StarkMHAR Client Services Coordinator/Ombudsman
The Client Services Coordinator/Ombudsman is charged with promoting the highest attainable standards of treatment, competency, efficiency and justice for persons receiving behavioral health services. If you would like further information about your rights as a consumer, are concerned that your rights have been violated or have a complaint regarding your care, contact the StarkMHAR Client Services Coordinator/Ombudsman.
Client Services Coordinator/Ombudsman
Stark County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery
121 Cleveland Avenue SW
Canton, OH 44702
330-455-6644
You may also file a written complaint with the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services if you feel your privacy rights have been violated. You will not be retaliated against for filing a complaint.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Support, Education, Advocacy, and Research
From its inception in 1979, NAMI has been dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness.
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 by grassroots advocates have produced profound changes. NAMI’s greatest strength is the dedication of our grassroots leaders and members. We are the families, friends and individuals that serve to strengthen communities across the country.
Due in large part to generous individual, corporate and foundation donations, NAMI is able to build on its success and continue to focus on three cornerstones of activity that offer hope, reform and health to our American community: Awareness, Education and Advocacy.
Awareness and Support: A Pathway to Recovery
NAMI’s support and public education efforts are focused on educating America about mental illness, offering resources to that in need, and insisting that mental illness become a high national priority. Mental illness is a serious medical illness that affects one in four families. No one is to blame. Treatment works, but only half of people living with mental illness receive treatment. NAMI has engaged in a variety of activities to create awareness about mental illness and promote the promise of recovery.
Education: The Face and Voice of Mental Illness
NAMI offers an array of peer education and training programs, initiatives and services for individuals, family members, health care providers and the general public. NAMI’s education and support programs provide relevant information, valuable insight and the opportunity to engage in support networks. These programs draw on the lived experience of individuals who have learned to live well with mental illness and have been extensively trained to help others, as well as the expertise of mental health professionals and educators. NAMI and volunteer grassroots leaders are committed to education as the pathway to recovery, empowerment and wellness. In addition to education programs and initiatives offered through NAMI National, many of NAMI’s over 1,100 affiliates offer an array of support and education programs and activities for families and individuals. Many of NAMI’s program offerings are also available in Spanish language and some are also provided by means of translations into other languages.
Advocacy: A Respected Force
NAMI is recognized as the preeminent voice on Capitol Hill and in state houses across the country for the millions of Americans living with serious mental illness. NAMI advocates have fought for policy changes that raise the bar on mental illness care and promote treatment and research on par with other illnesses. NAMI’s advocacy provides a unique voice for people who live with mental illness and their families in state and federal public and private-sector policies that facilitate research, end discrimination, reduce barriers to successful life in the community and promote timely, comprehensive and effective mental health services and supports. NAMI National and NAMI grassroots leaders work steadily to influence critical national policy debates as they unfold.
Education and Advocacy Programs
Family-to-Family
This is a free, 12-week educational course available to family and friends of people diagnosed with a serious mental illness. The course, taught by trained family members, describes treatments for mental illnesses and teaches the knowledge and skills that family members need to cope more effectively. The course is highly recommended to those new to the challenges of mental illness, as well as for those who have been dealing with it for years.
The Family-to-Family Education Program was created by Dr. Joyce Burland, a psychologist and family member, and is sponsored by the National Alliance on Mental Illness. This twelve-class course is especially designed for family members and friends of persons experiencing the effects of mental illness. Primary focus is on three major psychiatric illnesses: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (manic depression) and major depression. Other topics covered in the program include treatment strategies and coping skills, communication and problem solving.
Classes are team-taught by intensively trained family members. Participants are encouraged to support each other, to be knowledgeable, and to be effective members of a team that includes the family, the peer, the doctor and the case manager.
Peer-to-Peer
Peer-to-Peer is a free, 10 week education program designed to foster learning, healing and empowerment among adults with neurobiological brain disorders (mental illness). This course, sponsored by Stark County’s National Alliance on Mental Illness is taught by trained mentors or peer teachers who are successfully managing their own conditions. The course provides participants with comprehensive information on mental illness. It also teaches strategies for personal and interpersonal awareness, coping skills and promotes effective paths to recovery and wellness. Participants can: Share experiences with peers who are also working toward recovery, gain further insight into mental illness, learn how to manage and cope with circumstances, learn how to be an active participant in any treatment plan and much more.
Basics
NAMI Basics is a free six-week course for parents of children with emotional/mental/neurobiological disorders. At NAMI Basics, you’ll find out that you’re not alone. Recovery is a journey, and there is hope. The group setting of NAMI Basics provides mutual support and shared positive impact – you can experience compassion and reinforcement from people who understand your situation. You also can help others with your own experience.
Homefront
NAMI Homefront is a free six-week course for veterans, family members and friends of adults with serious mental illness. Based on the nationally recognized NAMI Family-to-Family » program, NAMI Homefront is designed to address the unique needs of family, caregivers and friends of those who have served or are currently serving our country. The program is taught by trained family members of service members/veterans living with mental health conditions.
Call 330-455-6264 to pre-register for these free NAMI educational programs or find out more about courses »
join the conversation