About Us
The Coastal Wellness Collective (formerly the Mental Health Association of the Greater Westerly Area) is a non-profit (501 C-6), non-political professional association located in Rhode Island and Southeastern Connecticut. We are not a referral service for mental health and addiction services; however, we do provide information to the general public regarding our members’ practices.
Our mission statement declares that we “support and enhance the professional practices of the Association members, and to serve our community.” Since we embrace professionals from all mental health and addiction disciplines, we are in a unique position to support one another in our private practices. We do this by publishing a bi-annual Directory, the “Mental Health and Addiction Resources of Rhode Island and Southeast Connecticut,” providing professional education opportunities in a local setting, developing a interactive website for members and the general public, and offering networking opportunities for colleagues to communicate and cooperate to improve mental health and addiction services for the area communities.
History
The Mental Health Association of the Greater Westerly Area (MHA of the GWA) was established in January 2006. Jennifer Spivey-Rachlin, LICSW, first suggested forming an association that would include all licensed mental health and addiction professions in the South County Rhode Island area. Others also recognized the need to provide local support for area providers since most Rhode Island resources were only available in the Providence area. After gathering several interested providers, meetings were set, temporary officers were selected, and bylaws were established.
Since that time, the association has continued to grow. In 2016, the name was changed to reflect our commitment to expanding beyond the limits of the South County area. Now known as the “Coastal Wellness Collective,” the association embraces professionals throughout the area.
For more information about the Coastal Wellness Collective, please contact us at 401-596-8800 x3, or by contacting any Executive Board Member.
2024-2025 Executive Board:
Mark Couture, LPC – Chair -- Email
Jessica Wolke, LICSW – Vice Chair -- Email
Renee Lamontagne, M.Ed., LMHC - Treasurer -- Email
Diane Reese, LICSW – Secretary -- Email