mental illness.

What We Do

Mental Health Initiative is dedicated to supporting those impacted by severe mental illness through financial assistance, education, and advocacy. Learn more about our programs here.

Treatment Location

MHI helps individuals find the right treatment options for their unique needs with personalized guidance and support. We also provide education about different treatment types, including residential, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient programs. This program will eventually house our free, online, Residential Treatment Directory. We invite you to sign-up to be notified when our directory is live here.

Treatment Navigation

MHI offers a comprehensive support system to guide individuals and their families through every step of their treatment journey, from pre-admission to aftercare. During treatment, we serve as a liaison between the family and treatment center. Through our Residential Treatment Grants, we also help alleviate financial burden by covering a portion or the entirety of treatment costs.

Community Education &

Outreach

MHI is dedicated to fostering mental health awareness, resilience, and empowerment within our community. In addition to providing psychoeducation and resources to individuals, families, and groups, we regularly participate in events that destigmatize mental health and promote an open dialogue.