“We advocate by shaping national public policy for people with mental illness and their families and providing volunteer leaders with the tools, resources and skills necessary to save mental health in all states.”
Senate Bill (SB) 1338 (Chapter 319, Statutes of 2022) established the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act, that represents a crucial step forward in ensuring that individuals facing severe mental health challenges (schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders) in California receive the care they so desperately need. Too often, these vulnerable individuals find themselves without access to the necessary treatment.
CARE takes a proactive approach by intervening earlier, seeking to divert individuals from more restrictive conservatorships or incarceration. It establishes a vital connection between those in crisis and a court-ordered CARE plan or agreement that can span up to 12 months, with potential extensions for an additional year.
Recognizing the pressing need for support and accountability, CARE steps in not only to help those with severe untreated mental illnesses but also to assist local governments in their duty to provide behavioral health services. The CARE process operates through California’s civil courts, enabling earlier intervention and offering much-needed support and accountability.
To learn more about the CARE Act, please visit www.namica.org/care
Advocacy for Mental Health
Policy change is one major way we can make a difference in the lives of people living with mental health conditions and their families. NAMI National advocates for an array of issues including: Protecting people’s access to treatment and services, attaining mental health parity and securing better funding for research. We maintain an active presence in the U.S. Capitol on priority issues with relationships on both sides of the aisle. NAMI National has a strong presence in all 50 states, advocating for state laws, as well as county and local policies that will ensure that people get the help they need.
Advocacy Community Resource Links:
NAMI National
For three decades, NAMI has established itself as the most formidable grassroots mental health advocacy organization in the country. Dedication, steadfast commitment, and unceasing belief in NAMI's mission have produced profound changes. NAMI's greatest strength is the dedication of our leaders and members. We are the families, friends and individuals that serve to strengthen communities across the country.
Making Mental Health Part of the Debate
Helping 60 million Americans living with mental health conditions means treating mental and physical health equality. Let’s not only stand up for what’s right, let’s VOTE for what’s right. Use the link above to learn how elected officials impact mental health services in your community, ways to discuss mental health issues with candidates and resources to help you vote.
Dial 211 - Get Connected, Get Help™
211 is a vital service that connects people to the help they need every day. Call, text or chat with your local 211 to speak with a community resource specialist in your area who will help you find services and resources that are available to you.
NAMI Advocate Magazine
NAMI Advocate is the flagship vehicle for public communication from NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It brings you the kind of timely, practical information you need, whether you are a consumer, a family member, or a friend of a person with a serious mental illness.
The Advocate is published 12 times per year. Both the magazine and e-newsletter are available online at www.nami.org/advocate.
Treatment and Advocacy
The Treatment Advocacy Center is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating barriers to the timely and effective treatment of severe mental illnesses. TAC promotes laws, policies, and practices for the delivery of psychiatric care and supports the development of innovative treatments for and research into the causes of severe and persistent psychiatric illnesses, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
California Disability Access Information
The purpose of this site is to provide information and links on the major laws, regulations and areas of interest regarding disability rights and access for Californians with disabilities and other interested persons. You will find references to laws, resources for services and referrals to organizations that can help you with your access concerns.
Dayle McIntosh Center
The Mission of the Dayle McIntosh Center is to advance the empowerment, equality, integration and full participation of people with disabilities in the community. The Center is not a residential program, but instead promotes the full integration of disabled persons into the community. Dayle McIntosh Center is a consumer-driven organization serving all disabilities.
Additional Resources:
SAMHSA's Resource Center
SAMHSA's Resource Center to Promote Acceptance, Dignity and Social Inclusion Associated with Mental Health (ADS Center)
The SAMHSA ADS Center provides information and advice on countering discrimination and stigma associated with mental illness. It has the support and input of experts on this topic.
Patient Rights
Patient's Rights Advocacy Services is part of a state-mandated patient's rights advocacy system. Read more on the OC Health Care Agency Behavioral Health Service Web site.