Consumer and Family Support

Consumer Voices Are Born (CVAB)

CVAB operates a mental health Self-Help Recovery Center, Warm Line, and Employment and Education Center (clubhouse). The Self-Help Recovery Center provides regularly scheduled activities and readily accessible peer support. CVAB is a complement to the mental health and crisis system and the services offered include support groups, classes, social activities, and volunteer opportunities.

For more information about CVAB, please contact:

Consumer Voices Are Born (CVAB)
1601 East Fourth Plain Blvd. Suite A114 Vancouver, WA 98661
Phone: 360.397.8050 / Fax: 360.397.8059
www.cvabonline.com
Executive Director: Brad Berry

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

NAMI is a national grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with severe mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and severe anxiety disorders. Their efforts focus on support for individuals and the families of persons with serious brain disorders, and education to eliminate the pervasive stigma surrounding severe mental illness.

NAMI is actively involved in advocating for non-discriminatory and equitable federal, state, and private-sector policies. They also participate in research to study the causes, symptoms, and treatment for brain disorders.

For more information about NAMI, please contact:

NAMI Clark County
2500 Main St., Suite 120, Vancouver WA 98660
360.695.2823 (Monday through Thursday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; Friday, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm)
http://www.namiswwa.org
Executive Director: Kim Schneiderman; kim.s@namiswwa.org 

Behavioral Health Ombudsman

The Mental Health Ombudsman (MHO) provides consumers a complaint and grievance process that ensures confidentiality, restricts retaliation, and provides access to an Administrative Fair Hearing. The MHO is separate from the Regional Support Network (RSN). A consumer of mental health service can file a complaint with the agency, MHO or RSN. Acting as an advocate for the consumer, the MHO will listen to the compliant(s), investigate the allegations, and make recommendations for resolution. The primary goal of advocacy is to resolve the complaint at the lowest level possible. The Ombuds may be reached at swbhombuds@gmail.com.