Friends of ASH Supporting Mental Health Recovery

Summary:

Friends of Austin State Hospital (Friends of A.S.H.) and the Samaritan Center reaffirm their ongoing collaboration in supporting holistic mental health recovery for individuals and families in Central Texas. Their shared mission strengthens access to compassionate, community-based care for those facing mental health challenges.

Friends of A.S.H. & Samaritan Center Support Mental Health in Central TX



In Texas, approximately 3.3 million adults experience a mental health condition each year—a figure that highlights the urgent need for accessible, integrative care rooted in community support. Friends of Austin State Hospital (Friends of A.S.H.) and the Samaritan Center have worked side by side for years to meet that need, advancing a shared commitment to healing that addresses the full spectrum of human experience: mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual.

Their ongoing collaboration supports patients at Austin State Hospital (ASH) through initiatives that extend beyond traditional clinical care. Together, they champion a model of recovery that combines therapeutic programming, community engagement, and whole-person wellness—providing patients with not just treatment, but also hope, dignity, and connection.

Since 1974, the Samaritan Center has served Central Texas with a comprehensive range of services, including individual and family counseling, group therapy, integrative medicine, peer support, and wellness education. Through its Hope for Heroes program, the Center also provides free and reduced-cost mental health services to military veterans, active-duty service members, first responders, and their families. 

Their holistic approach aligns closely with the mission of Friends of A.S.H. to enrich lives through compassion-centered care.

“Our ongoing relationship with the Samaritan Center reflects a shared belief that recovery isn’t just about managing symptoms—it’s about restoring a sense of wholeness,” said a representative from Friends of A.S.H. “When organizations unite around a common mission, the result is deeper, more compassionate care.”

Friends of A.S.H. encourages the broader Austin community to support local partnerships that extend the reach of mental health services and advocate for a more inclusive, connected approach to recovery. Whether through volunteering, donations, or awareness-building, every contribution helps sustain programs that make a real difference.

For more information about how to get involved, visit Friends of ASH and Getting Started - Samaritan Center today.

About Friends of A.S.H.

Friends of Austin State Hospital (Friends of A.S.H.) is a nonprofit organisation committed to enhancing the quality of life for patients at Austin State Hospital. For over 70 years, Friends of A.S.H. has provided critical support through creative, recreational, and therapeutic programs that foster healing and dignity. To learn more about their mission and how you can help, visit the events page for more information.