Behavioral Health Advocacy Program Mission and Services

Mission

Legal Aid of West Virginia’s Behavioral Health Advocacy Project serves West Virginians both in the community as well as those committed at Mildred Mitchell Bateman and Sharpe Hospitals who face challenges brought about by behavioral and mental health disorders. Through individual advocacy, training and outreach, our advocates strive to provide supports and services to some of West Virginia’s most vulnerable citizens. The Advocacy Project holds firm the belief that individuals who require behavioral health services may lead a life that is dignified, productive and enjoyable, especially when appropriate supports are in place.

Services

Advocates deliver services to consumers, their families, legal representatives and others through many ways including; education and training, assessing individual needs and working to support those requirements, investigating complaints and grievances and linkage & referral. Advocates working in State psychiatric hospitals and in the community monitor services being provided to consumers and assist them in treatment and discharge planning. Advocates not only train consumers and staff from other agencies on right’s issues and best practice methods; they also conduct investigations on allegations of abuse and neglect. Other common services provided by Legal Aid behavioral health advocates include; achieving public benefits, navigating complex state systems, housing issues and establishing community supports. In addition, our agency has the only advocates in West Virginia to assist consumers with substance abuse issues.

Unlike other Legal Aid programs, there are no eligibility requirements other than residing in the state of West Virginia and having a behavioral or mental health disorder.

Funding from the State for our Family Advocacy, Support and Training (FAST) program allows our advocacy project to serve children and families as well. For more information on these efforts, please click here.