Mental Health and Recovery
in Ashland County
Providing support, direction, and resources for help, hope, and healing mental health and substance use disorders in the Ashland County community.
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Keeping Ashland Healthy – The Podcast
Episode # – 89
On today’s episode, Dr. Ashley and the Boss prepare for May which is Mental Health Awareness Month, by reviewing programs/events available to county residents during the month of May. They also explore three more great programs in Ashland County that address mental health and substance use crisis.
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Resources for Farmers
Local Farm News: Ashland County Farm Bureau invites members and prospective members to their Member Appreciation Breakfast on Feb. 22 from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Ashland High School Cafeteria.
Farm Stress/We’ve got your back
Ohio Farmer Stress and Wellbeing Report
Ohio organizations form alliance to address mental health in agriculture
Rural Response to Farmer Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
Stress, depression and getting farmers to talk about it (Video)
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Watch Now at no charge! The 2025, 16th Annual Pat Risser RSVP Conference
About the Keynote Speaker, Brooke Siem
Brooke was among the first generation of minors to be prescribed antidepressants. Initially diagnosed and treated in the wake of her father’s sudden death, this psychiatric intervention sent a message that something was pathologically wrong with her and that the only “fix” was medication.
A decade and a half later, still on the same cocktail of drugs, Brooke found herself hanging halfway out her Manhattan high-rise window, calculating the time it would take to hit the ground. As she looked for breaks in the pedestrian traffic patterns, a thought dawned on her: “I’ve spent half my life—and my entire adult life—on antidepressants. Who might I be without them?”
2025 RSVP Morning Session– Brooke Siem speaks about her journey on psychiatric medications to a life without them.
2025 RSVP Afternoon Session–Dee Barbash presents on Compassion Key, Ron Bassman, PhD. presents on SAFE-R, and Stanley Frankart presents on Peer Support.
Make Change Happen
Whether you’re looking for resources to help yourself or a loved one through a difficult season of their lives or you’re someone who works professionally to meet the needs of Ashland County residents, we’re here to support you. Turn to the Mental Health and Recovery Board of Ashland County for information, events, and advocacy to build a stronger and healthier community.
Looking for service providers?
There are a wide variety of counselors, therapists, psychiatrists, and other service providers throughout Ashland County who are here to help you navigate mental health issues and find help for substance use disorders. Use this guide to find the appropriate service provider for you.

Resources for Behavioral Health Professionals
Advance your education and stay informed about serving the citizens of Ashland County.
Resources for Loved Ones
Help the loved ones in your life find the support and services they need to find hope and healing.
Resources for Yourself
Access the help you need to take the right next step forward for a healthier and happier life.
The Mental Health and Recovery Board of Ashland County is composed of 18 citizen volunteers who care deeply about the health and wellbeing of the community of Ashland County.
Learn more about who we are, what we believe, and how we work.
Blog
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11 Creative Ways to Keep Kids Connected This Summer
Discover fun, affordable ways to keep your kids mentally, physically, and socially engaged this summer—from cookouts and movie nights to stargazing and local adventures in Ashland County. -
Rethinking Psychiatric Medications with Author Brooke Siem: The 16th Annual Pat Risser RSVP Conference
Register today to attend the 16th Annual Pat Risser RSVP Conference on March 26th, 2025 in Ashland, Ohio. Keynote speaker Brooke Siem, author of May Cause Side Effects, will discuss life after dependence on psychiatric medications. -
Holiday Blues: Finding Balance Between Grief and Gratitude
The holidays can bring many feelings of grief and mental health struggles. The Mental Health and Recovery Board of Ashland County provides a few recommendations for how to cope with these challenges. -
Sowing Seeds of Resiliency Through Parenting Programs in Ashland County
Ashland County families can now access free parenting programs through a partnership between the Mental Health Recovery Board of Ashland County and Catholic Charities. These programs offer expert guidance on positive parenting, resilience building, and child mental health support. -
Overdose Awareness: A Call to Action for Ashland County
Come together to support our friends and family members who are affected by substance use disorders in Ashland County.