Accepting new clients (reported 40 days ago by our users)
Mental Health Association of Rhode Island
The mission of the Mental Health Association of Rhode Island is to promote mental health, prevent mental illness, and to improve the system of care for mental health through advocacy, education, service, and the dissemination of research. The Mental Health Association of Rhode Island does not provide direct services.
You May Also Consider (Sponsored)
Quick Start Online Therapy: Tell Us a Little About Yourself and Get Matched With a Therapist Right for You
Take a simple guided quiz and let us know your preferences. Get matched to an online therapist right for you. Convenient and affordable online therapy from your phone, tablet or computer.
Have you been in therapy before?
Services Offered
Advocacy For nearly a century, MHA of RI has advocated for effective and compassionate community care for mental illness. In the 1970s, MHA of RI led the movement for de-institutionalization.
Today, MHA of RI fights for equity in mental healthcare coverage and effective statewide mental healthcare policies. We continue in our efforts to advocate for parity between mental and medical healthcare in health insurance packages and for the freedom of the individual to choose the best (not just the least expensive) medication. Together with other concerned individuals and organizations, MHA of RI fights for the rights of persons experiencing mental illness.
Education Lack of knowledge remains the most imposing barrier to effective, affordable, and accessible mental health treatment for all. Thousands of Rhode Islanders struggle with the pain of untreated mental illness. MHARI conducts year-round screenings for disorders such as depression, eating disorders and anxiety in every part of the state. We bring nationally known speakers such as William Styron, author of Darkness Visible, A Memoir of Madness, and the Director of the National Institute for Mental Health to help encourage people to seek treatment for mental illnesses.
Undiagnosed mental illness or substance abuse is a main or contributing cause for up to one fourth of all visits to primary care doctors. MHARI educates medical professionals about mental health screening. Early detection of stress, anxiety or depression leads to more effective treatment and can head off many other serious medical conditions.
Fees and Payment
MHA is a nonprofit organization.
Services Offered To: Adults Teens Children
Special Groups: Bilingual
Payment: Sliding Scale Medicaid
If You Call, Please Let Us Know How it Went:
Were You Able to Make an Appointment?
One quick last question. Who was seeking counseling today?
Do you know the reason they are not accepting clients?
Qualifying for assistance from Rhode Island's program usually depends on the severity of your condition and financial circumstance. Read our full guide to Rhode Island's program.
A community counseling agency is a group therapy practice that offers affordable mental health services. Most are independent non-profit agencies, state agencies, or publicly-funded agencies. A few may restrict who is eligible for services, so it is a good idea to check when you call.
Community counseling agencies are generally more affordable than other therapy providers, but how much more affordable they are will depend on whether you qualify for a discount or sliding scale fee (or if they accept your insurance). Many, but not all, have a policy that they won't turn away anyone due to inability to pay. You should ask about their fees when you first call.
Expect to talk to kind people who want to help you find the care you need. Most community agencies strive to connect you with a live person within 24 hours, if not immediately. If you're asked to hold or leave a message, don't give up; just leave a message and wait. You should hear back pretty quickly.
Most agencies try to set up an initial assessment appointment within a week (some do within 24 hours), though the waitlist to start therapy is usually longer—about a few weeks on average. If you're not eligible or if the agency is not right for you, it's usually still worth it to call or drop in, because staff are knowledgeable about local options and can often refer you to one.