What is an Advocate? Where do I find one?

What should you expect from an advocate, and how much do they cost? Of course, this information varies from state to state, but I will try to give some national information sources so you can start there and then get specific information from your particular state.

First, an advocate is a professional who advocates for your child. They ensure that your child receives the level of care they need, assist with insurance appeals, give advice about legal proceedings, and get your family the help that you need to cope with the situation. Sometimes they are provided free of charge, and sometimes you must pay out of pocket for them, it really depends on your state and what they provide. If you are having trouble getting your child approved for Residential Treatment, or if you have a continual problem with her school, you could probably benefit from an advocate. If your child has problems with the law because of his mental disorder, an advocate would be a wonderful addition to your legal team.

There are websites on this Suite101 topic site for some national organizations which provide advocacy information. N.A.M.I. and CH.A.D.D. are great places to start. NAMI’s Helpline can be reached at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264). A volunteer that can assist you in finding an advocate in your state will answer the call. You can also find the NAMI office closest to you and get information on your child’s medications and treatment. You may also email NAMI at helpline@nami.org.