Introduction
Mental health challenges affect a significant portion of Ohio's population, with approximately 33 percent of Ohioans reporting symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorders, and 478,000 Ohioans living with some form of severe mental illness. Cuyahoga County, as an urban area, faces particularly complex mental health issues including high numbers of overdose deaths, incarceration rates, and suicide rates. In response, Cleveland has developed a network of mental health resources, peer support organizations, crisis intervention services, and specialized programs designed to address diverse mental health needs across different populations.
Mental Health Landscape in Cleveland
The mental health situation in Greater Cleveland has been described as significant by Dr. Leslie Koblentz, chief clinical officer of the ADAMHS Board of Cuyahoga County. Beyond just the numbers, Koblentz emphasizes that "most people don't understand how broad" mental health challenges are, noting their emotional, social, and psychological effects. The pandemic has exacerbated these issues, creating "a terrible disaster for mental health" in the community.
The Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board of Cuyahoga County plays a crucial role in addressing these societal issues by contracting with provider agencies to deliver services that assist clients on their road to recovery. The Board now collaborates with dozens of providers across the county, creating a comprehensive network of care.
The ADAMHS Board works alongside other organizations to deliver essential services. For instance, firsthand Health, a community-based program, has established partnerships with Ohio Guidestone, Neighborhood Family Practice, B. Riley House, and United Healthcare to provide comprehensive care that often includes assistance with basic needs like furniture, clothing, and housing alongside mental health support.
Peer Support and Recovery-Oriented Services
firsthand Health
firsthand Health represents a community-based approach to mental health support that emphasizes peer leadership and recovery. The program follows a model where facilitators are thoroughly screened before being chosen as peer leaders. These leaders must meet specific certification standards administered by the state of Ohio and must have at least two years in recovery on their personal journey.
The program recognizes that "everybody has different pathways" and makes every effort to support individualized approaches to recovery. As one staff member noted about their experience: "I eventually was able to track him down. He had severe mental illness and couldn't get social security benefits because of numerous addresses. We finally were able to help get his benefits started, get him permanent housing and under a doctor's supervision."
This comprehensive approach addresses not just mental health symptoms but also the practical barriers that can impede recovery, such as housing instability and access to benefits. The program's impact is significant, having honored more than 500 individuals who went through the program locally and 2,200 across Ohio during a Mental Health Awareness Month event.
Depression and Bipolar Wellness Alliance Cleveland (DBWA)
The Depression and Bipolar Wellness Alliance is a Cleveland-based nonprofit organization founded to provide hope, help, and support to individuals living with mental illness. DBWA operates through peer-based, recovery-oriented support and educational services, recognizing that community education is essential to dispel the myths surrounding mental illness.
The organization offers free, safe, compassionate support groups designed to assist members in transitioning "from illness to wellness and recovery." These support groups are available both in-person and virtually through Zoom meetings, increasing accessibility for community members.
DBWA's mission is guided by several key objectives: - Empowering those suffering from mental illness - Providing the hopeful message that recovery is possible - Educating the public about mental health - Taking a gentle stand against stigma
The organization envisions "one of hope" where communities strive for wellness and recovery, work to decrease isolation and promote unity, reduce stigma while promoting advocacy, and foster an environment filled with compassion.
Crisis Intervention Services
Cleveland Police Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)
The Cleveland Division of Police provides specialized mental health and crisis intervention services through its Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program. CIT Officers receive specific training to provide assistance to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, recognizing the intersection between law enforcement and mental health needs in urban communities.
For individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, the recommended approach is to call 9-1-1 and specifically request assistance from a CIT Officer, who is equipped to provide appropriate support during mental health emergencies.
Frontline Service Crisis Hotline
For non-life-threatening emergencies, Cleveland residents can access the 24-hour hotline operated by Frontline Service, which provides Suicide Prevention, Mental Health/Addiction Crisis support, as well as Information and Referrals. This service can be reached at (216) 623-6888.
Additional Crisis Resources
Several other resources are available for individuals experiencing mental health crises: - The Alcohol, Drug Addiction & Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board of Cuyahoga County, which is responsible for planning, funding, and monitoring public mental health and addiction treatment and recovery services throughout the county - The Crisis Chat service available through suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat - United Way's 2-1-1 HelpLink, which provides free, professional, and confidential information and service navigation to help people understand their options, resolve problems, and improve their lives
Specialized Mental Health Services
Services for Older Adults
The Department of Aging in Cleveland is committed to ensuring that Cleveland is an age-friendly city by enhancing the quality of life for Cleveland seniors and adults with disabilities. The department offers various resources, including:
- Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging, which provides:
- Rose Centers for Aging Well: Home-delivered meals, health and wellness programs, and meals in seven Rose Centers senior center locations
- Senior Companion Program: Older Adult volunteers provide companionship and assistance to other older adults who are often lonely and isolated
- Behavioral Health Services: Specialized services for older adults living with mental/emotional issues, including mental health case management, mental health day treatment, and social work counseling/psychotherapy services
- Social Work Services: Geriatric case management, family consultation, and service coordination provided by professional licensed social workers
- WeCare…Because You DoSM: A telephone-based care-coaching program designed to assist and support individuals living with chronic health conditions and their caregivers
LGBTQ+ Mental Health Resources
Cleveland offers specialized mental health resources for the LGBTQ+ community:
- LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland: This nonprofit organization empowers Northeast Ohio's LGBTQ community through advocacy, education, collaboration, and celebration
- Colors+: LGBTQ+ Youth Services, which strengthens LGBTQ+ youth and allies through a holistic mind and body approach. Colors+ provides a safe space to empower LGBTQ+ youth and allies to grow as individuals and within their community. The organization is run by two licensed professional mental health counselors who founded the youth center due to identifying a large gap in services for LGBTQ+ youth in the community
Caregiver Support
Courage to Caregivers provides hope, support, and courage to caregivers and loved ones of those living with mental illness. The organization's programs follow a curriculum with weekly topics focused entirely on the caregiver, providing tools to build stronger coping strategies and greater resilience.
Additional Community Resources
Housing and Financial Support
ESOP (Empowering and Strengthening Ohio's People) offers housing and financial counseling services. This full-service agency helps people in every stage of life become empowered to take control of their finances, make a plan for financial stability, and afford sustainable homeownership. ESOP can be reached at 216-791-8000.
Healthcare Access
MetroHealth serves as Cuyahoga County's safety-net health system, playing an essential role in the region by caring for anyone and everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. The system operates Community Walk-in Clinics and provides specialized services such as:
- Project DAWN Expanded Mobile Unit: Providing naloxone (a.k.a. Narcan) and harm-reduction supplies throughout the community to reduce opioid overdoses
Conclusion
Cleveland has developed a comprehensive network of mental health resources designed to address the diverse needs of its population. From peer support organizations like firsthand Health and the Depression and Bipolar Wellness Alliance to crisis intervention services provided by the police department and specialized programs for different populations, the city offers multiple pathways to mental wellness.
The availability of free support groups, crisis hotlines, specialized services for older adults and LGBTQ+ individuals, and caregiver support reflects a community-wide recognition of the importance of mental health. Organizations like the ADAMHS Board coordinate these efforts, ensuring that residents have access to the resources they need to navigate mental health challenges.
Despite the significant mental health challenges facing Cleveland—including high rates of anxiety and depressive disorders, severe mental illness, overdose deaths, and suicide—the community's response demonstrates a commitment to reducing stigma, promoting recovery, and providing accessible care. For residents seeking mental health support, these resources offer various points of entry into care, recognizing that different individuals may need different types of support at different times.