Something powerful happens when you bring together passionate people determined to make a difference. That's exactly what took place on February 7, 2025, at the inaugural Bridging the Gap: A Law & Behavioral Health Summit in Boca Raton, co-hosted by Rossen Law Firm. The groundbreaking event united legal professionals, therapists, social workers, and substance use treatment providers to create real, lasting change for individuals struggling with mental health and addiction.
With around 60 energized attendees, the summit wasn't your typical conference. It focused squarely on practical strategies and meaningful conversations to address one of our community's most urgent challenges—the often overlooked intersection between law and mental health.
Why It Matters
For far too long, lawyers and mental health professionals have been tackling the same problems from opposite ends, inadvertently allowing vulnerable people to slip through the cracks. Without direct communication and collaboration, clients face disjointed services and conflicting advice, complicating their journey toward recovery and justice.
Adam Rossen, founder and CEO of Rossen Law Firm, highlighted the urgency behind the event: "We've always known there's a significant gap in how attorneys and mental health providers work together. But seeing such a tremendous turnout and enthusiasm proves we're addressing a critical need. This is only the start of something transformative."
A Day of Insight and Action
The event showcased an impressive lineup of speakers, each bringing unique expertise to the table. Adam Rossen himself led a compelling session about building strong, unified partnerships between clinical providers and legal teams, sharing strategies to ensure seamless support for clients.
Craig Robinson, Esq., MSW, delved deeply into Florida’s Marchman Act—a crucial legal tool designed for involuntary treatment of severe substance abuse cases. Robinson’s session clarified how attorneys and mental health professionals could leverage this law together, offering hope and clear paths forward for clients in crisis.
Rossen Law Firm Managing Partner Manny Serra-Jovenich captured the spirit of the day perfectly: "It was incredible connecting with professionals who are just as passionate about meaningful change as we are. There's genuine momentum here, and it's exciting."
Building a Community, Creating Solutions
Beyond expert talks and panel discussions, the event fostered genuine connections. Attendees exchanged ideas, networked, and forged relationships that promise to improve how both the legal system and mental health services operate together. This kind of synergy is essential in providing holistic support and ensuring no one feels alone navigating complex systems.
What's Next?
Given the overwhelmingly positive response, the Rossen Law Firm is already planning the next summit. The vision is clear: to continue strengthening partnerships, expanding discussions, and providing actionable training to further integrate these two vital fields.
"At Rossen Law Firm, advocacy isn't limited to the courtroom," Rossen emphasized. "It's about addressing root causes and working toward comprehensive solutions. That's the true measure of justice."
If you're a legal or mental health professional interested in joining this movement, keep an eye out for updates on future events. Together, we can fundamentally change how our systems serve our communities.