In the meantime....consider taking SAM-E or St. John's Wort.

They both provide some relief---although,  SJW takes forever to kick
in.

No, I didn't talk to any lawyers, just found some firms that
specialized in malpractice cases.  I thought that they would have to
look at the facts of her case before coming to a conclusion about it,
so I advised her to put the facts of her complaints in order on paper
first so she would have something to give them.  I think that she has
pretty well documented her complaints in postings she has made to one
of the other newsgroups.  I don't know why lawyers would prejudge her
case without looking at it unless they either think that psych patient
against psych Dr. is a hopeless case, or that NYU is too revered an
institution to go after.  If psych patient credibility is the problem,
there is always the possibility of finding other patients with similar
complaints against the same doctors.  That's how they convicted the
pedophile priests.

The thing is, most of those law firms offer a free initial
consultation, so you have nothing to lose by talking to them.

Double-A

Indeed, all true.
But I maintained my FAITH in the Justice System.

Here are three phone numbers and descriptions of programs that may be
helpful for both Virginia and your friend. They can get into permanent
housing and then qualify for SSI, food stamps and other services. This
is very much worth looking into.

Department of Human Services, office of Client Advocacy:

You can call DHS' Office of Client Advocacy toll free at
1-800-994-6494, or you may be connected through 311.

The Office of Client Advocacy was established in June 2002. The office
assists clients by working in partnership with DHS staff, provider
organizations and other agencies. The Office is now staffed with eight
advocates. Calls received over the weekend or after hours will be
returned the following business day.

We encourage clients to first work with caseworkers or shelter staff to
resolve individual issues. Client advocates are available to assist in
resolving outstanding issues. Advocates assist clients in the following
ways:
    ·     Providing crisis intervention for people at risk of becoming
homeless;
    ·     Assisting clients to overcome the barriers to obtaining permanent
housing;
    ·     Negotiating with other agencies and providers on behalf of the
clients; and
    ·     Helping mediate conflicts between shelter staff and clients.

The Office of Advocacy is active in policy discussions within DHS and
is a strong, effective voice advocating systemic reform on behalf of
the clients.

Recovery Works

Recovery Works is a unique model for working with formerly homeless
MICA and SPMI consumers. The transitional living program is comprised
of twelve beds each for men and women in a three-story building and six
beds in nearby apartments for consumers who are ready for increased
independence. After approximately 18 months in transitional housing,
consumers are assisted with placement into a level of more permanent
housing commensurate with their needs.

On the ground floor of Recovery Works is a day treatment program, which
addresses issues specific to SPMI and MICA treatment. Groups include
Relapse Prevention, Mental Illness/Medication Awareness, Double
Trouble, Parenting, Housing and Life Skills. Because men and women in
recovery have gender-specific needs, we offer separate Anger Management
and Survivors of Childhood Trauma groups for men and women. The day
treatment program accepts referrals from outside providers.

A psychiatrist and a nurse are on-site. Case Managers work with clients
to assist them with benefits and housing, and to monitor program
progress. Our Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist provides a wide
range of services, including individual vocational counseling,
stipended positions in the community, and referrals to VESID and Fast
Track to Employment, MHA's employment and support program for SPMI
consumers.

Recovery Works consumers are involved in the operation of the program
and work with staff to establish skill-building activities in the area
of relapse prevention, mental health treatment, education,
socialization, healthy living and employment training and support.
Ultimately, the goal of Recovery Works is to break the cycle pf
psychiatric hospitalization, homelessness, and alcohol and drug
addiction by teaching tools that promote housing permanence,
psychiatric stability, a clean and sober lifestyle, and independent
living.

For further information or to make a referral, contact:

Program Coordinator
Recovery Works
2011 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10029
Tel: (212) 360-6835
Fax: (212) 860-3658

Supported Housing Programs

MHA's Supported Housing Programs provide housing to SPMI and MICA
individuals and families whose mental illness has been stabilized. Many
of the consumers served by these programs have histories of
homelessness, multiple psychiatric hospitalizations, relapse, and/or
are parents whose goal is to reunite with their children. With
scatter-site studio and one-bedroom apartments for singles and couples
in Manhattan and the Bronx, as well as scatter-site two bedroom
apartments in the Bronx for parent(s) and one child, the Supported
Housing Programs offer a level of supervision appropriate to the
integration of the SPMI or MICA consumer into independent housing in
the community.

All tenants receive case management services on an as-needed basis.
Their apartments are visited three times per month, once by a Case
Manager and twice by a trained Peer Specialist. Monthly meetings with
tenants and Supported Housing staff provide socialization, conflict
resolution skills and self-empowerment. The much-coveted "Tenant of the
Month" award, accompanied by a gift, is a highlight of these meetings.
Recreational activities, such as movies, restaurant trips, or cultural
events, are decided by the tenants and provide enjoyable outings to
places they might never otherwise experience.

The Supported Housing Programs are part of MHA's comprehensive array of
Adult Services. Consumers have access to Recovery Works, a day
treatment program for MICA consumers;  Harlem Bay Network, a weekday
and evening psychosocial clubhouse;  Open House, a Friday night
recreational program; Fast Track to Employment, an award-winning,
nationally recognized employment placement and support program for SPMI
consumers; Another Way, which provides referral and advocacy services
to consumers with mental illness; and Parent Resource Centers for
consumers who need support and advocacy around children's issues.

Eligible consumers must be ready to live in independent housing. The
Supported Housing Programs are designed to specifically address the
housing and supportive service needs of individuals with serious and
persistent mental illness with or without co-occurring substance abuse
and/or alcohol dependencies.

For further information or to make a referral, contact:

Coordinator of Supported Housing
2011 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10029
Tel: (212) 360-6835
Fax: (212) 860-3658