Mental Health Association

What Mental Health Association does

The Mental Health Association of Frederick County (MHA) is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1965 and headquartered in Frederick, Maryland, with 51-100 employees serving Frederick County and four additional Western Maryland counties (Allegany, Carroll, Garrett, Washington). The organization delivers an integrated portfolio of 15+ mental health and community support programs across four pillars: crisis intervention (24-hour Call Center answering the Frederick County Hotline, 211 Maryland, and 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline; a Walk-In Crisis Care Center available 24/7 at 340 Montevue Lane; and Mobile Crisis Services), outpatient mental health (CARF-accredited Counseling Services on a sliding-fee scale accepting Medical Assistance and Medicare), family support (Healthy Families Frederick, Building Resilient Families, Systems Navigation, Visitation and Transfer Services), and early childhood services (Child Care Choices, GOFCC, PERKS) plus court advocacy via CASA and community education/training.

The underlying technology stack is a human-services delivery platform combining crisis call-center infrastructure, telehealth/virtual walk-in video services, and a community resource coordination system (including a public-facing Community Resource Guide and a 2025-launched Data Dashboard at mha-dashboards.n4m.net). FY25 operational scale included 47,924 calls answered, 8,875 safety assessments, and 60,172 referrals, with 98% of callers reporting improved well-being and 99% of crisis calls resolved without escalated emergency response.

MHA's revenue model is diversified across four streams: individual and corporate donations (including the signature Catoctin Affair gala, which raised $240,000+ in 2025 and $290,000 in 2023), government grants and contracts (Frederick County Office for Children and Families, Maryland State Department of Education via Maryland Family Network), client fees on a sliding-fee scale (with Medical Assistance and Medicare accepted but private insurance not accepted), and planned giving via the Serenity Society (stocks, annuities, trusts, life insurance). The organization reaches its community through annual events (Catoctin Affair, Children's Festival, Legislative Breakfast), a 24/7 multi-channel call/walk-in/mobile access infrastructure, partner referrals (healthcare providers, schools, Department of Social Services, courts), and a Speakers Bureau for community training. Recent leadership transition was completed in February 2026 with Suzi Borg's permanent CEO appointment after a 25-year tenure with the organization.

Name

Mental Health Association

Legal name

Mental Health Association of Frederick County

Website

https://fcmha.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1965

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Mental Health Association of Frederick County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1965 providing 24/7 crisis intervention, sliding-fee counseling, family support, and early childhood services across five Western Maryland counties.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Mental Health Services

NAICS

Offices of Mental Health Practitioners (except Physicians) (62133), Individual and Family Services (6241), Other Individual and Family Services (624190)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Health Services (8000)

akta.pro primary industry

Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) & Public Behavioral Health Providers (HLAFACAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Mental Health & Crisis Support Services (BPAGACAD), Mental Health & Crisis Support Services (BPAGAEAH), Outpatient Mental Health Clinics & Counseling Centers (HLAFACAA)

Keywords

• Community mental health services
• Crisis intervention support
• Outpatient counseling therapy
• Family support programs
• Early childhood child care

Headquarters

HQ city

Frederick

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Individual and Corporate Donations: MHA relies heavily on charitable donations from individuals and corporate sponsors. The annual Catoctin Affair gala raised over $240,000 in 2025 and $290,000 in 2023. Event sponsorships at various levels (Presenting, Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze) provide significant revenue.
2. Government Grants and Contracts: Funded by Frederick County Office for Children and Families (Local Management Board), Maryland State Department of Education, and other government sources. Programs like Child Care Choices are funded through MSDE via Maryland Family Network.
3. Client Fees (Sliding Scale): Counseling Services accepts Medical Assistance, Medicare, and offers sliding fee scale for uninsured individuals. Private insurance is not accepted. Visitation services charge on sliding scale up to $150/hour.
4. Planned Giving: MHA's Serenity Society accepts planned gifts including stocks, securities, charitable gift annuities, trusts, life insurance, and retirement assets as part of legacy giving program.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Mental Health Association of Frederick County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers community-based mental health care across 15+ programs. Core services include a 24/7 crisis call center answering the Frederick County Hotline, 211, and 988; 24/7 walk-in crisis care with mobile response and telehealth; CARF-accredited outpatient counseling on a sliding fee scale; family support and home-visiting programs (Healthy Families Frederick, Building Resilient Families, Systems Navigation, Visitation Services, CASA); early childhood programs (Child Care Choices, GOFCC, PERKS); and community education/training (Mental Health First Aid, ASIST, safeTALK, suicide awareness). Many programs are free at point of delivery for individuals of all ages across Frederick County and four additional Western Maryland counties.

Product overview

The Mental Health Association of Frederick County is a nonprofit organization offering a comprehensive portfolio of mental health and community support services through 15+ distinct programs. The organization operates crisis intervention services (24-hour Call Center, Walk-In Crisis Care Center available 24/7, Mobile Crisis Services), outpatient counseling (CARF-accredited Counseling Services), family support programs (Healthy Families Frederick, Building Resilient Families, Systems Navigation), early childhood services (Child Care Choices, GOFCC, PERKS), advocacy (Court Appointed Special Advocates/CASA), community education/training, and special events (Catoctin Affair, Children's Festival). The organization serves Western Maryland across five counties and is available to all ages 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• 24-Hour Call Center Round-the-clock crisis intervention and information/referral service answering the Frederick County Hotline, 211 Maryland, and 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call specialists provide supportive listening, crisis intervention, and referrals to community resources.
• Walk-In Behavioral Health Services Free, immediate, face-to-face crisis support for anyone experiencing non-life-threatening emotional, mental, family, or relationship crises. Available 24/7 at the Walk-In Crisis Care Center or via virtual walk-in.
• Mobile Crisis Services Immediate face-to-face crisis support that meets individuals wherever they are—at home, school, workplace, or in the community. Free, confidential, voluntary service available 24/7 in Frederick County.
• Counseling Services CARF-accredited outpatient mental health clinic offering therapy and psychiatric services on a sliding fee scale. Serves individuals, couples, families, and children including young children and older adults.
• Healthy Families Frederick Voluntary home visiting program supporting first-time parents with intensive, in-home education, resources, and family support services through age five. Affiliate of Healthy Families America.
• Child Care Choices Child care resource and referral service providing training, professional development, technical assistance, and business solutions for early childhood professionals. Serves five counties in Western Maryland.
• Growing Opportunities for Family Child Care (GOFCC) Statewide Maryland initiative helping aspiring child care providers launch and sustain family child care businesses. Provides licensing guidance, training, coaching, and business support at no cost to participants.
• Building Resilient Families Case management and resource coordination program supporting families impacted by incarceration, substance use disorder, or involvement in the child welfare system through family advocacy and parent mentoring.
• Telephone Reassurance Free program providing scheduled outgoing phone calls to homebound and elderly Frederick County residents, offering a caring listener and connection to community services.
• Systems Navigation Voluntary program assisting families with children who have intensive needs to navigate complex systems of care, providing coordination, advocacy, and follow-up services.
• Visitation and Transfer Services Safe, neutral location for non-residential parents to visit children with supervised, monitored, or therapeutic supervised visitation options. Includes monitored transfers for conflict-free exchanges.
• Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program recruiting and training citizen volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children in court. Volunteers represent children's best interests until they find safe, permanent homes.
• Partnerships for Emotionally Resilient Kids (PERKS) Free service helping children ages birth through five with social, emotional, or behavioral issues by increasing early childhood educator and parent skills through technical assistance and referrals.
• Survivors of Suicide Support Group Monthly support group for adults who have lost loved ones to suicide, providing peer facilitation and a safe place to share experiences on the journey toward healing.
• Community Education and Training Speakers Bureau offering trainings including Mental Health First Aid, ASIST, safeTALK, crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, suicide awareness, and youth emotional wellness to businesses, schools, and community groups.
• Catoctin Affair (Annual Gala Fundraiser) Annual gala fundraiser featuring live music, auctions, and gourmet dinner. MHA's signature fundraising event supporting mental health programs and services.
• Children's Festival Annual free community event for young children and families held in Frederick and Westminster, featuring hands-on activities, entertainment, and information about local early childhood programs and services, with approximately 3,000 participants annually.
• Child Care Choices LOCATE Platform for child care providers to promote their businesses and for parents to search for regulated child care options in the region.
• Parent Coaching In-home or center-based one-on-one coaching for parents referred from the Department of Social Services.

Quantifiable outcome

• 98% of callers reported improvement in well-being after their call
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Maryland Family NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMaryland Family Network is a key funding and strategic partner for Child Care Choices. Child Care Choices is a member of the Maryland Child Care Resource Network with funding from Maryland State Department of Education through Maryland Family Network. Partnership enables GOFCC program delivery and 90-92% participant completion rates.
• Healthy Families AmericacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthy Families Frederick County is an affiliate of Healthy Families America, one of the leading family support and evidence-based home visiting programs in the United States. Uses accredited 'Growing Great Kids' and 'Partners for Healthy Babies' curriculum.
• National CASA AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCASA programs in Frederick and Carroll Counties are members of National CASA Association and affiliated with Maryland CASA Association. Programs recruit and support citizen-volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children in court.
• Frederick County Office for Children and FamiliescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBuilding Resilient Families program is funded in part by Frederick County Office for Children and Families, home of the Local Management Board. Partnership provides case management and resource coordination for families impacted by incarceration, substance use, or child welfare system.
• Frederick County Public SchoolsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSystems Navigation program helps students within FCPS with multiple or intensive needs related to behavior, development, school, health or mental health to navigate available services in Frederick County.
• Carroll County Child Care Resource CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIn 2003, Child Care Choices expanded to take over operations of Carroll County's child care resource and referral agency, extending services to Carroll County.
• Frederick County Department of Social ServicescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorReferral partner for Building Resilient Families program. Parent Coaching program receives referrals from Department of Social Services. Visitation services often requested by courts or DSS in cases involving family conflict, abuse, or neglect.
• Wells HouseminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFrederick-based substance use recovery facility. Clients in treatment are referred to Building Resilient Families program for ongoing support. Mindy's story demonstrates successful partnership in recovery support.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): NAMI is the largest U.S. nonprofit mental health advocacy and support organization, offering education programs, peer support groups, and a help line. Like MHA, it is a community-based nonprofit delivering mental health education, referrals, and grassroots programs, though at national scale versus MHA's regional footprint.
• Mental Health America: Mental Health America is the nation's leading community-based nonprofit promoting mental health via screening tools, public education, advocacy, and affiliate networks — structurally comparable to MHA's screening tool, public education, and affiliate-style program model. The organization even hosts the screening portal MHA links to.

Broad incumbents

• National Council for Mental Wellbeing: The National Council is the largest U.S. trade association for community mental health and substance use providers. It does not deliver direct services but represents the policy, training, and accreditation context MHA operates in, including CARF-style quality frameworks.
• Frederick Health: Frederick Health is the dominant integrated delivery network serving Frederick County with inpatient, primary care, and behavioral health. It is a listed MHA community partner and an overlapping provider for behavioral health and community health navigation in the same catchment.

Regional players

• Sheppard Pratt: Sheppard Pratt is a large Maryland-headquartered behavioral health system offering inpatient, outpatient, crisis, and community services. It overlaps with MHA on CARF-accredited outpatient mental health and crisis response but at much broader geographic and acuity scale.
• Way Station (now Community Options / Congruent Behavioral Health): Congruent Behavioral Health is a Maryland-based behavioral health provider with deep crisis hotline, residential, and outpatient programs. It competes for the same state crisis-grant funding pool as MHA and serves overlapping populations in central Maryland.
• Family & Children's Services of Central Maryland: Family & Children's Services of Central Maryland delivers counseling, family support, and case management across central Maryland. Its service mix (counseling, family support, sliding-fee) directly overlaps several MHA programs including counseling and family support.
• Catholic Charities of Frederick County: Catholic Charities of Frederick County provides counseling, case management, and emergency assistance to Frederick County residents. Like MHA, it serves vulnerable families on a sliding-fee basis with county-government partnerships.

Others

• National CASA Association: National CASA is the umbrella organization for Court Appointed Special Advocates programs — MHA operates the CASA program in Frederick and Carroll Counties under CASA's national franchise. Strong operational and brand linkage rather than direct service overlap.
• Maryland Family Network: Maryland Family Network is the state backbone funder for Maryland's Child Care Resource Network and a core MHA partner for Child Care Choices and GOFCC. It is an enabler/funding partner rather than a service competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/MHAFrederick
• Xx.com/mhafrederick
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/mental-health-association-of-frederick-county

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Mental Health Association