Are mental health conditions covered in New Mexico?

By Hogan Smith

Updated 04/24/2025


Yes, mental health conditions are absolutely covered under Social Security Disability programs in New Mexico. If your mental illness prevents you from working full-time, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.



Here’s what you need to know about how mental health conditions are evaluated and covered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) in New Mexico.

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Qualifying Mental Health Conditions

The SSA recognizes a wide range of mental disorders that may qualify for disability benefits, including:


  • Depression and Bipolar Disorder
  • Anxiety and Panic Disorders
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Schizophrenia and Psychotic Disorders
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Autism Spectrum Disorders
  • Intellectual Disorders
  • Personality Disorders


To qualify, your condition must be severe and long-lasting—typically lasting at least 12 months or expected to result in death—and significantly limit your ability to work.


How the SSA Evaluates Mental Health Claims

When you apply for disability benefits, the SSA evaluates your condition based on:


  • Medical Documentation: Records from therapists, psychiatrists, hospitals, and mental health clinics.
  • Function Reports: How your condition affects your daily activities and ability to work.
  • Listings of Impairments: SSA’s “Blue Book” outlines specific criteria that mental health conditions must meet.


If your condition doesn’t exactly meet a listing, the SSA will assess whether your combined limitations still prevent you from working.


Tips for a Successful Mental Health Disability Claim in New Mexico

  • See a Mental Health Professional Regularly: Consistent treatment and progress notes from a psychiatrist or psychologist are crucial.
  • Stick to Your Treatment Plan: Following prescribed therapy or medication shows you’re taking steps to manage your condition.
  • Document Functional Limitations: Keep track of how your condition affects concentration, interaction with others, stress tolerance, and more.
  • Include Third-Party Statements: Letters from caregivers, employers, or family members can help support your claim.


Mental Health Services in New Mexico

If you're not currently receiving treatment, consider reaching out to local resources like:


  • New Mexico Behavioral Health Services Division (BHSD)
  • UNM Psychiatric Center
  • Presbyterian Medical Group Behavioral Health
  • Local community health centers


Getting consistent care is not only important for your health but also critical for building a strong disability claim.

How Hogan Smith Can Help

At Hogan Smith, we understand the challenges of applying for disability with a mental health condition. Our experienced team helps New Mexico residents:


  • Understand which mental health issues qualify for disability
  • Gather the right medical documentation
  • Complete accurate and detailed applications
  • Represent you during appeals or hearings if needed

Contact Hogan Smith Today

If you believe your mental health condition makes it impossible to work, contact Hogan Smith for a free consultation. We’ll help you navigate the disability process in New Mexico—and fight for the benefits you deserve.


Further Reading

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Updated February 10, 2025

A black and white icon of a newspaper on a white background.

Updated February 10, 2025

A black and white icon of a newspaper on a white background.

Updated February 10, 2025

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