Mental Health Project

Free Legal and Social Work Services
for the Mental Health Community

GET HELP

The Mental Health Project provides free legal assistance and social work services to low-income people with psychiatric disabilities in New York City concerning the following issues:

HEALTH INSURANCE

We provide advocacy, training, and representation on issues related to Medicaid, Family Health Plus, Medicare, Managed Care, and other health insurance programs.

PSYCHIATRIC DISCHARGE PLANNING FROM JAILS

We help enforce the settlement in Brad H. v. City of New York, a lawsuit that requires that consumers receive assistance applying for benefits, finding housing, and arranging ongoing treatment upon NYC jail discharge.

FAMILY COURT FOR PARENTS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS

We provide representation to parents in Family Court on abuse and neglect matters, termination of parental rights proceedings, and visitation issues.

DISCHARGE PLANNING FROM PSYCHIATRIC UNITS

We help enforce hospital discharge planning laws by ensuring that patients who are being discharged from psychiatric units receive help applying for benefits, finding housing, and arranging aftercare services.

SOCIAL SECURITY/SSI

We provide representation before the Social Security Administration in denials or discontinuances of benefits, suspensions due to outstanding warrants, and overpayment claims.

WE DO NOT PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH:

• Debtor/Creditor and Bankruptcy Proceedings
• Personal Injury/Medical Malpractice Suits
• Criminal Court
• Trusts, Wills and Estate Planning

To contact us, CALL TOLL-FREE: 1-877-MHPLAW1 (877-647-5291). We provide assistance in English and Spanish. We will return your call as soon as possible. We are not able to help everyone who contacts us. However, if we are unable to represent you, we will give you information and referrals.