May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and at LawHelpNY, that is a good reminder to talk about the protections and resources for people who need mental health services or support in New York.
Dealing with insurance is hard for almost everyone. Mental health coverage can feel especially confusing: finding a provider who accepts your plan, understanding what's actually covered, knowing what to do if you're denied. And when things go wrong, people may not know they have options, or where to turn.
That's where legal information comes in. You can learn how to appeal insurance denials or report mistreatment. If a loved one with a mental illness is arrested, there are specific steps that can help. And if you're facing a legal problem connected to your mental health, like losing housing or being cut off from benefits, free legal help may be available.
Navigating all of this takes persistence, and nobody should have to figure it out alone. We've put together an overview of mental health resources in New York. Our article covers how to find care, what to do about insurance issues, how to get an advocate, and how to find free legal help.
Read more: Mental health resources in New York