I need someone to advocate for me – Can NAMI help?

Despite NAMI’s passion for advocacy, as an organization we do not possess the resources to advocate on behalf of or represent specific individuals or situations.  

If you qualify for coverage under Medicaid or Medicare, your community’s behavioral health services will work with you to determine if you qualify for a case manager to be assigned. A case manager might assist you with the following services:

  • Initial and ongoing assessment
  • Case management
  • Individual therapy
  • Psychosocial-educational groups
  • Family support and education

If you do not qualify for coverage under Medicaid or Medicare, you may need to employ the services of a professional patient advocate. You may wish to consult the AdvoConnection Directory that lists independent, professional health/patient advocates and care managers that can help you navigate the health care system. Please note, the professionals listed in the Directory are fee-for-service. Additional resources can be found below:

  • National Association of Healthcare Advocacy is a broad-based, grassroots organization for health care and patient advocacy. Their website provides a “Find an Advocate” search function. Please note the advocates listed are fee-for-service.
  • National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest association for professional social workers. To find a social worker, visit their partner website, “Help Starts Here” that offers a “Find a Therapist (Social Worker)” tool at: https://www.helppro.com/NASW/BasicSearch.aspx

You may also wish to contact your local NAMI Affiliate to determine other options in your community for individual support/advocacy.

Hours of operation Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. EST 

Call: 800-950-NAMI (6264) 

Text: 62640 

Webchat: www.nami.org/help  

Email: helpline@nami.org

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