Finding Help

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. To recommend additions to this list, please email us: NAMI-NYS.

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- 518-426-2760 (advocacy, education, information and referrals) ADD: Children with Attention Deficit Disorder (CHADD) 800-233-4050

COMPLAINTS:

Commission on Quality of Care: 1-800-624-4143 (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 Recipient Affairs: 518-473-6579 (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 (for list of self-help groups)

DISCRIMINATION:

NYS Advocate for the Disabled 800-522-4369 (information and referral on education, accessibility, employment, housing, transportation; provides systems advocacy, not individual advocacy)

ADA: Americans with Disabilities Act Information Line: 800-514-0301 (information about the law).

DRUG ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS:

The Medicine Program is an organization established by volunteers to help obtain prescription medications free of charge for those who cannot afford them. Call them at 1-573-996-7300; write them at The Medicine Program, P.O. Box 515, Doniphan, MO 63935-0515 or visit their site at www.themedicineprogram.com.

Mental illness and Substance abuse:
Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Office: 518-473-3460; 212-399-8404 (information on services)

Developmental disability:
National Association for the Dually Diagnosed: 800-331-5362 (advocacy, education, some referrals)

EATING DISORDERS:
American Anorexia/Bulimia Association: 212-575-6200 (local support groups, information, referrals)

FUTURE CARE PLANNING:
Future Care Planning Clearinghouse: 1-800-652-2090 (information on wills, trusts, guardianship, some referrals)

HEALTH INSURANCE:

Health Insurance Hotline: 800-333-4114

NYS Insurance Department: 800-342-3355

NYS Attorney General Health Care Bureau 800-692-4422

HOUSING:

Association for Community Living: 518-426-3635 (information on housing options and referrals)

Community Access Inc.: 212-780-1400 (resources and advocacy in the NYC area)

Corporation for Supported Housing: 212-986-2966 (advocacy, information and referrals and housing services)

INFORMATION ON MENTAL HEALTH:

American Association on Mental Resources: 800-424-3688

National Mental Health Service Knowledge Exchange: 800-789-2647

LEGAL SERVICES:

Legal Referral Service (Sponsored by the NYS Bar Association) 800-342-3661

Mental Hygiene Legal Services (Provides legal representation for inpatients, for those referred for AOT, and for outpatients with mental illness and developmental disabilities if they are in a certified community residence)

Bronx/Manhattan: 212-779-1734

Duchess, Kings, Nassau, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk and Westchester counties: 516-746-4545. Allegheny, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Oneida, Onondaga, Ontario, Orleans, Oswego, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming and Yates counties: 716-530-3050.

All other counties: 518-474-4453

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) 800-624-4143

MEDICAID:

New York State Medicaid Hotline: 800-342-3009

MEDICARE:

Basic Information Line for sign-up/eligibility: 800-772-1213
Medicare Hotline: 800-MEDICARE

MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION:

In New York State: 800-766-6177

National MHA: 703-684-7722

NATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS:

American Psychiatric Association: 202-682-6220

American Psychological Association: 202-336-5500

Association for Children’s Mental Health: 517-336-7222

Black Mental Health Alliance: 888-729-2642

National Institute of Mental Health: 301-443-4536

NATIONAL NAMI: 800-950-NAMI or 703-524-7600

NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH: 212-219-5400

NEW YORK STATE OFFICE OF MENTAL HEALTH: 518-474-2568 or 800-597-8481

OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER INFORMATION CENTER: 608-827-2470

PROTECTION AND ADVOCACY FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS: Click here for information

SOCIAL SECURITY: SSA Information Line: 800-772-1213

SOCIAL SERVICES: NYS Department of Social Services Information Line: 518-474-2121 or 518-463-4829 (general information on eligibility requirements, local office phone numbers/locations, how to get HEAP, food stamps, emergency shelter, etc.)

STIGMA: National Stigma Clearinghouse: 212-255-4411 (tracks/protests terms and media images that stigmatize people with mental illness, advocacy, free information on mental illness and stigma)

SUICIDE: See Preventing Suicide.

SUPPORT GROUPS: Call your local affiliate. Also see Support for information online.