Figuring prominently in both our country’s history and present day economy Albuquerque, New Mexico is one of the largest cities in the American Southwest. The metropolitan area of Albuquerque has around 750,000 people, over one-third of the state’s entire population. Forbes.com rated Albuquerque, New Mexico as number five on the list of best places for business and careers. Since New Mexico is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse states in the Union, it is not surprising that its largest city, Albuquerque, leads the way in a number of human endeavors. High on the list of priorities is the city’s commitment to serving the mental health needs of its citizens. This is accomplished through a number of innovative federal, state, and local programs.
In July of 2005, New Mexico became the first state in the union to consolidate all of its state agencies that had previously dealt separately with behavioral and mental health issues. The new program will work under a Statewide Entity, called ValueOptions New Mexico, which will be in charge of overseeing all aspects of the behavioral and mental health services offered to the people of New Mexico. ValueOptions New Mexico has Service Centers and Regional Offices in a number of New Mexico cities including Albuquerque.
The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill – New Mexico (NAMI-NM) is an organization dedicated to serving people with mental illness and their families. Albuquerque mental health needs are met, in part, by the many programs offered by NAMI-Albuquerque, the largest NAMI branch in New Mexico. Current programs include the following:
New Mexico has a protection and advocacy system that is in place to provide people with mental illness and their families with information regarding consumer rights and procedures for filing complaints resulting from alleged abuse or neglect suffered while in the care of various public or private facilities.
The University of New Mexico, founded in 1889, is situated in the heart of Albuquerque. Albuquerque mental health services are well served by the UNM Mental Health Center, just one of several UNM Health facilities which together serve over 122,500 patients each year.
There are many ways to access Albuquerque mental health services. The United States Department of Health and Human Services – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has nearly 70 public and private mental health services listed online. The services range from general hospital facilities with psychiatric units and outpatient programs to clinics specializing in the treatment of children, adults, veterans, and senior citizens.
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