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Successful Consumers Make Successful Providers
There is a Danish proverb that says, “He knows the water best who has waded through it.” For those who are traversing the waters of mental illness, this is particularly true, and it is with this knowledge that Federation of Organizations was among the first to begin employing individuals who...
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Supporting Transformation Towards Recovery-Based Services
Since the late 1980’s, I’ve had a strong belief in the principles and practices of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and their ability to assess an individual’s readiness to change, intervene to increase readiness if needed, and increase the skills and supports each person needs to enjoy life to its...
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The Economics of Recovery: The Making of a Consumer Advocate
It was in the fall of 99’, Ira and I were having our weekly meeting at Starbucks in Larchmont. We would linger for hours in those big, plush club chairs sipping Lattés and snacking on cookies – caffeine and sugar - just the fuel two bipolars needed to figure out their next career move. We...
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The NYSPA Report: New Federal Parity Law May Expand Coverage for Mental Illness in New York
This edition of the NYSPA Report discusses the impact that new federal parity legislation may have on the coverage of mental health and substance abuse services in New York State. The Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, signed into law on October 3, 2008,...
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VNSW Mental Health Home Care Program: In Harmony with the Consumer Movement
It is becoming increasingly understood and appreciated just how much healing and comfort extend beyond the physical. There is a decided mental well-being component as well, recognized by Visiting Nurse Services in Westchester (VNSW), the White Plains-based home health care agency that several years...
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Wellness Self-Management
Wellness Self-Management (WSM) is a curriculum-based clinical practice designed to assist adults to effectively manage serious mental health problems. The WSM program was based on Illness Management and Recovery (IMR), one of the nationally recognized evidence-based practices for adults with...
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A Journey to Employment
As a person with a disability, it is understandable why I might be considered an advocate for people’s rights. Although I am currently the Special Assistant to the Commissioner at the New York State Office of Mental Health responsible for consumer and family affairs, I regularly experience issues...
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An Overview of Timothy’s Law: Its Past, Present, and Future
Like many structural shifts in public policy, it often takes a horrific tragedy to move us to do the right thing. Case in point-Timothy’s Law. Named after Timothy O’Clair, a 12-year old boy who committed suicide shortly before his thirteenth birthday, the law demands that insurance companies...
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Eight Links to Recovery
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I was no stranger to the symptoms of bipolar disorder when I began having sleepless nights and racing thoughts at age 44. I worked as a counselor for adults with mental illness at a residential program and I was teaching daily living skills to clients, some who...
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Finding My Voice
I was one of those folks who couldn’t decide what they wanted to be when they grew up. I knew that I wanted to do something that would give back to the community, but I couldn’t seem to find my voice. Never in a million years did I think that, one day, I’d be helping those living with mood...
