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 feel that you were mistreated at a mental health facility or by a mental health professional, we encourage you to search “complaint” on the NAMI HelpLine Knowledge Center and utilize the resources and information there to begin the process of filing a complaint.
Case Management Support
If you qualify for coverage under Medicaid or Medicare, we encourage you to contact a community behavioral health center (CBHC) in your area. Local behavioral health agencies tend to offer the most comprehensive programs and resources for people living with serious mental illness. Depending on your needs, you may be assigned a case manager (also called care coordinator, service coordinator, case worker, client services manager, community psychiatric supportive treatment worker, etc.) that can help advocate for you by:
- Connecting you to available services and supports in your area
- Helping you apply for public assistance programs
- Finding low-cost/no-cost services near you
- Helping you make appointments or get on waitlists
- Coordinating care between different providers and services you’re involved with
- Clarifying the process for submitting clients’ rights complaints
- Providing information on how to appeal an insurance denial or address other barriers to getting treatment
You can find your local CBHC by dialing 2-1-1 or by searching online for “community mental health [city] [state].”
Some primary care clinics also have case managers that provide the services above to patients, particularly if the clinic is located in a low-income or high-need area where more people may benefit from this type of support. Contact your Primary Care Provider (PCP) or search for low-cost health clinics in your area using the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Find a Health Center webpage to ask about care coordination services offered to patients.
Finding an Advocate
If your concern cannot be resolved by filing a complaint or obtaining case management support, you may need to employ the services of a professional patient advocate. The AdvoConnection Directory lists independent, professional health/patient advocates and care managers that can help you navigate the health care system. Please note that the professionals listed in the Directory are fee-for-service. Another resource you may find helpful is the National Association of Healthcare Advocacy, which 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.
Being an Advocate
If you are interested in telling your story with the hopes of making changes within the mental health system, you might consider participating in a NAMI Smarts workshop through a local NAMI affiliate. NAMI Smarts for Advocacy is a skill-building training that helps people affected by mental health conditions turn their passion and lived experience into powerful stories they can use to advocate for policy change. Participating in other programs at your local NAMI may also introduce you to people who have sought mental health advocacy in your local area, and they may be able to share information and resources helpful for your situation.
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