Borderline Personality Disorder Today Advocate Description

Advocates must initially fill out an application which you will email the Director which will be reviewed.

An advocate's goal is to assist the consumer who has the borderline personality disorder (BPD) get back on their feet in all aspects of their lives as much as possible. 

"When we protect people, When we do things for them, When we do not expect them to be responsible for themselves, We teach them to feel and act dependent and powerless." Robert Stenstrud & Kay Stenstrud.

Initially advocates will make an assessment on what the needs are for the consumer. They will evaluate what the needs are for the consumer. This would include their living situation, finances, their current level of functioning, etc. Advocates will help discover outside supports and resources in their area, make phone calls and write email for the consumer for assistance in the event the consumer is unable to, assist with problem-solving, provide emotional support, listen to them, make recommendations to the client which will assist them on their road to recovery, etc. Each case will be different.

Advocates will receive basic training on how to assist consumers from Mental Health Today and any other support that may be necessary with the exception of financial assistance. 

The BPD Today Advocacy program receives no funding from any outside agencies or individuals. This is purely a volunteer program.

Advocates will have access to the leaders of this program for any questions or support needed.

An advocate's job is not to permanently remain in the consumer's life. This position will provide whatever is needed for the consumer with the goal of the consumer to be "back on their own feet" and then will close the case and be available for another consumer.

Advocates can work with more than one consumer at a time if they wish as long as they have the ability to handle this.

Advocates can be a mental health professional, be diagnosed with mental health disorder(s) as long as they are well into recovery, a family member of someone with mental health disorder(s), or just someone who is open to receive some training on how to do this job and sincerely wants to assist people with borderline personality disorder. We are not looking for perfect people to be advocate, just someone who is stable.

Advocates are initially screened for their level of recovery, etc., but Mental Health Today provides no background checks.

Advocates are not and will not assume the role of a consumer's physician or therapist. They are only aware of information on consumer's medical problems and psychiatric diagnoses that the consumer provides, which usually has a dramatic effect on medication and other treatment recommendations. BPD consumers must make a medical and treatment plan with their physician and therapist. Advocates are not trained professionals and do not provide any sort of therapy or give medical advise to the consumer.

Advocates will receive more detailed information when they decide to volunteer and are accepted into the program.

For any questions, feel free to write the Director.

Patty Pheil M.S.W.
Executive Director and Webowner

BPD Today Advocate Program

Consumer Information on Applying for the Program

Consumer Application

Advocate Application