Local Advocacy Resources

Mental Health Association of Rhode Island

Works to promote mental health, prevent mental illness, and to improve the system of care for mental health through advocacy, education, service, and the dissemination of research.

Website:  www.mhari.org     •     401-726-2285


RI Office of Health Insurance Commissioner (OHIC)

A primary mandate for Rhode Island’s Office of Health Insurance Commissioner is to help consumers understand the healthcare system, and to protect Rhode Island consumers by making sure federal and state laws are followed.

Website:  www.ohic.ri.gov


Rhode Island INSURANCE CONSUMER HOTLINE housed at the RI Parent Information Network at 401-270-0101

Offers a bi-lingual hotline that provides assistance with insurance questions and appeals. Open to all Rhode Islanders regardless of insurance coverage.  Also assists individuals, parents, families, and children to achieve their goals for health, education, and socio-economic well-being by providing information, training, education, support and advocacy for person/family centered care and system change.

Website: ripin.org    •    401-270-0101


NAMI RI

Rhode Island affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offering an array of education and training programs and services for consumers, family members, providers and the general public.

Website: www.namirhodeisland.org    •   401-331-3060 (not a crisis line)


Rhode Island Mental Health Advocate

Megan Clingham, Rhode Island State Mental Health Advocate 401-462-2003.
The Office of the Mental Health Advocate is an independent state agency staffed by attorneys who provide an array of free legal, investigative, and advocacy services.


United Way 2-1-1

United Way 2-1-1 offers free, confidential help with housing, food, childcare and many other needs. Specialists are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Here are some ways to get help: Dial 211 on your phone. Text your zip code to 898211. Search for information on the RI Resource Directory on the 211 site in English, Spanish or Portuguese. Chat with someone on The Point Gambling Helpline.


Parent Support Network of Rhode Island

Offers peer recovery services and advocacy for adults with behavioral health (mental health and substance use) challenges and who are in recovery.
Website: psnri.org    •    401-467-6855 OR toll free (800) 483-8844


Oasis Wellness & Recovery Center

Oasis Wellness Center
1280 N Main St, Providence, RI 02904
401-831-6937

www.facebook.com/mhcarioasis/


RI Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities, and Hospitals (RI BHDDH)

Website:  http://www.bhddh.ri.gov


Behavioral Health Link (BH Link)

BH Link is a one-stop, statewide 24/7 call-in hotline and walk-in center that connects people to appropriate care and resources when they or someone they care about is experiencing a behavioral healthcare crisis. At the walk-in triage center clinicians connect people to immediate, stabilizing emergency behavioral health services, and long-term care and recovery supports

Hotline: 401-414-5465 (414-LINK)
Walk-in Center: 975 Waterman Ave., East Providence, RI 02914
Website: https://www.bhlink.org

National Advocacy Resources

Kennedy Forum Parity Registry

The Kennedy Forum’s Parity Registry helps individuals and families understand their rights and options if they have been denied health insurance coverage for mental health, eating disorder, or addiction services as required by law.

Website: www.parityregistry.org


American Psychological Association (APA)

The American Psychological Association has developed an online help center with useful resources for understanding Mental Health Parity laws, including a consumer resource guide.

Website:  www.apa.org/helpcenter/parity-law-resources


Health Law Advocates (HLA)

Health Law Advocates (HLA) is a 501(c)(3) public interest law firm whose mission is to provide pro bono legal representation to low-income residents experiencing difficulty accessing or paying for needed medical services. See their ‘Mental Health Parity Toolkit’ here.

Website:  www.healthlawadvocates.org


Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF)

A national non-profit that provides direct services to patients with chronic, life threatening and debilitating diseases to help access care and treatment recommended by their doctor.  PAF has a wealth of resources.  See their ‘Patient’s Guide to Navigating the Insurance Appeals Process.”

Website: www.patientadvocate.org

ri parity
MHARI’s Behavioral Health Resource Guide
MHARI’s Behavioral Health Resource Brochure – Print Version
Folleto de recursos sobre salud conductual de MHARI
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Mental Health Parity in Rhode Island
TIPS FOR TALKING TO YOUR INSURER
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
HELP WITH FILING AN APPEAL
TREATMENT AND RECOVERY
RI Insurance Consumer Hotline
RI Office of Health Insurance Commissioner
Words to Know
Steps To The Appeals Process
“Don’t Deny Me” Fact Sheet
People living with mental health conditions have the right to a full explanation of insurance benefits, treatment options, and side effects.  
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