Directions

Directions for Mental Health is a private nonprofit community mental health organization incorporated in 1982, which evolved from clinics dating back to 1946. Our prevention, early intervention and treatment programs serve the mental health needs of children, families, adults and seniors from our main facility in Clearwater and two offices in Largo, along with outreach programs throughout Pinellas County in the Tampa Bay area of west central Florida. More than 200,000 direct service hours a year help over 8,000 people to improve parenting skills, modify behaviors, overcome emotional trauma, control debilitating disorders, avoid full-time residential care or hospitalization, and achieve greater emotional health and independence though a broad-based, holistic approach to care. Our MISSION is to improve the quality of life of individuals, families and our community by providing a wide variety of high quality services for all ages, ranging from the prevention of problems to the effective treatment of mental illness. Our VISION is to be an outstanding behavioral health organization characterized by high consumer satisfaction, demonstrated effectiveness of services, and innovation. We intend to be an indispensable asset to our community and our neighbors. Directions for Mental Health operates on a $12 million budget, which reflects less than nine percent in administration costs and a staff of about 250 professional, support and administrative personnel. Our staff is headed by R. Thomas Riggs, President & CEO, a licensed clinical social worker, co-founder of state and regional organizations designed to coordinate advocacy efforts and effective delivery of mental health care, board member of Mental Health Corporations of America and former Chairman of the Board for Florida Council for Community Mental Health. As a private nonprofit organization, funding comes from a variety of state and federal grants, Medicaid and Medicare, client fees and generous contributions from corporations, foundations and caring individuals. Most of the services provided by Directions require contributions in order to meet the demand for services. To send a donation (tax-deductible to the full extend the law allows) or inquire about a program or service, click on "Contact Us" or "Donate Now."