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About Harlem Family Services

HARLEM FAMILY SERVICES: THE MARGARET MORGAN LAWRENCE CENTER FOR FAMILY AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

Harlem Family Services & Harlem Family Institute:
Transforming Mental Health, Empowering Communities

Harlem Family Services (HFS), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health services to Harlem and neighboring communities. As a subsidiary of the Harlem Family Institute (HFI), HFS operates The Margaret Morgan Lawrence Center for Family and Child Development, a licensed NYS OMH Article 31 Mental Health Clinic. HFS ensures that underserved, uninsured, and marginalized populations have access to high-quality in-person and virtual care, addressing critical mental health needs with compassion and cultural responsiveness.
HFS plays a pivotal role in delivering evidence-based, trauma-informed services, focusing on empowering individuals, families, and communities to heal and thrive.

Comprehensive Services

HFS offers a wide range of client-centered programs tailored to meet diverse needs:

Mental Health Services
• Individual, family, and group therapy.
• Comprehensive psychological and psychiatric evaluations.
• Psychotropic medication management as needed.
School & Family Consultation
Life coaching and wellness strategies to strengthen families and support students.
Forensic & Social Justice Support
Addressing mental health needs within justice-related contexts.
Reflective Network Therapy
Specialized services for children with developmental and special needs.
Professional Consultation Services
HFS provides expert consultation to: 
• Nonprofit organizations.
• Community groups.
• Law enforcement agencies.
• Clergy and faith-based organizations.
• Educators and school administrators.

Through these consultations, HFS equips stakeholders with practical tools, strategies, and insights to address mental health challenges, improve community engagement, and foster resilience.

A Hub for Community Wellness

The Margaret Morgan Lawrence Center, operated by HFS, is more than just a clinic—it serves as a vital community resource. With workshops, educational events, and training programs, HFS fosters collaboration and strengthens the foundation of community mental health and well-being.

Leadership and Expertise of the HFS Board of Directors

HFS thrives under the leadership and expertise of its dedicated Board of Directors, comprised of professionals with extensive experience in mental health, nonprofit management, community advocacy, and organizational development. Their strategic guidance ensures HFS remains focused on its mission to deliver transformative, culturally responsive mental health services. Together, the Board and leadership team work tirelessly to expand HFS’s reach and address the growing mental health needs of Harlem and beyond.

Harlem Family Institute: The Foundation of Excellence

As the parent organization of HFS, the Harlem Family Institute (HFI) has been a pioneer in mental health care and psychoanalytic training for over 33 years. HFI equips clinicians with the skills and expertise to provide culturally informed, trauma-sensitive care while ensuring that mental health resources reach underserved populations.HFI’s dual mission—to train clinicians and provide accessible mental health services—has made a profound impact across New York City, particularly in communities of color. By bridging the gap between training and service delivery, HFI empowers individuals and families to overcome barriers, build resilience, and achieve lasting wellness.

Guided by a Shared Vision

Together, HFS and HFI work in synergy to redefine mental health care. HFI provides the foundation of expertise and training, while HFS serves as the operational arm, delivering critical services directly to the community. This collaborative model ensures that individuals and families receive the highest quality of care, rooted in compassion, equity, and innovation.
Harlem Family Services, supported by its parent organization, Harlem Family Institute, is transforming mental health care—empowering families, strengthening communities, and promoting lasting wellness.