Peer Advocacy & Support
CHOICE Catches People Who Are Falling Through the Cracks
The system’s focus statewide has been on the most severely and persistently mentally ill (SPMI). Those identified as such have been prioritized for housing, case management and a slew of other services. But what about those who don’t meet the SPMI criteria but who still need help? What about people who are overwhelmed and cannot navigate the benefit system? What about people who have avoided treatment because of past bad experiences and now need help but are afraid to try again without someone on their side? These are just a few examples of what brings people to the Advocacy Program. Peer Advocacy, CHOICE’s first program, was developed to address this gap in services.
Advocacy clients are for the most part self-referred; some have come through current or former clients, providers or friends. To set up an intake appointment, all you have to do is initiate a phone call to CHOICE.
Learn more about our Peer Concept.
CHOICE offers services for people with mental illness who have been unable to access the services and benefits they are entitled to. We have created a unique and successful program to fill this gap: It is easy to access, person-centered, flexible, and empowers our clients.
Easy Access
You do not have to meet stringent eligibility criteria to receive services. There are no diagnostic requirements. You are eligible if you are
- Over 18 years of age
- A resident of Westchester County
- A past, present or potential consumer of mental health services
Please call us for an appointment!
Empowered Clients
From your first visit, you will be treated as a productive individual with the capacity to recover. We see you as a person — not a diagnosis. Because our services are not clinically based and goals are client centered, you are afforded the opportunity to present yourself in a favorable light. You may have felt judged by clinical assessments and psychosocial histories in the past, but at CHOICE you are an equal, someone who just needs a guiding hand to accomplish your goals.
Person-Centered Service
Peer Advocacy is a person-centered program. This means different things to different people, and so the services we provide vary widely. Just as an example, we may be the mediator with a landlord for one client and help another client file for a Fair Hearing after being denied public benefits.
Goals vary from client to client as will length and frequency of meetings, while some clients require multiple face-to-face meetings others may only need one meeting after intake.
You will set the pace for your services. We are here to support and guide you but at the same time we will always encourage and assist you in playing an active role in attaining your goals.
