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NEW! NAMI-NYC’s Treatment Not Jail Report
People living with mental health issues deserve trauma-informed, culturally responsive health care, not a jail sentence. Mental health courts are an alternative that can treat underlying conditions and break the cycle of incarceration.
NAMI-NYC’s report reviews the state of mental health courts and provides recommendations on how to expand them throughout New York State. We interviewed 13 stakeholders from the treatment court space.
Our Advocacy Work
Improving the lives of families and individuals in NYC affected by mental illness requires our government to be champions for legislation that impacts the mental health system.
We believe that’s worth fighting for.
When we bring the perspective of the family AND the person living with mental illness directly to policymakers, we educate elected officials to prioritize policy decisions that ensure quality services and enhance recovery for the mental health community in New York.
Become an Advocacy Ambassador
Join the fight for better mental health services in NYC and share your story with elected officials! The NAMI-NYC Advocacy Ambassador program provides families and individuals impacted by mental illness with the skills and training needed to meet with elected officials and create change in their communities.
Ready to start? Please complete this Advocacy Ambassador application, and a staff member will contact you.
NAMI-NYC Policy Priorities
Increasing Access to Healthcare
We’re committed to increasing access to mental health services and to improve the quality of those services.
Mental Health Education in Schools
We want to give students and educators tools to support themselves and their peers with mental health challenges.
Decriminalizing Mental Illness
We’re dedicated to diverting people living with a mental illness from the criminal legal system and towards recovery.
Supportive Housing
Supportive housing is a proven, long-term solution to help people find stability, employment, and their road to recovery.
Substance Use Disorder / Dual Diagnosis
We need insurance coverage for both mental health challenges and substance use disorders.
Maternal Mental Health
We support increasing screening for parents with postpartum depression and address health disparities for Black and brown mothers.
Advocacy News
Psychiatric ER Survey
Your voice matters! Take our psychiatric ER survey. Individuals, family members, and friends welcome to participate.
What’s the 411 on 988?
On July 16, 2022, a new national three-digit crisis number went live. With the launch of 988, the hope is that this will change how crisis response happens. Listen to a discussion with: Denise Balzer, Director of Crisis, Emergency and Stabilization Initiatives at the NYS Office of Mental Health; Kelly Clarke, Program Director of NYC Well with Vibrant Emotional Health; and Kimberly Blair, Director of Public Policy and Advocacy at NAMI-NYC.
Watch the English + ASL interpretation replay
Mira el video de repetición en español aquí
Have questions? Email us.
Real stories from real people make real change.
NAMI-NYC is dedicated to making sure elected officials and other decision makers hear directly from families and individuals impacted by mental illness.
We are collecting stories of people’s experiences visiting the psych ER or being admitted into psychiatric hospitals around NYC.