CMHA Advocate Training

CMHA offers a twenty-five hour training program for community volunteers to become certified, mental health advocates.  Advocates are then paired with CMHA clients to help them on their path to treatment and self-sufficiency.

We have found that while clients need education and referrals for services, they also need an “advocate” that can help them navigate the mental health care system to avoid relapse or crisis situations.  As part of the Pre-Trial and Early Diversion programs, clients are paired with a trained advocate to help them keep track of appointments, meeting dates and times, and other information that is relevant to their success.  The Advocate also works closely with CMHA program staff to report progress in the prescribed treatment plan and intervene when needed.