Aurora Mental Health Center

read moreOne in five Americans will have a diagnosable mental health condition in any given year, and half of us will experience a mental health challenge at some time in our lives. Extensive evidence shows that mental health treatment works as well as treatments for common non-psychiatric illnesses. We know that it takes courage to ask for help, especially because there is still stigma about mental health conditions. And, most people don't know how to access the services they need. After you've made the decision to contact us, we want to make it easy for you to move forward.

read moreDeeply rooted in our diverse community, we deliver state-of-the-art care impacting emotional well-being and addiction recovery. In the late 1960s, Ellin Mrachek, AuMHC's founder, was driving through an Aurora neighborhood when a young girl playing alone in the street caused her to stop her car. After some investigation, Ellin found out that the girl was alone because her mother needed mental health services - all of which were located far from their home. This chance encounter sparked a drive to open a community mental health center in Aurora.

read moreOur outpatient centers - particularly those that serve children - offer family therapy or family counseling as a model of therapy. We often use this familial approach in treatment to address specific issues that impact the entire family like major life transitions, interpersonal conflict, communication, or parenting challenges. Family therapy is often offered in conjunction with other therapeutic services (like individual and group therapy) or as a stand-alone treatment method. It can be a beneficial intervention for a wide variety of mental health conditions including depression, substance abuse, and behavioral problems in children and/or adolescents.

read moreOur outpatient centers offer many opportunities for clients to participate in group therapy. These small groups are led by a trained group therapist and often address issues such as grief/bereavement, anger management, and parenting. Group members often find this format helpful because they can hear how others are managing similar challenges and can receive encouragement from others. Many groups also focus on wellness strategies like physical activity and stress management in a fun and supportive environment.

read moreTreatment is always decided on by you and the provider together to meet your diagnosed needs, as well as personal and cultural preferences. If you have concerns about signs or symptoms related to social, emotional, or behavioral functioning, you are welcome for an initial conversation and assessment. Our services are not limited to residents of Aurora. Treatment is based on a full assessment and diagnosis that shows a medical need for treatment. The cost of treatment may be covered in part or fully by your health coverage, usually insurance, Health First Medicaid, Medicare, or Child Health Plan Plus coverage.

read moreAurora Mental Health Center offers a variety of specialized services designed to meet the unique needs in Aurora and our surrounding communities. When we recognize that a mental health or wellness need exists in our community, we are committed to determining the best way to meet that need. These community efforts have resulted in programs designed to serve specific groups of people, such as immigrants and refugees, individuals who experience both a mental illness and a developmental disability, and individuals in the criminal justice system.