If you live with a mental health condition, you are considered a “Consumer” of mental health services, or a “consumer-survivor”. When we are first diagnosed, it’s difficult to know what resources to turn to for help with our rights, available services, protections, how to find effective therapies, navigating medication, navigating “the system” in living with mental health. This page will be a continually updated document of valuable and trustworthy resources for consumers like us.
You can click this link to Lifeline (NY Finger Lakes Region) or call 211 for this 24/7 mental health crisis/suicide intervention program and information and referral service serving six counties in New York State. (Check online to see if a similar program exists in your region!)
Another great resource (and there is a similar site for every state), is the link to NY Offices for Consumer Affairs – Health and Wellness (You are the consumer! This office is for you! Every imaginable resource as far as rights and inclusion in the greater community!)
Another wonderful resource, this link to the International BiPolar Foundation (Amongst other wonderful supports, IBPF provides a Mental Health Awareness ‘patch’program, avaiable through scouting and other such organizations.
Another go to link is the National Alliance on Mental Illness (An outstanding organization, also with local chapters, doing great work for the community, within the community, and in advocacy across the country.)
Similarly, check out this link to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) (Another wonderful national organization, offering support, good information and advocacy for families living with depression and bipolar conditions.)
Here locally, we have our Mental Health Association (Rochester, NY) (There is a MHA branch near you! Look up MHA.org!) Some of their resources include: creative wellness opportunities and programming, family support, life skills, workshops, employment support, peer support, teen support groups, volunteer opportunities, self- and system advocacy, community connections and involvement.
Another important local entity is Willow Domestic Violence Center (includes 24 Hour Hotline) (Formerly Alternatives for Battered Women – confidential support, advocacy and emergency shelter for victims and their children in our region of NY state. Check for similar programs in your area!)
A great everyday resource from people just like us is this link to Mental Health on TheMighty.com (Real info and discussion – all about mental health!)
More, shared from NAMI.org, specific to New York State, but please check in your area for similar services:
Getting Support – Where to Call in NY
A mental illness in the family can lead to all kinds of situations. Knowing whom to call for help is often half the battle. For local resources and support groups, please contact our affiliates.
Following is a list of phone numbers that may be of help.
CHILDREN:
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: 202-966-7300 (information and referrals on child/adolescent psychiatrists)
Families Together: 888-326-8644 (hotline, family support groups, information/referrals, advocacy)
NYS Coalition for Children’s Mental Health Services: 518-436-8715 (advocacy, education, information and referrals) ADD: Children with Attention Deficit Disorder (CHADD): 800-233-4050
COMPLAINTS:
NYS Justice Center: 1-855-373-2122 (abuse line); 1-800-624-4143 (Information & Referrals line) (For problems concerning inpatient and outpatient treatment)
NYS Office of Mental Health main hotline: 1-800-597-8481
NYS Office of Mental Health Family Liaison: 518-474-4888 (Assists families in advocating for loved one in hospital or clinic settings)
NYS Office of Consumer Affairs: 518-474-8583; 800-697-1220 (Consumer Assistance Hotline) (Peer advocates assist consumers with problems with treatment, getting services)
CONSUMER SUPPORT:
Compeer Program: 800-836-0475 (Pairs up volunteers with individuals with mental illness for companionship)
Mental Health Empowerment Project: 1-800-643-7462; 518-434-1393 (for list of self-help groups)
DISCRIMINATION:
NYS Justice Center for Protection of People with Special Needs: 800-624-4143 (Advocates for and represents people with special needs who are being discriminated against and/or mistreated)
ADA: Americans with Disabilities Act Information Line: 800-514-0301 (information about the law).
DRUG ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS:
InCareRx: 800-286-9589 (Program designed to help those without insurance obtain medication at a discounted price)
Partnership for Prescription Assistance: 1-888-4PPA-NOW (1-888-477-2669) (Provides consumers with assistance obtaining free or discounted medication
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY:
National Association for the Dually Diagnosed: 800-331-5362 (advocacy, education, some referrals)
Mental Illness and Substance Abuse:
OASAS – Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services: 1-877-846-7369; 518-473-3460 (local); 1-800-553-5790 (Program information)
SAMSHA: Find treatment centers using address and/or zip code for substance abuse and mental illness treatment
Help Guide: Information on understanding and trying to help people suffering from mental illness and substance abuse
Eating Disorders:
National Eating Disorders Association: 1-800-931-2237 (Information and referral helpline); 212-575-6200 (Administrative office) (assist in referrals, finding support groups, giving information)
HEALTH INSURANCE:
Health Insurance Hotline: 800-333-4114
NYS Insurance Department: 800-342-3736(this is the number I got off of their website); 800-342-3355 (Gas & Electric shutoff line)
NYS Attorney General Health Care Bureau: 1-800-771-7755 (General help line for calls made within New York State); 1-800-788-9898 (toll free line)
HOUSING:
SPOA – Single Point of Access/CUCS: 212-801-3300
Association for Community Living: 518-688-1682 (information on housing options and referrals)
Community Access Inc: 212-780-1400 (resources and advocacy in the NYC area)
Corporation for Supportive Housing: 212-986-2966 (advocacy, information and referrals and housing services)
INFORMATION ON MENTAL HEALTH:
American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: 800-424-3688 (Organization committed to enhancing the abilities of professionals who work with the mentally ill, also works to normalize mental illness in society)
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: Information about mental illness, how to help people with mental illness, & resources for helping those with mental illness
LEGAL SERVICES:
Legal Referral Service (Sponsored by the NYS Bar Association): 800-342-3661
Mental Hygiene Legal Service
For Assistance, contact MHLS through a Department Office:
First Judicial Department
(Counties served: Bronx and Manhattan) NY Courts
TEL: 646-386-5891
Second Judicial Department
(Counties served: Dutchess, Kings, Nassau, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, and Westchester) NY Courts
TEL: 516-746-4545
Third Judicial Department
(Counties served: Albany, Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Clinton, Columbia, Cortland, Delaware, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Hamilton, Madison, Montgomery, Otsego, Rensselaer, St. Lawrence, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Schuyler, Sullivan, Tioga, Tompkins, Ulster, Warren, and Washington) NY Courts
TEL: 518-451-8710
Fourth Judicial Department
(Counties served: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Oneida, Onondaga, Ontario, Orleans, Oswego, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates) NY Courts
TEL: 585-530-3050
Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York: 800-462-2922 (Covers Albany area, but can give other regional numbers)
Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI): 800-993-8982 (Advocates for and protects those with mental illness who are being mistreated and discriminated against)
National Clearing House for Long-Term Care Information: 800-563-4916 (information on diseases in older adults, help with information on illnesses & long-term care) (information on wills, trusts, guardianship, some referrals)
MEDICAID:
New York State Medicaid Helpline: 1-800-541-2831; Medicaid Fraud line: 1-877-87FRAUD
MEDICARE:
Basic Information Line for sign-up/eligibility: 800-633-4227
Medicare Hotline: 800-MEDICARE
MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION:
In New York State: 518-434-0439
National MHA: 703-684-7722
NATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS:
American Psychiatric Association: 1-888-357-7924
American Psychological Association: 202-336-5500 / 1-800-374-2721
Association for Children’s Mental Health: 517-372-4016 / 1-888-226-4523
National Institute of Mental Health: 1-866-615-6464 (toll free line); 301-443-4536 (press office line)
NATIONAL NAMI: 800-950-NAMI or 703-524-7600
NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH: 212-219-5400
PROTECTION AND ADVOCACY FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS:Click here for information or call: 1-800-993-8982
SOCIAL SECURITY: SSA Information Line: 800-772-1213
SOCIAL SERVICES: NYS Department of Social Services Information Line: 518-447-7300 or 518-447-7000 (general information on eligibility requirements, local office phone numbers/locations, how to get HEAP, food stamps, emergency shelter, etc.)
SUICIDE: See Preventing Suicide Click here.
SUPPORT GROUPS: Call your local affiliate. Also see listings under CONSUMER SUPPORT above.
WisdomWithin 
So inspiring, Kathy! Thank you…
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Thanks for your support, Lisa!
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