Mental Health matters

Our faith calls us to compassion, to care for the sick. Wholeness and healing are at the heart of our life together. Mental health is an important component to wholeness.

● 1 in 5 adults are living with a form of mental illness
● 1 in 6 youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder
● Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among youth 10-14 and 11th among adults

Our community recognizes the challenge to serve those who struggle with mental health. We see the need to address the stigma and misunderstanding that surrounds mental illness and prevents people from seeking help for themselves or a loved one. As the hands and feet of Jesus, we are called to offer help and healing to anyone in our congregation and community who may be struggling with mental health or substance use. We will do this by raising awareness and providing education, supporting individuals and families affected by mental illness, advocating for individuals and families, and encouraging and providing opportunities for continued recovery and wellness.

If you have questions or need more info, please reach out to the ministry at mentalhealthmatters@allentownpresbyterian.org.

A support group for parents of teens and young adults who struggle with mental health or substance use.

Walk with Me will meet the first three Sunday evenings of each month from 7:00 to 8:30 in the Young Adult Room at Crossroads Youth Center. This support group will combine education and information from a well qualified therapist with two additional peer led meetings each month

Jon Leano, MSW, LCSW will be leading the first meeting each month.  Jon is a licensed clinical social worker with extensive experience supporting individuals and families navigating mental health challenges. He is the founder of a private practice in Princeton, where he specializes in grief, trauma, and family dynamics. Jon has served as a Senior Primary Therapist at Princeton House Behavioral Health, leading family programs that strengthened communication and improved outcomes for parents and their adult children. With a background in both clinical care and community-based peer support, Jon brings a warm, compassionate, and practical approach to helping parents set healthy boundaries, manage stress, and navigate the mental health system with confidence. Jon’s role will be as an educator, providing information and resources. He will not be offering individual or group therapy.  

The remaining two meetings each month will be peer led. The format of these meetings will allow the members to discuss the therapist’s topic, share experiences and support each other, practically, emotionally and spiritually.

Our group will begin on Sunday evening, November 2nd, an informal gathering with food and fellowship, where we will share our vision for this group and answer any questions you may have.  The following Sunday, November 9th, Jon will be joining us to introduce himself and answer any questions you may have for him.  We have met with him several times and find him very personable, affirming and informative.  We will be meeting with Jon virtually, due to cost and time constraints.

Walk with Me is open to anyone who seeks guidance, support and encouragement.  Please feel free to reach out to anyone you know who may benefit from this group as it will remain open for those who need it. When watching a loved one struggle, knowing that others understand your story and can walk with you, brings comfort and hope.  

For more information, contact co-facilitators 
Deb O’Hare, 908-216-2190, oharedeb@gmail.com
Joanne Mount, 609-731-5044, joridge1963@gmail.com

The Coastlands Presbytery has awarded Mental Health Matters money to establish a Counseling Fund. The fund is available to help offset the cost of mental health and addiction counseling for individuals and families.

To help and encourage new or ongoing counseling, the fund is available to cover 50% of the cost of therapy or related services.  All funds will be paid directly to the provider. Ongoing counseling will be subject to an agreement between the individual/family, therapist and MHM representative as to the best way to handle payment.  

The fund would also be available for emergent or emergency mental health intervention on a case by case basis.  For one time emergent or emergency intervention, a submitted invoice would be paid to the provider.  

Distribution of funds would be capped at $500 per person/family, per calendar year.

For more information, contact marla@allentownpresbyterian.org