INSET Program

A Unique Mental Health Service for People with Unique Needs

When traditional mental health and social service systems fall short, individuals can become isolated, underserved, or at risk of long-term hospitalization, incarceration, or homelessness. HALI’s INSET (Intensive and Sustained Engagement Team) offers an alternative: a voluntary, community-based service designed to reach people who need more than what conventional supports can offer.

INSET goes where other services can’t—and does what others won’t.

What Makes INSET Unique?

The Team

INSET is led by a multidisciplinary group of experienced professionals who work together to build trust and provide wraparound support:

Peer-Led Approach: Guided by lived experience and relationships built on mutual respect
Highly Trained Staff: Certified peer specialists receive intensive training and ongoing high-quality supervision
Clinical Expertise: Licensed clinicians include LCSWs, CASACs, and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners
Family Inclusion: Family Peer Advocates offer support for loved ones navigating the mental health system

The Service

Voluntary, Never Coercive: Engagement is persistent and patient—but always by choice
Community-Based: We meet people where they are—homes, shelters, hospitals, or on the street
Shared Responsibility: INSET peers understand recovery firsthand and walk alongside participants through it
Flexible and Accessible: Services are offered however, whenever, and wherever needed—evenings, weekends, holidays
100% Free: No cost, no insurance requirements, no eligibility hoops

How INSET Works

Referral
Anyone can refer to INSET—families, hospitals, clinics, shelters, or individuals themselves.
Engagement
INSET begins by building connection. Our team doesn’t give up, even when people are unsure or ambivalent.
Enrollment
Once trust is established, the participant and INSET team sign a mutual accountability agreement to begin working together.
Planning
Goals and next steps are co-created—each person defines what recovery looks like for them. Exploration of clinical supports happens in a nonjudgmental space.
Service Linkage
INSET helps eliminate barriers and connects participants to the resources they need: clinical care, housing, income, vocational support, social connection, and more.
Moving On
INSET remains available for as long as needed. When the time is right, we transition together to other supports.

Who Uses INSET?

INSET is designed for adults (18+) who:

Are disconnected from or dissatisfied with existing services
May have a history of mental health diagnosis—even if they don’t identify with it
May be struggling to meet basic survival needs (housing, food, income, connection)
May be experiencing the effects of trauma, substance use, or criminal justice involvement
Are looking for renewed hope, comfort, and a path toward recovery on their own terms

If traditional services haven’t worked—INSET might.

INSET and Kendra’s Law

INSET can be an essential resource in supporting people involved in, or at risk of, Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) under Kendra’s Law in New York State.

INSET offers:

Prevention: Engaging people early to avoid the need for AOT petitions
Step-Down Support: Helping people transition off of AOT while maintaining voluntary care and connection

At HALI, we believe true recovery is only possible through choice, autonomy, and trust. INSET supports people in reclaiming their futures—on their own terms.

The INSET Team

A peer-led team combining lived experience and clinical training:

Lived Expertise

NYS Certified Peer Specialist (CPS)
Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA)
Family Peer Advocate (FPA)
Youth Peer Advocate (YPA)

Clinical Support

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC)

This blend of expertise creates a safe, empowering environment for recovery and growth.

Partnerships

INSET is funded by the New York State Office of Mental Health and operates in collaboration with:

Nassau and Suffolk County Departments of Community Services
Strategic Partners: Association for Mental Health & Wellness, Response Crisis Center
Active mutual referral relationships with hospitals, housing programs, outpatient clinics, and other community resources across Long Island. To become a preferred referral partner, contact us at INSET@hali88.org

Eligibility

INSET welcomes:

Adults 18+ who feel underserved by current services
Individuals with any history of mental health diagnosis, regardless of current engagement
Those struggling with isolation, unmet basic needs, trauma responses, or system involvement
On, or at risk of, court-mandated AOT (Assisted Outpatient Treatment)

Referrals can be made by anyone, and all inquiries receive a response within 24 hours. If INSET is not the right fit, we will help connect you to alternative supports.

Referrals & Contact

INSET@hali88.org

For program information, media inquiries, or to request an in-service presentation.