Business Details
40 Years
experience
Advocating Human Rights in Mental Health Care
Mindfreedom is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for human rights in mental health care. Founded in 1986, we have spent decades challenging systemic abuses in psychiatric systems globally. Our work centers on empowering individuals through mutual support networks, public education campaigns, and peaceful protests against coercive practices. As the only mental health organization accredited by the United Nations with Consultative Roster Status, we combine deep industry expertise with a survivor-led approach to drive systemic change.Our team includes psychiatric survivors, dissident professionals, and human rights advocates who bring decades of collective experience in mental health advocacy. We maintain strict independence from pharmaceutical companies, governments, and political entities, ensuring our mission remains focused on individual autonomy and humane alternatives. Through initiatives like the MindFreedom Shield Program and Judi's Room educational series, we provide concrete tools for self-determination while maintaining transparent operations and ethical standards.
Services
Shield Program Advocacy
Informational Resources
Provider Referrals
Mental Health Education
Volunteer Opportunities
Judi's Room Discussions
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- We hold UN accreditation as a Non-Governmental Organization with Consultative Roster Status
- Our survivor-led approach spans over 35 years of continuous mental health advocacy
- We operate a volunteer-driven mutual support network for psychiatric rights protection
- We provide comprehensive free resources including our 272-page Organizing Guide for Survivors
- Our global network connects mental health advocates across 6 continents
Associations and certifications
- United Nations (Consultative Roster Status)
What people say
UN-accredited organization
Survivor-led approach
Comprehensive resources
Global network
Volunteer-driven
Services
Shield Program Advocacy
Our volunteer-driven mutual support network organizes public campaigns to protect individuals from coerced psychiatric treatment. When registered members face involuntary interventions, we mobilize advocates to pressure institutions while respecting individual treatment preferences documented in advance directives.
Informational Resources
We provide free access to comprehensive mental health resources including our 272-page Organizing Guide for Psychiatric Survivors, harm reduction guides, and directories of alternative care providers. Physical copies are available upon request for those without reliable internet access.
Provider Referrals
Our registry connects individuals with mental health professionals who respect patient autonomy and avoid coercive practices. Providers undergo board review to ensure alignment with our principles of voluntary care and human rights protection.
Volunteer Opportunities
We offer volunteer and internship programs in advocacy, peer support, and nonprofit operations. Participants gain experience in social justice campaigns while contributing to our mission of transforming mental health systems through nonviolent resistance.
Judi's Room Discussions
This free monthly Zoom series features expert panels on mental health topics, followed by open discussions. Sessions include American Sign Language interpretation and cover subjects ranging from psychiatric advance directives to alternatives to conventional treatment approaches.
People
Kristina Kapp
President
Psychiatric survivor and human rights advocate with over 20 years of mental health activism experience. Leads strategic direction for MindFreedom's global initiatives while maintaining survivor-led organizational principles.
Jim Gottstein
Secretary/Treasurer
Harvard-trained attorney and psychiatric survivor who exposed pharmaceutical industry misconduct. Serves as president of NARPA and directs legal advocacy efforts for MindFreedom's systemic reform campaigns.
Al Galves
Board Member
Retired psychologist and long-time activist for humane mental health alternatives. Directs ISEPP, a sponsor group promoting ethical psychiatry practices through education and policy reform initiatives.
Myra Kovary
Board Member
Mental health systems analyst with expertise in disability rights frameworks. Coordinates international outreach efforts and develops policy positions aligned with UN human rights standards.
Shawn Terrell
Board Member
Digital rights advocate specializing in mental health data privacy. Leads technology initiatives ensuring secure communication channels for survivor networks and advocacy campaigns.
Questions
What is MindFreedom International's primary mission?
We advocate for human rights in mental health care through systemic reform, mutual support networks, and educational initiatives challenging coercive psychiatric practices globally.
How does the Shield Program work?
Registered members can activate public advocacy campaigns when facing involuntary treatment. Volunteers pressure institutions to respect documented treatment preferences while members reciprocate support.
Are your mental health resources free?
Yes, we provide free access to guides, books, and directories online. Physical copies are available upon request with optional financial contributions.
How can I participate in Judi's Room?
Register through our mailing list to attend monthly Zoom discussions featuring expert panels on mental health rights and alternative care approaches.
Do you offer direct mental health services?
We don't provide clinical services but maintain directories connecting individuals with survivor-friendly providers respecting voluntary care principles.
How is MindFreedom funded?
We operate through individual donations, foundation grants, and volunteer contributions without pharmaceutical industry or government funding.
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