Our History
Mental Health America was founded in 1909 by former psychiatric patient Clifford W. Beers. During his stays in public and private institutions, he witnessed and was subjected to horrible abuse. From these experiences, Beers set into motion a reform movement that took shape as Mental Health America.
Our Philosophy
MHA is the nation’s leading community-based non-profit dedicated to helping people achieve wellness by living mentally healthier lives. Our work is guided by the #B4Stage4 Philosophy – that mental health conditions should be treated long before they reach the most critical points in the disease process.
Our Impact
Our organization has generated much positive change. We have educated millions about mental illnesses and reduced barriers to treatment and services. As a result of MHA’s efforts, many Americans with mental disorders have sought care and now enjoy fulfilling, productive lives in their communities.
From Bull Street to Main Street
Symbol of Hope
“Cast from shackles which bound them, this bell shall ring out hope for the mentally ill and victory over mental illness.”
During the early days of mental health treatment, asylums often restrained people who had mental illnesses with iron chains and shackles around their ankles and wrists. With better understanding and treatments, this cruel practice eventually stopped.
In the early 1950s, Mental Health America issued a call to asylums across the country for their discarded chains and shackles. On April 13, 1953, at the McShane Bell Foundry in Baltimore, Maryland, MHA melted down these inhumane bindings and recast them into a sign of hope: the Mental Health Bell. Now the symbol of MHA, the 300-pound bell serves as a powerful reminder that the invisible chains of misunderstanding and discrimination continue to bind people with mental illnesses.