God has called us to care for those facing homelessness. Many of the men, women, and children we serve have experienced trauma and are dealing with a mental illness. At Atlanta Mission, our approach cares for the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Once a client enters the Make Progress phase of our program, they are provided with a care team comprised of an Advocate, Social Worker, and a Mental Health Counselor. This team works to make sure that each client is addressing their physical, mental, emotional, vocational, and spiritual needs in a trusted and safe environment. 

Our dedicated team includes professionals like mental health counselors who play a crucial role in addressing the mental health needs of our clients. They offer classes such as Healthy Relationships and Beyond Trauma and conduct regular individual counseling sessions.

One of our mental health counselors at The Shepherd’s Inn shares, “So many of the men I serve have not developed emotional awareness. And when I say emotional, I specifically mean how the person responds to fear and threats. And over time, if that is not developed, it creates a mechanism in our brains where we’re constantly flooded with the emotional output associated with the fear responses. Our mental health initiative allows for them to experience what it looks like to respond to their feelings rather than react to their feelings with fear.” 

Our mental health counselors build trusted relationships with the men and women at our shelters, addressing the underlying causes of their homelessness and providing hope. By giving them permission to feel and addressing emotional awareness, they play a vital role in the journey towards healing and restoration. 

Mental health services  

We’ve developed a comprehensive approach to addressing mental health concerns that incorporates emotional well-being alongside mental health. Below are the services we provide that address whole-person healing and lead to life transformation:  

• Trauma-informed care 
• Child Behavioral Coach 
• Partnerships with mental health resources in the community  
• Biweekly or weekly counseling sessions with a Licensed Counselor   
• Evidence-based Addiction Recovery Programming (The MATRIX Model) 
• Process and therapy groups  
• Children’s Social Worker  
• Mental Health Training 

How you can help  

We recognize the profound importance of addressing the mental health needs of the men, women, and children who seek refuge within our doors. Yet, we cannot do this alone. With the support of individuals like you, we can continue this critical work. Mental health challenges may often be invisible to the passerby, much like homelessness itself, but with your partnership, we can shine a light on these issues and address them head on.

Join us this May for Mental Health Awareness Week (May 20 – 24) as we embark on the #InvisibleMission. Your participation is crucial in championing healing and advocating for mental health support among our neighbors facing homelessness. With your generosity, you can help us make a tangible difference in the lives of those struggling with unseen battles.  

Take advantage of the $25K match to double your impact and help us provide vital trauma-informed care for individuals in need. Your partnership is not just appreciated, it’s essential. To learn more about our Mental Health Awareness Week, visit atlantamission.org/invisiblemission or click the button below. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of those we serve!