Miami Foundation For Mental Health, Inc.

Our Mission

The Miami Center for Mental Health and Recovery will provide a comprehensive system of care for individuals with serious mental illnesses and substance use disorders who frequently cycle through the criminal justice and other acute care treatment systems. 

Combined with programs of research and education, the Center will serve as a model for facilities of this type throughout the nation. The Center will develop and disseminate best practice standards in clinical care, training, education, implementation science and evaluation, and community outreach and advocacy to build a healthier, more compassionate, and fiscally responsible Miami-Dade County.

The Problem

Access to effective, community-based mental health and substance abuse treatment is extremely limited for many Florida residents. The state ranks 43rd nationally in access to mental health care, has the 4th highest rate of adults with mental illnesses who are uninsured, and at $39.55 per capita, ranks 49th among all states and the District of Columbia in spending for community-based treatment. 

As a result, police and jails are increasingly the first and only responders to people in crisis due to untreated mental illnesses. In fact, the Miami-Dade County Jail now serves as the largest psychiatric institution in Florida, containing as many beds for people with mental illnesses as all state civil and forensic mental health treatment facilities combined.

Our Solution

Since 2006, Miami-Dade County has been working with the 11th Judicial circuit CMHP to create a first-of-its-kind diversion and treatment facility for individuals with serious mental illnesses involved in or at risk of becoming involved in the criminal justice system. The Miami Center for Mental Health and Recovery is a fully renovated facility that offers comprehensive care for individuals experiencing mental illnesses, addiction, and involvement in the criminal justice system. 

With a variety of services that eliminate barriers to navigating community mental health and social services, the Center will address critical treatment needs and reduce the likelihood of recidivism, crisis situations, and homelessness in the future.

The Center provides evidence-based treatment and support services based on individualized risk factors and needs. The Center also benefits the community by reducing stigma, improving public safety and quality of life, and expanding the behavioral health workforce through training and best practices.