Denied Remote Work as ADA Accommodation for Mental Health. Help?

I’m looking for advice or shared experiences from anyone who’s dealt with ADA accommodations related to remote work, particularly for mental health. I’ve been on short-term disability for the past few months due to several diagnosed conditions: Borderline Personality Disorder, ADHD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, CPTSD, and Depression. I’ve been actively participating in treatment, including PHP and IOP and I’m nearing the end of that phase of care.

I submitted a formal ADA accommodation request asking to work remotely full-time. I work in data entry and billing—it’s a computer-based role with no in-person responsibilities. Manager and coworkers work all over the US so we only communicate through Teams. Other employees in similar positions are allowed to work remotely for non-medical reasons, so I know it’s possible within the company.

They refused to entertain my request for TWO MONTHS until I finally went to a VP in corporate. I provided medical documentation from my healthcare provider stating that I should not return to the physical office due to the emotional and psychological risks involved. My doctor has emphasized that working from home is critical to prevent regression and continue the progress I’ve made in treatment.

Here’s the problem: Instead of approving remote work, the company offered to place me in a private office at my local branch. There aren’t actually any free private offices—every one of them is currently occupied—so if this happens, it’s likely I’d be displacing another employee, which adds a whole other layer of stress, guilt, and potential tension in the workplace.

My lawyer is involved (through Disability Rights NY), and he’s been communicating with corporate HR. We’ve asked if I can work remotely temporarily while the interactive process continues so I’m not penalized for not returning while this is unresolved. The company hasn’t approved anything. As of now, they’re acting like the matter is settled and expecting me to return on Monday to occupy this “private office.”

I don’t want to decline an offered accommodation and be accused of refusing to work, but this proposed setup still puts me at serious risk mentally. My doctor is now drafting a supplemental letter explaining why the private office doesn’t resolve the limitations covered in my original request.

Has anyone been in a similar situation? What happened if you turned down the accommodation your employer offered? Did you have to go further legally to prove it wasn’t adequate?

Any insight would be really appreciated. I feel like I’m being backed into a corner by a company that would literally rather pay me not to work than allow me to perform the same duties from home—duties I’ve done successfully and independently in the past.

Thanks in advance.