Since its inception in 1974, the Mississippi Department of Mental Health has endeavored to provide services of the highest quality through a statewide service delivery system. As one of the major state agencies in Mississippi, the Department of Mental Health provides a network of services to persons who experience problems with mental illness, alcohol and/or drug abuse/dependence, or who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. Services are provided through an array of facilities and agencies operated, certified and/or funded by the Department of Mental Health. The successful development and implementation of the service delivery system are due to the strong, sustained advocacy of the Governor, the State Legislature, the Mississippi State Board of Mental Health, the Department's employees, consumers, and their family members, and other supportive individuals. Their individual and collective concerns have been invaluable in promoting the most appropriate residential and community service options, facilitating expansion of needed services, and preventing institutionalization of individuals best served in their home or community setting.


Mission:
Supporting a better tomorrow by making a difference in the lives of Mississippians with
mental illness, substance abuse problems and intellectual/developmental disabilities one person at a time.

 Vision: 

We envision a better tomorrow where the lives of Mississippians are enriched through    a public mental health system that promotes excellence in the provision of  services and supports.

 A better tomorrow exists when…

• All Mississippians have equal access to quality mental health care, services and supports in their communities. 
• People actively participate in designing services. 

• The stigma surrounding mental illness, intellectual/developmental disabilities, substance abuse and dementia has disappeared.

• Research, outcomes measures, and technology are routinely utilized to enhance prevention, care, services, and supports.

Core Values & Guiding Principles

People  We believe people are the focus of the public mental healthsystem. We respect the dignity of each person and value their participation in the design, choice and provision of services to meet their unique needs.

Community  We believe that the community-based service and support options should be available and easily accessible in the communities where people live. We believe that the services and support options should be designed to meet the particular needs of the person.

Commitment  We believe in the people we serve, our vision and mission, our workforce, and the community-at-large. We are committed to assisting people in improving their mental health, quality of life, and their acceptance and participation in the community.

Excellence  We believe services and supports must be provided in an ethical manner, meet established outcome measures, and are based on clinical research and best practices. We also emphasize the continued education and development of our workforce to provide the best care possible.

Accountability  We believe it is our responsibility to be good stewards in the efficient and effective use of all human, fiscal, and material resources. We are dedicated to the continuous evaluation and improvement of the public mental health system.

Collaboration  We believe that services and support are the shared responsibility of state and local governments, communities, family members, and service providers. Through open communication, we continuously build relationships and partnerships with the people and families we serve, communities, governmental/nongovernmental entities and other service providers to meet the needs of people and their families.

Integrity  We believe the public mental health system should act in an ethical, trustworthy, and transparent manner on daily basis. We are responsible for providing services based on principles in legislation, safeguards and professional codes of conduct. 

Awareness  We believe awareness, education, and other prevention and early intervention strategies will minimize the behavioral health needs of Mississippians. We also encourage community education and awareness to promote an understanding and acceptance of the people with behavioral health needs.

Innovation  We believe it is important to embrace new ideas and change in order to improve the public mental health system. We seek dynamic and innovative ways to provide evidence-based services/supports and strive to find creative solutions to inspire hope and help people obtain their goals.

Respect  We believe in respecting the culture and values of the people and families we serve. We emphasize and promote diversity in our ideas, our workforce, and the services/supports provided through the public mental health system.