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
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
