About Us..

AMI, Inc. of Washington County is a non-profit agency that is run and operated by individuals in recovery that provides peer support, psychosocial and psychiatric rehabilitation, as well as a Drop In Center to individuals ages 14 and older who are recovering from mental health challenges and co-occurring disorders.

History..

Late in 1969, the local Mental Health Association organized a social group for people who were returning to the community from the state hospitals. The group grew from an original five members who met on Friday evenings, to the present program, which averages 120 active members in Washington and Greene Counties. In 1973, the Washington-Greene MH/MR Program recognized the need and effectiveness of AMI’s services and agreed to fund the program on a fee-for-service basis. In 1976, AMI incorporated as AMI, Inc. of Washington-Greene Counties and continued to grow in membership and activities. The original goal for AMI was to support individuals who were discharged from the state hospitals to full independent living in the community.

In 1999 a transformation in the Mental Health services began to happen with the introduction of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and a move from a medical model of treatment to a person centered, individualized, recovery oriented model. As a result, AMI began to prepare for a psychiatric rehabilitation program and in March 2002 Psych Rehab was implemented. In October 2005, AMI received its first license from the Department of Public Welfare and the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse services to provide “Psych Rehab” services.

In 2008, with support from the Washington County Behavioral Health and Developmental Services office, AMI began training people in recovery from mental health challenges to work as peer support providers. Since then, AMI has served over 1,000 individuals in peer mentoring services. This not only provides support to individuals in the community in a unique and effective manner, but also gives the opportunity for individuals who live with mental health challenges to obtain meaningful employment in an environment conducive to personal recovery.

Since then, AMI has obtained licensure through the Department of Human Services/ OMHSAS to provide Peer Support Services to individuals ages 16 and older.

In 2019, Washington County BHDS moved the local Drop In Center to AMI’s location on Jefferson Ave.

Volunteers Are Special…

Volunteers have been critical to the success of AMI, Inc. Local groups generously provide holiday gifts, refreshments and special treats for AMI, Inc. consumers. Individuals share special skills, provide entertainment, teach crafts, assist staff with scheduled activities and serve as board members.
AMI, Inc. always welcomes volunteers who want to share their skills, talents and time. If you are interested, please contact the agency at either location.
If you have a family member or friend who could benefit from the service AMI, Inc. provides, please contact us.