SANFORD, Fla. – The Mental Health Association of Central Florida is opening a free clinic in Sanford next year – with a little help from the State of Florida.
The state legislature allocated $125,000–half of MHACF’s original $250,000 request– to support the no-cost and charitable mental health clinic.
Seminole County lacks 100% no-fee providers, which means when it opens, the Sanford clinic will be the sole free service provider for individuals under 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
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“With nearly one in five adults in Seminole County reporting mental distress– and with the Sanford area designated as a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) for mental health– the case for targeted public investment is clear and compelling,” said Dr. Marni Stahlman, CEO for the Mental Health Association of Central Florida.
The clinic will be MHACF’s second location for uninsured people and will mirror the group’s Outlook Clinic, located in downtown Orlando since 2011.
The Sanford clinic is expected to serve up to 800 people.
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The non-profit aims to establish a cost-free clinic to provide mental health assessments, family and youth counseling, support groups, and psychiatric medication services.
Funding will help cover facility and equipment costs, and staff recruitment, Stahlman says.
“We are deeply grateful for the state’s investment and see this as a strong foundation to begin building the clinic’s operations…(but) the need for expanded mental health services in Seminole County is urgent,” said Marni Stahlam, President/CEO of MHACF.
Stahlman said there are two other health care groups in Seminole County, Aspire and True Health, that offer mental health services on a sliding scale fee schedule.
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Stahlman said the money from the state, secured with help from State Rep. Susan Plasencia, R-Orlando, and State Sen. Jason Brodeur, R-Lake Mary, will give the agency a foundation to start building while getting more help from private donations and community partnerships.
“At a time when Florida faces the threat of deep Medicaid cuts and rising uninsured rates, any level of public investment in mental and behavioral health services is more essential than ever,” Stahlman said.
Outlook Clinic in Sanford is expected to open in Spring 2026.