The Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network believes in the ability of everyone living with mental health concerns to enjoy lives of purpose, meaning, productivity, and wellness. Since the first gathering of 30 behavioral health peers in October 1990, this grassroots nonprofit organization has been led and run by mental health peers—people in mental health recovery. GMHCN has evolved into a statewide organization of over 100 employees engaged in advocacy, education, training, and peer support services for the people of Georgia. GMHCN is recognized as a national leader in the peer support movement. At its core, the basis of peer support—one person using their lived experience to support another—is not new; in fact, it is the basis of human growth and development. Mental health peers with special training are now able to use their lived recovery experience in clinical settings to provide something beyond a diagnosis or medication. We provide the evidence that we can and do recover from our mental health challenges. We provide skills, tools, and above all, hope.
It's Going to Be a Big Year!
Please join GMHCN in our advocacy efforts. Learn about the organizations that are spearheading this important work and register to be a part of the change we need.
Welcome!
We're glad you're here. Click the play icon to meet Chris Dowling, the Online Wellness Activity Coordinator for GMHCN's Peer Support, Wellness, and Respite Centers. Chris is a Certified Peer Specialist-Mental Health and a Whole Health and Wellness Coach employed at the Center in Moultrie, Georgia. Learn more about our Peer Support, Wellness, and Respite Centers.
We Do Recover
The Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network and the Georgia Council on Substance Abuse are proud to partner with the Georgia Department of Revenue on the production of the new Georgia Recovers specialty license plate to reduce stigma and increase recovery in Georgia. Learn more.
Dual Recovery Is Real
Double Trouble in Recovery provides a safe and welcoming space for people living with substance use and other mental health concerns to achieve and maintain long-term recovery. DTR meetings happen online and in communities across Georgia. Learn more.
New Pipeline Out Now!
The newest issue of The Pipeline is out now! Join us as we hear from and about some of our military veterans using their lived experience to provide peer support. Also learn about the Mental Health Policy Partnership, an organization working to advanced mental health recovery resources in Georgia. Download The Pipeline (opens in PDF)
Central State Hospital in Milledgeville
Pictures of Central State Hospital's crumbling remains are popular on websites such as Atlas Obscura because of the disturbing portrait of humanity they portray. But they only tell a part of the story. The recitation of facts such as the number of pounds of meat, butter, and other foods consumed each day at Central State Hospital, and the way people confined there are described in "But for the Grace of God," paint a more complete picture, in an even more chilling way, of what this place, in that time, was really like. Learn more.
Hello, Augusta!
Please join the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network as we continue progress realizing a long-term goal of providing peer support, wellness and recovery activities, and respite in Augusta. Learn more.
Mental Health Parity Is the Law
Mental health parity is federal law, but not the practice in Georgia. The Georgia Parity Collaborative is seeking to change that.
Trauma-Informed Care is Back!
GMHCN is pleased to announce the return of Trauma-Informed Care training for Georgia's Certified Peer Specialists, one of the most requested and timely trainings we offer. Learn more.
RESPECT Institute of Georgia
The RESPECT Institute of Georgia is a 3 ½ day in-person training or 4½ day online training program that empowers participants by acknowledging, by honoring, and by valuing their personal experiences and insights. Learn more.
Georgia's Peer Support, Wellness, and Respite Centers provide wellness and recovery resources to Georgians in a peer-led, peer-run environment.
Learn More.
ReVerb Recovery and Wellness
Podcast featuring voices from Georgia's behavioral health community.
Listen Now.
The heart of the work we do at the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network is peer support.
Click Here.
What's New?
New issue of The Pipeline out now!
New Continuing Education Opportunities are Available
Statement from Dr. Ben Druss on the evidence of Peer Support in Georgia
Wellness Activities Now Online
Exploring the Value of Peer Support for Mental Health (Psychiatry Advisor)
Leading Practices for State Programs to Certify Peer Support Specialists (US GAO)
The Consumer Revolution in Behavioral Health Care (Peer-run Respite Care) on YouTube
Statewide Employment Opportunities at the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network
Peer2Peer Warm Line
We all need someone to talk to who can understand us, and is willing to listen. Our Certified Peer Specialists, who work out of our Peer Support, Wellness, and Respite Centers, are available day and night to share in your successes, and support you if you're struggling. Learn More