Harlem Family Services & Harlem Family Institute:

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.

Who is Margaret Morgan Lawrence?

Dr. Margaret Morgan Lawrence was a pioneer in the child psychiatry and mental health field, who faced challanges of racism and sexism throughout her career. Through her resilience and determination, Margaret became the first African American to complete residency at the New York Psychiatric Institute in 1948 and the first Black trainee certified in psychoanalysis at Columbia University.

After earning her degree from Cornell University, Margaret was denied entry into Cornell Medical School due to her race, but overcame that barrier when she became the third Black woman to attend Columbia University of Physicians and Surgeons. She founded the Rockland County Center for Mental Health and served as chief of the Developmental Psychiatry Service at Harlem Hospital for over two decades. Recognized with the J.R. Bernstein Mental Health Award in 1975, her work emphasized the integration of psychoanalysis with community health approaches.

Vision Statement

We envision a future where cycles of trauma and systemic inequality are broken through the power of community-driven care. By fostering mental wellness, equity, and collective healing, we aim to uplift all families and create a world where justice and compassion thrive. Together, we seek to become a national model for culturally informed, equitable mental health services in underserved neighborhoods, inspiring transformative change for generational healing.

Mission Statement

We empower marginalized communities by providing culturally responsive, trauma-informed mental health care that prioritizes healing, resilience, and social justice. Through accessible therapy, advocacy, and support for children, families, individuals, and schools, we strive to create spaces of safety and belonging. Rooted in the heart of Harlem, the Bronx, and Washington Heights, we are committed to offering low-cost, affordable services that meet the needs of those often overlooked.