Clifford W. Beers' 1908 autobiography, A Mind that Found Itself, shattered stereotypes of mental illness. Beers found relief from chronic manic depressive illness at Rhode Island's Butler Hospital. His determination to make his suffering matter led to the creation of both the National and the Rhode Island Mental Health Association. For 88 years, MHARI has advocated for compassionate, effective community care for mental illness. Thirty years ago we led the movement for de-institutionalization and community care. Today, MHARI fights for equity in mental health care coverage and effective statewide mental health care policies. Together with other concerned individuals and organizations, MHARI fights for the rights of persons with mental illness. Clifford W. Beers is considered one of the founders of the mental health movement in America.

Parity We continue in our efforts to advocate for parity between mental and medical health care in health insurance packages.

Freedom The freedom to choose the best, not just the cheapest, medication.